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

Barceló México Reforma

Barceló México Reforma

4.5 out of 5
Paseo De La Reforma 1, Mexico City
The price is CA $169 per night from Sep 19 to Sep 20
CA $169
CA $202 total
Sep 19 - Sep 20
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! (4,730 reviews)
"Todos muy amables,cuartos limpios ."

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

Barceló México Reforma
Camino Real Aeropuerto Mexico

Camino Real Aeropuerto Mexico

4 out of 5
Mexico City
The price is CA $177 per night from Sep 22 to Sep 23
CA $177
CA $211 total
Sep 22 - Sep 23
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! (11,007 reviews)
"La única problema mia fue que al habitación entran mosquitos. Pero me ayudaron a aplicar el Raid"

Reviewed on Aug. 21, 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 $267 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
CA $267
CA $319 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
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! (1,171 reviews)
"A"

Reviewed on Aug. 21, 2025

Hyatt Regency Mexico City
Galeria Plaza Reforma

Galeria Plaza Reforma

4 out of 5
Mexico City
The price is CA $117 per night from Sep 23 to Sep 24
CA $117
CA $146 total
Sep 23 - Sep 24
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! (2,852 reviews)
"The staff was amazing and respectful, the area is very safe with lots of options to eat and shop, the bed was comfortable and everything was clean. Would absolutely stay again."

Reviewed on Aug. 22, 2025

Galeria Plaza 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 $212 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
CA $212
CA $253 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
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! (2,888 reviews)
"just perfect"

Reviewed on Aug. 20, 2025

Camino Real Polanco Mexico
Fiesta Americana Reforma

Fiesta Americana Reforma

4 out of 5
Paseo De La Reforma 80, Col. Juarez, Mexico City, CDMX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $159 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
CA $159
CA $190 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (3,548 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on Aug. 16, 2025

Fiesta Americana 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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