The gondolas of Xochimilco
People from Mexico City dismiss it.
Folks from the rest of the country can’t resist it.
And it’s on many “must see” lists if people are visiting the sprawling Mexico City, now branded as CDMX, from another country.
Am I talking about the famous ruins of Teotihuacan, the Zócalo, or some hip new restaurant in Polanco, one of the more swanky areas of Mexico City?
Not a chance! I am talking about Xochimilco, a World Heritage Site, smack in the middle of the city. It’s where you can rent a boat and float on what remains of the ancient canal system that used to be highways and byways of this great city.
At Xochimilco, you can get Norteño, Trios, Marimbas and even a Mariachi to play a song or two for you
Davíd, they ask, “Why do you want to go there, it’s all so dirty? Muy Quesoso!“
The answer is simple… it’s a hoot!
Got a sweet tooth? Try a candied apple… just one of the many food options available at Xochimilco
Where else can you get carne asada grilled while you float on a Mexican gondola? Don’t like carne asada? No problem… get some grilled corn. Or candied apples. Or a beer. Or a tequila. And while you’re at, throw in a little Mariachi Loco tambien!
Corn on the cob Mexican style? Of course it’s available, made fresh daily
For the money, [$25.00USD an hour] this is one of the best bargains to experience a little bit of Mexico. Just think this through. You’ve got a group of friends who want to do something different. Why not go spend part of a day floating around the city just hanging out? Seriously, you can put 10-15 people on the boats.
Is it a tourist trap?
Serapes, bags, rugs… all available on the floating souvenir shop at Xichimilco
Of course it is, but at least it does have roots in history. And it’s colorful, fun and eclectic all at once. And, if you’re lucky, maybe the souvenir boat will sail by and you can buy a few of those cool Mexican serapes.
What more could you ask for from My Mexico?
Dave Miller's Mexico 