Xochimilco

Mexico City

Xochimilco which includes a house, boating and a river or creek
Xochimilco showing a river or creek and boating
Xochimilco featuring boating and a river or creek
Xochimilco which includes flowers
Xochimilco

A piece of pre-Hispanic life in Mexico remains in the canals and gardens of this UNESCO heritage site just south of modern Mexico City.

The Aztec people of Mexico built Xochimilco as a lake-based society in the Valley of Mexico. While invading Spaniards built Mexico City atop the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, destroying many artifacts, they spared the lake area south of the city. In this UNESCO heritage site, see the canals and colourful gardens that remain from ancient pre-Hispanic times.

The Xochimilco area has been a major agricultural area for centuries. Its warm weather, fertile soil and adequate water provide a very long growing season. At one time boat travel was possible between Mexico City’s historic centre and Xochimilco. The large lake near the city was drained, however, leaving only the local Xochimilco canals with chinampas or small farmed islands, vestiges of Aztec lifestyle. Look for these verdant spaces that appear to be floating gardens.

Many Mexico City residents escape the city on weekends to enjoy recreational activities in these pleasant surroundings. Bring your family to the canals to rent a trajinera or gondola for a day of relaxing on the water amid pretty natural surroundings, lively music and colourfully decorated boats and costumes.

On dry land north of the canals, visit the Convent of San Bernardino, a nicely preserved 16th-century chapel from the era of Spanish viceroyship. Look for several other small chapels from the same time in history.

Travel to the lake and canals of the Xochimilco Ecological Park to see a planned conservation area with numerous species of plants and wildlife. Birdwatching is popular here. Purchase flowers or plants from the Cuemanco Plant Market across the street from the park. The nearby Dolores Olmedo Museum has a large collection of artworks by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.

Xochimilco is less than 20 miles (30 kilometres) southeast of Mexico City. Ride the metro toward Tasqueña station. Be aware that the canal area can be crowded and have pickpockets. Bring your own food and drinks for the canal ride if you are not comfortable eating food from a local vendor.


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Xochimilco Hotel Deals

Fiesta Americana Reforma

Fiesta Americana Reforma

4 out of 5
Paseo De La Reforma 80, Col. Juarez, Mexico City, CDMX
The price is CA $146 per night from Aug 16 to Aug 17
CA $146
CA $175 total
Aug 16 - Aug 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,511 reviews)
"El hotel es muy céntrico y está en muy buenas condiciones"

Reviewed on Aug. 12, 2025

Fiesta Americana Reforma
Camino Real Polanco Mexico

Camino Real Polanco Mexico

4.5 out of 5
Mariano Escobedo 700, Col Anzures, Mexico City, CDMX
The price is CA $201 per night from Sep 5 to Sep 6
CA $201
CA $240 total
Sep 5 - Sep 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,868 reviews)
"Beautiful exterior but rooms not really up to par. Staff is amazing. Because of reviews here we got a room in the Casa Club that comes with breakfast, free snacks all day, and a complimentary 7-8 pm drinks and treats. One staff member, Guadalupe, was truly amazing with us and our 7-year old. Made ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 12, 2025

Camino Real Polanco Mexico
Camino Real Aeropuerto Mexico

Camino Real Aeropuerto Mexico

4 out of 5
Mexico City
The price is CA $175 per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
CA $175
CA $209 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (10,991 reviews)
"excellent customer service. hotel also offers safe taxi service just outside the premises. cleanliness. comfortable bed."

Reviewed on Aug. 12, 2025

Camino Real Aeropuerto Mexico
Hyatt Regency Mexico City

Hyatt Regency Mexico City

5 out of 5
Campos Eliseos No. 204 Polanco, Chapultepec, Mexico City
The price is CA $226 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $226
CA $270 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,152 reviews)
"Reyna at the front desk was incredible with my family and I, the whole staff was too!"

Reviewed on Aug. 12, 2025

Hyatt Regency Mexico City
Barceló México Reforma

Barceló México Reforma

4.5 out of 5
Paseo De La Reforma 1, Mexico City
The price is CA $153 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $153
CA $183 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,716 reviews)
"Great location and amazing service."

Reviewed on Aug. 13, 2025

Barceló México Reforma
Galeria Plaza Reforma

Galeria Plaza Reforma

4 out of 5
Mexico City
The price is CA $139 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
CA $139
CA $166 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,830 reviews)
"Great place!!"

Reviewed on Aug. 12, 2025

Galeria Plaza Reforma
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Xochimilco

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Tlalpan

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

You might enjoy the restaurants while in Tlalpan. KidZania Cuicuilco is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Huipulco Station or Xomali Station to see more of the city.

Tlalpan
Coyoacan showing signage

Coyoacan

4.5/5(28 area reviews)

Noted for its museums and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Coyoacan. Top attractions like Estadio Azteca and Frida Kahlo Museum are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Viveros Station or General Anaya Station to see more of the city.

Coyoacan
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Benito Juarez

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Benito Juarez. Spend some time visiting top spots like Plaza Universidad Shopping Center, and catch the metro at Parque de los Venados Station or Zapata Station to see more of the area.

Benito Juarez
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Del Valle

Noted for its restaurants and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Del Valle. Top attractions like Avenida Insurgentes and Galerias Insurgentes are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at 20 de Noviembre Station or Zapata Station to see more of the city.

Del Valle
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Roma Sur

Fascinating museums and popular shops are a few of the things travelers enjoy most about Roma Sur. A visit to Medellín Market or Avenida Insurgentes is also recommended, and you can jump aboard the metro at Medical Center Station to get around town.

Roma Sur
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Colonia Roma

Epicenter of hipster subculture, Colonia Roma boasts chef-driven restaurants, Art Nouveau and Neo-Classical buildings, and cultural centers. Explore galleries on Colima Street, dine at Mercado Roma, and enjoy walkable tree-lined streets with plazas and fountains.

Colonia Roma


Xochimilco

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