Private Tour: Xochimilco, Coyoacan and Frida Kahlo Museum
Description
Experience a vibrant journey filled with Mexican color, art, and identity on this private tour with hotel pickup and drop-off. We begin in the canals of Xochimilco, where you'll board a traditional trajinera (a boat) and glide among floating gardens while enjoying the festive atmosphere and music that characterize this UNESCO World Heritage Site. We continue to Coyoacán, famous for its cobblestone streets and colonial ambiance. We'll visit the iconic Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul), the former residence of the renowned artist. Finally, we'll explore the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), admiring its architecture and emblematic murals. A complete experience that combines tradition, art, and heritage in total comfort. Note: Access to the Frida Kahlo Museum is subject to availability and ticket stock at the time of booking.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This working in southern Mexico City gives way to the famous canals of Xochimilco, the last remnants of an enormous system to transport water that the Aztecs built. You can take walks in colorful boats similar to the gondolas while they pass browsing food vendors, artisans and mariachis.
Located in one of the most beautiful and oldest neighborhoods of Mexico City, the Blue House was converted into a museum in 1958, four years after the death of the painter. Today it is one of the busiest museums in the Mexican capital.
Coyoacán represents the "place of those who have or own coyotes", from three Nahua voices: coyotl (coyote), hua (possession) and can (place). The term coyoacanense, arose between the seventh and twelfth centuries AD, stage in which the site would have been founded, according to the parameters set by various historians and chroniclers
Throughout his life, Diego Rivera gathered an impressive collection of pre-Hispanic figures, which he called "idolaje". The painter conceived the idea of making a construction that would house these pieces and was, likewise, a livable artistic work.
On September 22, 1910, as President Porfirio Díaz Mori, the National University of Mexico was inaugurated, in compliance with the decree of May 16 of that year that formalized its Constitutive Law presented by Justo Sierra Méndez, 18 a law that did not give him the autonomous character that would acquire until May 28, 1929 when President Emilio Portes Gil granted it19 and authorized the construction of University City. The first rector was Joaquín Eguía Lis. The project of creation of the University, although without an immediate result, was proposed by Justo Sierra in 1881, being deputy and with the intention of counteracting the educational problem. The purpose of Sierra was materialized in 1910 with the inaugural act of the National University of Mexico, in the amphitheater of the National Preparatory School. At this time, being Secretary of Public Instruction and Fine Arts, Sierra, expressed in his speech, that the educational and scientific objective that the National University should concentrate, systematize and disseminate among the Mexican people, was to prepare for the future.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We have coverage in all the places of the city of Mexico, Hotels, Airbnb,
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Reviews(352)
Marta and Antonio were fantastic. We had a lovely day and appreciate their flexibility as we were traveling with young kids.
There are two main aspects to this tour: the boat ride in Xochimilco and visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum. The boat ride itself was enjoyable, but the major issue I have is with how the Frida Kahlo Museum portion of the tour is advertised. According to our guide, tickets to the Frida Kahlo Museum sell out weeks in advance. If that is the case, then it seems highly unlikely that this tour can deliver what is advertised unless you book at least 3–4 weeks ahead. Unfortunately, this is not made clear when purchasing the tour. Instead, when tickets are unavailable, the operator offers substitute activities. However, the alternatives offered are nowhere near equal in either experience or monetary value to visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum. In my opinion, it is misleading to sell a tour that prominently includes the museum when the operator likely knows that securing tickets is very difficult unless booked far in advance. Buyers beware: before purchasing, confirm that tickets to the Frida Kahlo Museum have actually been secured. Do not assume that what is advertised will be delivered, and be cautious about accepting substitute activities, as they are likely to be of significantly lower value and quality.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Sonya. We regret that you were unable to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum. As is widely known, tickets for this museum sell out weeks in advance and availability depends entirely on the official ticketing platform. In your case, you were informed in a timely manner about the lack of availability and, even on the same day of the service, you were offered different alternatives, including the option to cancel the tour without any inconvenience. You chose to continue with the experience under these conditions. It is important to mention that we have prior conversations where you confirmed your agreement with the options provided and with continuing the service. Subsequently, at your request, a refund corresponding to the cost of the unused tickets was processed. Our commitment is to act with full transparency and provide clear solutions to our clients, even in situations beyond our control. For this reason, we consider it important to clarify these points for future travelers.
We booked a private tour which was definitely the move. Our driver was Daniel and tour guide was Jorge and both were very accommodating and friendly! The boat ride was so beautiful and relaxing, and Casa Azul and the Anachuacalli Museum were must sees! Overall, great experience!
Jorge and his driver were beyond excellent - he cared and was so knowledgeable about his beautiful home country and we were so honored to get the tour from him! He also shared his favorite quesadilla spot and my family hasn’t stopped talking about them! It was a wonderful day with Jorge and his driver and I’d recommend him to anyone looking to learn more while enjoying!
Awesome experience and such a wonderful tour guide, Martha! We loved the boat ride and the Frida Khalo museum was amazing!
We enjoyed the stops... it was just too much and too long for one day. After booking, we were told the Frida Kahlo museum was not actually available that day. Instead we went to the Diego Rivera studio, which was actually quite interesting (and we isited Casa Azul another day on our own). Our guide was very knowledgable, but gave far, far too much detail in some cases, particularly at the University Library, making the tour much longer and slower than necessary. We also felt pressured to get food in Coyoacan in the late afternoon at end of the tour, which was much later than indicated on the itinerary, throwing off our schedule. The driver was good. Probably they should eliminate one stop from the tour to make it more sensible as a single outing.
We really enjoyed this tour experience with Carlos (guide) and Antonio (driver). Carlos was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and professional. He shared lots of insightful information and was happy to engage in conversation not just about the tour subjects but also Mexico in general, with great tips and suggestions. Muchas gracias!!!
Jorge & Guillermo were fabulous hosts! We saw a lot of places that we otherwise wouldn't have. Xochimilco was a highlight, with a private boat and some mariachi magic! The local food recommends were absolutely delicious. The historical knowledge shared was truly impressive. Having a private tour gave us the flexibility to tailor to our likes, which helped us make the most of the day. All and all, a wonderful tour!
Jorge picked us up at our hotel and took us to different sites around the city. He was very informative and answered all of our questions on the tour. He also recommended some wonderful spots to have lunch and churros. Louis, the driver, was always on time to pick us up from each site and offered us cold water bottles throughout the day. We learned a lot about Mexican art, architecture, and culture. We highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to have a good exposure to the treasures that Mexico City has to offer.
Three of us traveled in a van with our guide Marta and driver Luis. Marta was a history major in CDMX and had a lot of interesting information to share about the murals, Xochimilco, neighborhoods and museums. The tour was in english and she was easily understood. *I would book as early as possible to see the Frida Blue house exhibit otherwise it may not be possible to get tickets to enter. The Anajuacalli Museo was a nice surprise and offers panoramic views at the very top if you don't mind several steps up. I recommend the private tour with Marta anytime. The hotel pickup and drop off, plus excellent taqueria break was a bonus as well. *take at least 5 mexican pesos in case you need to use the bathroom at Xochilmilco.
