Xochimilco: Tequila & Mezcal Canal Tour with Food & Drinks

Summary

Colorful trajinera ride with tequila mezcal tasting and Mexican brunch

You’ll float through Xochimilco’s lively canals in a painted trajinera, tasting tequila and mezcal while live music drifts by. Sample pulque and Mexican dishes at an island stop, try edible insects if you’re brave, and laugh with locals over cocktails you mix yourself. It’s vibrant, messy fun — perfect if you want to feel Mexico with all your senses.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the colors to hit me like that when we first stepped onto the trajinera at Xochimilco’s Canal de Nativitas. The boats are painted so wildly it almost feels like a dare, and music just sort of spills out from somewhere — sometimes it’s a mariachi band floating by, sometimes just a group laughing way too loud (maybe us). Our guide, Ana, handed out little clay cups for the welcome toast. The first sip of tequila was way smoother than I thought it’d be. I could smell corn tortillas frying on another boat nearby. It was early but already warm — you know that kind of heat that makes your shirt stick a bit?

We drifted along the canals with chinampas on both sides — those floating gardens look so peaceful but Ana told us they’ve been here since the Aztecs. She pointed out some birds I’d never seen before; honestly, I forgot their names right after but I remember the flash of blue on their wings. At some point someone started pouring mezcal cocktails and things got even more relaxed. There was this moment where everyone just went quiet for a second to listen to the water slap against the wood — not sure why that sticks with me.

Lunch happened at Meztli.X island restaurant. If you’ve never tried edible insects before, well… neither had I, and let’s just say grasshoppers are crunchier than expected (Ana laughed at my face). Pulque was served in these big clay mugs; it’s milky and weirdly sweet but grows on you after a few sips. We wandered around looking at handmade souvenirs — lots of bright embroidery and little skulls everywhere. Photos don’t really do it justice.

The last bit was a DIY cocktail thing back on the boat — they let us mix our own drinks using whatever tequila or mezcal we liked best (I went heavy on lime, probably too much). Someone played guitar while we floated back toward the docks. At the end there was another toast — gratitude or something like that, but mostly just happy buzzed faces in the sun. I still think about that lazy feeling as we drifted home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Xochimilco canal tour with drinks and culture

• Board trajinera at Canal de Nativitas
• Welcome toast with tequila tasting
• Cruise canals with unlimited tequila and mezcal
• Enjoy cocktails and interactive entertainment
• Stop at Meztli.X island restaurant
• Sample edible insects, pulque, and Mexican dish
• Explore handmade souvenirs and take photos
• Customize your own drink with tequilas and mezcales
• Taste specially selected mezcal
• Relax and enjoy culture while cruising
• Farewell toast to end the tour

Top questions

Is food included on the Xochimilco tequila tour?

Yes, brunch is included along with tastings of tequila, mezcal, pulque, and edible insects at Meztli.X island restaurant.

How long does the Xochimilco canal tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours including canal cruising, lunch stop, and cocktail activities.

Are alcoholic drinks unlimited during this experience?

Yes, unlimited tequila, mezcal and cocktails are provided while cruising through Xochimilco’s canals.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

The tour is suitable for all ages; infants can join in strollers or prams and specialized infant seats are available.

Is there wheelchair access on this Xochimilco canal tour?

Yes, all areas including transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the experience.

Do I need to book in advance?

Booking ahead is recommended as spots may fill up quickly due to limited space on each trajinera.

What languages do guides speak during the tour?

The main language is Spanish but guides often speak English as well; check when booking if you have concerns.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding a traditional trajinera boat from Canal de Nativitas with unlimited tequila, mezcal cocktails and bottled water along the ride. There’s a brunch stop at Meztli.X island restaurant featuring Mexican dishes plus tastings of pulque and edible insects if you’re curious. Live music drifts by as your local guide shares stories — all drinks and food are covered before heading back in the afternoon.