Some people are in love with Sochimilco, others avoid it. People come here not only for the heritage of Aztec culture, but also for the raucous fun with booze and street music.
You won’t know which camp you’ll join until you see for yourself – here’s what to see and do in Mexico City’s colourful neighbourhood.
About the neighbourhood of Sochimilco
In Aztec times there was a big lake here. On its place they decided to build artificial islands «chinampas» to develop farming and cattle breeding. The idea was successful: the fertile area began to feed the whole of Mexico City, for which it was nicknamed «Sochimilco» – «flower field».
Part of the labyrinth of canals has reached our days after 700 years. This is one of the remote districts of the capital (18 km from the centre), it is easy to get here by public transport.
The district is conventionally divided into three parts:
The optimum season to visit colourful Sochimilco is from March to May. At this time the weather is comfortable and the gardens are in bloom. But from June to September is the rainy season.
Brightly coloured boats
Dozens of brightly coloured boats navigate the canals of Sochimilco, driven by Mexican gondoliers embarcaderos. Motorised engines are banned here by UNESCO, so they navigate with long oars, pushing off the bottom.
The boats have everything you need to experience a real holiday: booze, music and even a dance floor!
Mariachi street musicians in sombreros and floral wreaths are on duty off the shore. For a tip, they’ll join your party and play national hits to the guitar (you’ll definitely be singing along to «Bésame Mucho» and «Ay-yay-yay-yay-yay!»).
What to try and buy
Over the years, a floating market has formed on the canals: vendors scurry between tourist boats and offer roasted corn, pulque (local moonshine made from agave), beer, flowers grown on the chinampas, as well as homemade souvenirs: embroidered blankets, ponchos, sombreros and traditional Mexican dolls. We recommend taking cash!
There is a colourful market with cheap fruit and excellent food by the main pier.
- Tamales – Mexican «stuffed cabbage» made from banana leaves
- Atolle, a cacao made from cornmeal
- Tortas – something between a sandwich and a hot dog
» READ MORE – What Mexico has to offer: the main dishes of the national cuisine
Popular tours
You can buy a canal cruise right on the pier, but we recommend booking your tour in advance – trips are in huge demand, so there’s a risk of running out of places.
The most popularThis tour brings together the best of Mexico: unlimited tequila, a cocktail masterclass, karaoke, games with prizes and a taco tasting on one of the floating islands.
Island of the DollsA longer trip, this time to the creepiest place in Mexico City! Legend has it that the daughter of a local caretaker drowned in the river while reaching for her favourite doll. In memory of the girl, her father built an altar with dolls, and then began to hang the toys on trees around the area.
Today, the location looks more like the set of a horror film, and locals claim to regularly see the ghosts of dead children here.
Dawn on a kayakTake note: crafty entrepreneurs create replicas of the island closer to the main wharf. The tour to the «original» will take at least 4 hours!
Opt for a kayak tour if you don’t like rowdy fun in the middle of the day. Early in the morning, the canals are quiet and peaceful, you can see local wildlife near the shore, and after dawn you’ll have a hearty breakfast with national specialities. If you are not ready for physical activity, here is an alternative option by boat.
The Coyoacán neighborhoodPrefer cultural tourism? We recommend a comprehensive trip with a visit to the historic centre of Mexico City. The main attraction is the house-museum of Frida Kahlo, who spent most of her life here.
Nothing lasts forever: over the years, the embankment islands gradually deteriorate and the Sochimilco canals are drained. Experts say that the floating gardens have only half a century to live – you will still have time to see the engineering marvel of the Aztecs!
After exploring the capital, we recommend exploring the velvety beaches of Cancun or diving into Mayan history in the sacred city of Chichen Itza.
We wish you good travelling!
Israel Caballero / Unsplash 
Jezael Melgoza / Unsplash 
Alex Braga / Unsplash 
Alex Braga / Unsplash
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