Kayak in Xochimilco:A journey through time to connect with nature
Description
Welcome to our hometown, our beloved Xochimilco, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Delve into one of the most amazing areas of Mexico City, which preserves the remains of the indigenous era. We will kayak and take a trip back in time where you can appreciate what the city looked like when it was still a lake full of floating islands. We will stop at one of these islands to teach you the ancestral farming technique, the crops, and some eco-technologies. We'll harvest and enjoy an agro-ecological breakfast made with local ingredients. You will be able to meet one of the rarest, prehistoric and most incredible species in the world: the axolotl. This is a tour for nature lovers and those looking to live something meaningful on their travels. For those who want to delve into pre-Hispanic culture, learn and have a deeply enriching experience rather than a day of partying and alcohol. ***All our experiences are subject to change without prior notice due to circumstances beyond our control***
Tour Options
Itinerary
We’ll go kayaking in the nature reserve. As you paddle, enjoy a unique natural spectacle: the sun peeking out from between volcanoes and trees, the sunrise, and the changing colors of the sky; sightings of native and migratory birds; the fog rising over the water; the sounds of the earth; the diversity of plants and animals; and our beloved farmers tending the chinampas as they have done for generations.
We’ll explore the true treasure of this place: the chinampas, artificial islands created by the indigenous Xochimilca culture. We’ll explain this extraordinary agricultural technique—unique in the world—that is still in use today. We’ll learn about the crops and some of the eco-techniques that help preserve this valuable ecosystem. We’ll harvest fresh ingredients and enjoy an agroecological breakfast prepared with local products. You'll also have the chance to get up close to one of the most fascinating endemic species in this area: the axolotl, a prehistoric, mysterious, and extraordinary creature. You'll discover why it has captivated the imagination of generations and learn about the amazing magical powers that make it unique.
We’ll paddle back to the harbor. Let us take you to the heart and the intimate corners of our beloved Xochimilco. More than just a tour, this is an experience of contemplation, connection, and introspection for those who love nature and seek meaningful experiences during their travels. It’s designed for those who want to delve into Indigenous culture, learn, reflect, and have a truly enriching experience—beyond just a day of partying and drinking. It’s also designed for people seeking a healthier, more mindful, and fulfilling life. We want our visitors to be able to disconnect for a moment from technology and social media to reconnect with nature and with themselves. Your visit contributes to the preservation of the axolotl and helps keep Xochimilco’s traditions alive. We share this experience with the hope that more and more of us will respect, protect, and love nature. Welcome!
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
As this is a water tour we strongly recommend you to bring waterproof clothes and waterproof shoes if possible, jacket, towel and another change of clothes and shoes for when the activity is over so that you feel comfortable in case you get wet. We promote tours and activities that connect you with nature so that we can take care of it, we kindly ask you to bring your thermos of water so that we don't pollute with water bottles. For sunrise experience, bring a good jacket, gloves, and things you may need for cold, the atmosphere is very humid and cold at that hours, but it definitely worth it! Professional cameras are welcome, just be careful with the water.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(18)
One of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had it felt magical. The view and the whole experience at the farm were incredible. The guide was super kind, and we even got to see axolotls.
Incredible experience. Our guide Laila took the time to explain the history, took great photos, and was great company. Breakfast on an island farm with locals was also a real highlight! Highly recommend 10/10.
Enjoying with a smaller private group is the way to go! We saw other kayaking groups that were much larger and it seemed hectic. Watching the sunrise from the middle of the ecological reserve and stopping at one of the chinampas to see axolotls and eat at the farm was an absolute highlight! Francisco is super friendly guide and has great information about the reserve and way of life in Xochimilco, he was communicative and made sure our driver picked us up and dropped us off. The logistics were easy! Mario was also a great guide and took really beautiful candid and posed photos of us during the adventure. If you’re looking for a more authentic way to enjoy the reserve, this is how you do it! I highly recommend this tour!
