Xochimilco: Tequila Tasting, Mezcal & Canal Party Tour

Summary

Colorful Xochimilco canal party with tequila mezcal tasting games and food

You’ll float through Xochimilco’s vibrant canals on a decorated trajinera with unlimited tequila and cold beer flowing freely. Taste mezcal and pulque, play classic Mexican games with your local hosts, and enjoy taquitos on a real chinampa island. Expect laughter, music drifting over the water, and memories that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the boat to be that bright—like someone spilled a box of crayons over the whole thing. The air smelled faintly like corn tortillas and river water, which sounds weird but it’s kind of comforting once you’re out there. Our guide, Ana, handed me a shot of tequila before I’d even found my seat. “Salud!” she grinned, and honestly I was nervous to keep up. Turns out “unlimited” really means unlimited on this Xochimilco tequila tasting tour. My friend tried to say “chinampa” right and our host just laughed—apparently we mangled it.

We drifted past other trajineras packed with families or birthday groups singing along to mariachi bands (off-key but nobody cared). At one point, Ana started teaching us this old Mexican game called pirinola—sort of like spinning a top for candy or coins? I lost every round but learned some slang that probably shouldn’t repeat in polite company. The canal breeze felt cool against my skin, but the sun kept peeking through the trees so I ended up rolling my sleeves up anyway. Somewhere in the middle of all this, we stopped at a tiny island—the chinampa—and they brought out golden taquitos topped with crumbly cheese and salsa. I still think about those taquitos when I’m hungry late at night.

Later came the mezcal tasting, which burned in a good way. There was this earthy smell mixed with citrus slices they passed around—Ana said it’s how locals do it here. Someone played cumbia from their phone and suddenly half our group was dancing awkwardly in the narrow space between benches (I mostly watched). We got little souvenirs at the end—a song recorded by everyone together—and honestly, even if you’re not usually into parties, there’s something about floating through Xochimilco with strangers who start feeling like friends after enough tequila. It’s not what I expected but I’m glad I went.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Xochimilco canal tour and tasting

• Board decorated trajinera boat
• Enjoy unlimited tequila and beer
• Learn to prepare unique cocktails
• Taste pulque, the “drink of the gods”
• Stop 40 minutes at chinampa island
• Eat typical Mexican dish
• Play traditional games like lottery and pyrinole
• Experience vibrant music and scenery
• Receive souvenir song recording

Top questions

Is unlimited tequila included on the Xochimilco tour?

Yes, unlimited tequila is included along with beer, water, and sodas during the boat ride.

What food is served during the Xochimilco canal party?

You’ll have golden taquitos (fried taquitos) with chicken or vegetarian options plus toppings like cheese and vegetables.

Does this Xochimilco tour include mezcal tasting?

Yes, there is a special mezcal tasting as part of the experience.

Are traditional Mexican games part of the tour?

Yes, you’ll play games like lottery and pirinola while learning some Mexican slang from your hosts.

Is transportation provided for this Xochimilco tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

Are drinks besides alcohol available on board?

Yes, bottled water and sodas are also included throughout the boat ride.

Can vegetarians eat during this Xochimilco day trip?

Yes, vegetarian taquito options are available during the food stop.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas including transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

Your day includes unlimited tequila and beer plus bottled water and sodas while cruising in a decorated trajinera; you’ll get snacks like golden taquitos (with chicken or vegetarian filling) during a chinampa island stop; all traditional games and tastings—including mezcal—are part of your experience before heading back with small souvenirs in hand.