Mexico City is a sprawling metropolis filled with history, culture, and endless adventures. But beyond the typical tourist hotspots lies a world of authentic experiences waiting to be discovered. On our recent trip, we had the opportunity to explore one of the city’s most unique hidden gems – the ancient canals and floating gardens of Xochimilco.
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Our day began in the pre-dawn darkness as we made our way to Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the southern part of Mexico City. This area was once home to a thriving pre-Hispanic settlement, where indigenous people created an ingenious system of artificial islands called chinampas to farm the shallow lake.
As the first rays of sunlight began to peek over the horizon, we slipped into kayaks and paddled silently through the tranquil canals. The only sounds were the gentle lapping of water against our boats and the chorus of birds greeting the new day. It was a stark contrast to the raucous party atmosphere that Xochimilco is often known for, with its colorful trajineras (gondola-like boats) and floating mariachi bands.
After our serene morning paddle, we were welcomed onto a local farm nestled among the chinampas. Here, we met two farmers who are working to preserve traditional agricultural practices and protect endangered species like the axolotl, a unique salamander found only in this region.
The farmers prepared an incredible breakfast for us using fresh ingredients grown right on their farm. As we ate, we learned about their efforts to revitalize Xochimilco’s agricultural heritage. Until the 1960s, this area was one of the most productive farming regions in the world, capable of yielding up to nine harvests per year.
Our time on the farm felt less like a typical tour and more like a personal, intimate experience. We left feeling deeply connected to this special place and the people working to protect it.
While Xochimilco should be on every traveler’s Mexico City itinerary, our experience showed us the value of seeking out more authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures. By waking up early, kayaking instead of riding in trajineras, and spending time with local farmers, we gained a much deeper appreciation for the area’s rich history and ongoing challenges.
This type of immersive, meaningful travel allows us to forge genuine connections with the places we visit and the people we meet along the way. It’s these experiences that stay with us long after we return home, shaping our understanding of the world and inspiring us to keep exploring.
So the next time you find yourself in Mexico City, consider venturing beyond the usual tourist haunts and the rowdy trajinera rides. Seek out experiences that allow you to connect more deeply with the local culture and environment. You may just find yourself paddling through misty canals at sunrise, sharing a meal with farmers, or discovering your own hidden gem in this captivating city. To book this early morning tour of Xochimilco, check out Viator!
Remember, the most memorable adventures often lie just off the beaten path. All you have to do is be willing to wake up early, step out of your comfort zone, and open yourself up to the magic of authentic travel experiences.
Thanks for stopping by! Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. Be sure to listen to the interview with our guide on this adventure, Laila of Pies Descalzos. To read more about this trip, check out the Uncovering Mexico City Trip Report. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.
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