I had so much fun with Laila and Juan. I learned so much and kayaking was magical. The breakfast we had at the farm was so so good, I experienced new flavors and the freshest tortillas ever. I’ve been in Mexico City for 20 days and done lots of tours and this was my favorite.
Most people visit Xochimilco to party, which is fine. But if you're more interested in experiencing the beauty of one of the last places in DF where people still maintain chinampas, practicing traditional Mixtec agricultural techniques, and where the landscape looks today something like what it may have looked like in 1491, I recommend a trip like this one. I booked directly with Alejandro and Laila and they made the process very easy. A driver picked me up at 3:30am (!!) right outside my hotel in Condesa and took me to the shape up, where I met my guide. The two of us were placed in a larger group of about thirty people (I am pretty sure I was the only tourist, which is always a good sign in my book) and three or four trip leaders who took us through the neighborhood to the shed where our kayaks awaited. Francisco, my guide, was fantastic. A local who loves sharing about his neighborhood, he was very knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and quick to share what he knew and point out interesting plants, animals, or landmarks along the way. I was very glad to learn from his perspective. Once in the water we kayaked for maybe an hour to arrive in a particularly scenic location, where we stopped for another hour or so to hang out, take pictures, and enjoy the dawn. After the return trip, we all enjoyed a nice breakfast at a beautiful home right alongside one of the canals where we dried off in the sun (yes, you will get wet, suck it up). Francisco then took me to where the driver had parked, and I was back in Condesa and ready for a nap by 11:15am.
This was a top highlight of our trip to Mexico City. Getting to witness the beauty of Xochimilco at sunrise was breathtaking. Laila is an absolute gem as a tour guide!
This was a top highlight of our trip to Mexico City. Getting to witness the beauty of Xochimilco at sunrise while kayaking was breathtaking. Absolutely worth getting up early for. Followed by visiting a chinampa, learning about the historical significance of local agriculture and sustainable farming was riveting. We got to harvest some vegetables that were used for a salad to complement our full breakfast prepared by a local chef—a one of a kind experience. Our tour guide Laila was the absolute best! She is very knowledgeable about the history of Xochimilco and Mexico City as a whole. Her passion about local and cultural traditions was palpable. She made us feel very welcome and we thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the experience!
We had the most amazing time on this trip! The canals at sunrise are beyond stunning and we saw so many amazing birds, wildlife, and plants. Learning about the chinampas and exploring the farm was an unforgettable experience. Our guide Laila was very knowledgeable and let us explore at our own pace. Highly, highly recommend!!
Words cannot express enough what a magical experience this was. Beyond worth getting up early early to get across down to Xochimilco by 5:40am. Getting into kayaks in the dark (and a bit chilly so bring waterproof layers (and a change of clothes as you might get wet (or partially). Kayak thru the peaceful canals to be treated to an incredible sunrise and then a visit to a farm (complete with calves and baby goats) for an incredible breakfast cooked for you with everything coming from the farm. And then kayaking back to the starting point. We did not want this morning to ever end. All of us have had a lot of amazing experiences in our lifetimes but this is right up there with the best - add this to your bucket list. And what helped make this such an incredible experience was our guide Francisco and his team - Mario, Laila and Chef Eric. Not only are they all passionate about showing you the place they call home and teaching you about its history but truly kind, patient, knowledgeable and lovely humans.
This was an incredible and magical once-in-a-lifetime experience! I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to see the beauty of Xochimilco and the peace at the canals during the sunrise!😍 Laila was outside our hotel very early and took us to Xochimilco. Where we met Eric. He is exceptionally knowledgeable about the area and very helpful with how to kayak! Watching the sunrise from the kayak was breathtaking. Afterward, Eric and Laila took us to a working Chinampa (the ancient Aztec floating gardens). We toured the living farm and enjoyed a beautiful, fresh breakfast Eric prepared using resources harvested right from the island!
