Jardines Flotantes de Xochimilco — Attraction in Mexico City

Pier Fernando Celada / Embarcadero Fernando Celada is the name with more reviews. Even before you arrive at the floating gardens there will be people knocking on your Uber/taxi window trying to sell you on a tour of Xochimilco. None of them were on the side of the floating gardens, they must not be allowed to cross the street. Just walk to the boat area and ignore everyone else trying to sell to you. We went to the ticket window and were directed to a gentlemen with red hat and red shirt that briefly gave us information, asked how long of a tour we wanted, 1 hour (500 pesos), 2 hours (1000 pesos) etc. He called over one of the boat guys and that gentlemen led us down to the boat and was very nice. We didn’t have to pay anything until we got back. Along the way a boat pulled up besides us that was selling Corona for $40 pesos, delicious chicken and cheese quesadillas for $35 each, and waters for $30. Our “guide” kept pushing both boats along as they cooked the food right in front of us. My only regret was not ordering more food. The boat goes along somewhat slow, but it’s very quiet along the way with just nosies from animals and the occasional backyard stereo system. We did not have pesos after buying food, but we ended up just paying/tipping a little extra in USD for the ride and it was around 750 pesos with food for 3 people and the 1 hour tour.

Pros: Food along the way, very peaceful, lots of wildlife.

Cons: Very little English spoken here, they just need some sort of official information /ticket booth somewhere near to make things a little more comfortable, the water/some houses along the waterway were a...

It is a great nature and cultural experience. I am not sure why people would give negative reviews.

We booked a boat for 1 hour for two people and went solo for 600 pesos ($36 USD). We got to experience how some families live a simple life near a canal in Mexico. We experienced serenity of nature. While some groups were blasting music in a natural area, we chose a calm and quiet trip through nature. We got plenty of beautiful pictures of the landscape from the water.

I negotiated with the boatman to show us something different and a small doll house. So he offered to go further for an additional 30 minutes for 1000 pesos ($60 USD), making our trip of 1.5 hours. The boatman took us further up the canal into smaller ones, giving us plenty of picture moments. We loved it overall.

The boatman was very nice and friendly despite the language barrier as we were communicating using Google translate. The boatman was young, he didn't go to the college. I asked him how much he makes from the 600 pesos per hour boat run? He mentioned that he only receives 100 pesos for his work, while the rest goes to the administration that owns the boats and maintains it. So I gave him a tip for his hard and honest work, which made him happy.

We didn't wait for any food boats or anything, as we were more interested in...

Xochimilco, located just 30-40 minutes outside of Mexico City, offers a truly authentic Mexican experience that is both vibrant and unforgettable. Known for its colorful trajineras (boats), Xochimilco is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Mexican culture.

Once you arrive, you can rent a boat to cruise through the picturesque canals. The experience can last as long or as short as you like—just let your boat operator know. As you float along, you’ll encounter vendors selling delicious Mexican food, from tacos to tamales, and even drinks like micheladas. Live music adds to the festive atmosphere, with mariachis and other musicians serenading you from nearby boats.

A few tips: Go to the bathroom before you take a boat. Be sure to bring plenty of cash, as you’ll need it to pay for the boat ride and any food or music you’d like to enjoy. The cost varies depending on the length of your ride and what you purchase, but it’s all very reasonable. Also, Ubers were easy to find both to and from Xochimilco, making it a convenient day trip from the city.

Plan for at least an hour but stay as long as you like to soak in the lively energy of this unique destination....