Enjoy the vibrant culture of Mexico City with a 5-hour excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Xochimilco. Aboard a festively decorated trajinera, you’ll enjoy live mariachi music, unlimited tequila and beers, and complimentary guacamole with tortilla chips. Explore the historic canals, learn about the rich pre-Columbian Aztec heritage, and mingle with fellow international travelers in a lively, convivial atmosphere. This truly authentic Mexican fiesta experience promises to create cherished memories – but there’s more to discover beyond the boat party.
Key Points

- A 5-hour excursion to Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring a festively decorated trajinera (flat-bottomed boat) with live mariachi music, unlimited tequila, and Mexican snacks.
- Round-trip transportation on a retrofitted pesero bus and a 3-hour trajinera ride through the historic canals, with a knowledgeable guide providing historical and cultural insights.
- Opportunity to mingle with international travelers, creating a lively and convivial atmosphere as they share their interests and curiosity about each other’s cultures.
- Immersive experience of traditional Mexican culture, including boat rides, flower markets, local cuisine, and artisanal crafts.
- Energetic mariachi performance with soulful vocals and virtuosic instrumentation, creating an unforgettable musical experience aboard the trajinera.
Overview of the Experience

This 5-hour excursion provides participants with an authentic Mexican fiesta experience aboard a decorated trajinera (flat-bottomed boat) on the canals of Xochimilco.
Guests can expect live mariachi music, unlimited tequila and cold beers, as they explore the history and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
The tour includes round-trip transportation on a retrofitted pesero bus, a 3-hour trajinera ride, and complimentary handmade guacamole and tortilla chips.
Travelers will have the opportunity to mingle with people from all over the world and learn about the significance of Xochimilco from a knowledgeable guide.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this is a flexible and immersive way to experience Mexico City’s vibrant culture.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Greater Mexico City.
Highlights of the Tour

Aboard the festively decorated trajinera (flat-bottomed boat), guests can look forward to the lively sounds of live mariachi music, alongside unlimited servings of tequila and cold beers.
As they explore Xochimilco’s historic canals, they’ll get a taste of authentic Mexican culture, mingling with international travelers.
The experience also includes a commute on a customized pesero bus, allowing guests to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Mexico City.
Throughout the tour, a guide will provide insightful historical and cultural explanations, enhancing the overall understanding of Xochimilco’s rich heritage.
With handmade guacamole and tortilla chips included, this boat party promises an unforgettable fiesta on the water.
Inclusions in the Package

The package includes round-trip transportation on a retrofitted pesero bus, taking guests to and from the start of the boat excursion.
Travelers will enjoy a 3-hour trajinera ride through Xochimilco’s historic canals, where they’ll be served 2 or more beers per person along with tequila and mixers. Handmade guacamole and tortilla chips will be provided, and the live mariachi entertainment will set the tone for an authentic Mexican fiesta on the water.
While the package covers these inclusions, additional alcoholic beverages, food, restroom fees, and gratuities aren’t included and will need to be paid for separately by your.
Exclusions From the Package

While the package covers a range of inclusions, guests are responsible for paying for any additional alcoholic beverages, extra food items, restroom fees, and gratuities or tips separately.
The package provides 2+ beers per person, tequila, and mixers, as well as handmade guacamole and tortilla chips.
However, if guests wish to indulge in further alcoholic drinks or additional food, they’ll need to cover those costs out-of-pocket. Restroom fees along the tour route also aren’t included.
Lastly, while the package includes live mariachi entertainment, any tips or gratuities for the performers or staff are at the discretion of your.
More Great Tours NearbyMeeting Point and Transportation

The tour starts at the Casa Pepe Hostel Boutique, where the guide will lead guests to the custom-fitted pesero bus for the commute to Xochimilco.
This retrofitted bus provides round-trip transportation, taking travelers directly to the heart of this vibrant neighborhood.
Once at the embarkation point, guests will follow the guide to the colorful trajinera boats that will ferry them through Xochimilco’s iconic canals.
The commute is an integral part of the experience, allowing guests to mingle with international travelers and soak in the local atmosphere before the boat party begins.
With the guide leading the way, getting to the main event is hassle-free and adds to the authentic Mexican fiesta.
History and Culture of Xochimilco

Xochimilco’s history and culture date back to the pre-Columbian era, when it served as a hub for agricultural innovation and trade. This ancient Aztec city, known as the ‘floating gardens,’ was built upon a series of interconnected canals and artificial islands, cultivating a unique way of life centered around its intricate waterways. Today, visitors can explore Xochimilco’s rich heritage by cruising along the canals in colorful trajineras (traditional flat-bottomed boats), accompanied by the lively sounds of mariachi music. The area is also renowned for its vibrant flower markets, traditional cuisine, and artisanal crafts, offering a glimpse into Mexico’s enduring cultural traditions.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Pre-Columbian Aztec city |
| Defining Feature | Intricate network of canals and artificial islands |
| Traditional Activities | Boat rides, flower markets, local cuisine, artisanal crafts |
| Cultural Significance | Reflects Mexico’s enduring traditions and heritage |
Live Mariachi Entertainment

What would a boat party in Xochimilco be without the lively sounds of traditional mariachi music? The live mariachi entertainment aboard the trajineras (boats) sets the festive tone, seamlessly blending with the vibrant atmosphere of this historic waterway.
Dressed in their iconic charro suits, the mariachi musicians bring their energetic performance to life, captivating the passengers with the familiar melodies of classic Mexican songs. Their soulful vocals and virtuosic instrumentation, from the guitarrón to the trumpets, create an immersive musical experience that transports you to the heart of Mexican culture.
The mariachi’s rousing tunes perfectly complement the flow of the canals and the free-flowing tequila, making this boat party an unforgettable fusion of music, tradition, and revelry.
Mingling With International Travelers

As the mariachi music sets the festive tone, the boat party aboard the trajineras offers a unique opportunity for international travelers to mingle and connect.
Passengers from diverse backgrounds come together, creating a lively, convivial atmosphere as they swap stories, share laughter, and enjoy the vibrant cultural experience.
Strangers become fast friends, bonding over shared interests, curiosity about each other’s cultures, and the sheer joy of the occasion.
The camaraderie extends beyond the boat, as travelers exchange contact information and make plans to reconnect later in their journeys.
This melting pot of global perspectives enriches the overall experience, leaving participants with cherished memories and newfound connections.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages?
No, bringing your own alcoholic beverages is generally not permitted. Most tours and activities include a set amount of alcohol as part of the package. Bringing outside drinks could violate policies and disturb the experience for other participants.
Is There a Minimum Number of People Required?
There is typically no minimum number of people required for this type of activity. However, the organizers may have a minimum group size to ensure a lively, enjoyable experience. It’s best to check with them directly for their policies.
Is the Trajinera Boat Wheelchair Accessible?
The trajinera boats used in this activity may not be fully wheelchair accessible. Some boats may have ramps or assistance available, but accessibility can vary. It’s best to inquire with the tour provider in advance to confirm if the boats can accommodate a wheelchair.
Can I Customize the Food and Drinks Offered?
The tour package typically includes set food and drink offerings, but customers may be able to customize the experience by requesting special dietary needs or additional beverages, subject to availability and any extra fees.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
The tour doesn’t offer discounts for children or seniors. The package includes fixed inclusions like transportation, boat ride, drinks, and food. To customize the offerings would require booking a private tour, which may have additional costs.
Recap
Enjoy the vibrant culture of Mexico City with a 5-hour excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Xochimilco.
Board a festively decorated trajinera, indulge in unlimited tequila and beers, and enjoy live mariachi music.
Explore the historic canals, learn about the rich heritage, and mingle with fellow travelers – creating cherished memories of an authentic Mexican fiesta experience.
You can check availability for your dates here: