My Kayaking Experience in Xochimilco: A Real Hidden Gem Beyond the Trajineras
📸 All photos in this post are original and taken during my travels - Alan
In this blog post, I want to share my kayaking experience in Xochimilco with you. I had a fantastic time, and I think you might enjoy it too, but there's a chance it might not be for you. I’ll explain why towards the end, so you definitely don’t want to miss that.
Kayaking in Xochimilco with a Horse in the Background
Kayaking vs Trajineras (Floating Gardens)
When foreigners think of Xochimilco, they often picture the Trajineras, those colorful boats that carry groups of people, food, and drinks.
Watching Trajineras bumping into each other from a bridge
Watching Trajineras from the other side of the bridge
However, what many don’t realize—or perhaps more accurately, what foreigners don’t often talk about—is the option to go kayaking in Xochimilco. It’s a unique experience that offers a more intimate and potentially more reliable alternative, especially since I've heard that some foreigners have encountered scams on the Trajineras.
A guy offering Trajinera (Floating Garden) tours in Xochimilco
In this post, I’ll cover the cost, which was definitely more affordable than the Trajineras, and take you through the entire experience—
Guide showing how to wear a vest and kayak instructions
from renting the kayak inside what felt like someone’s home to the actual kayaking adventure
Exploring the neighborhood near the kayak rental location
and exploring the neighborhood around the rental spot.
The Early Start: Arriving at 4:30 AM
Front view of our Airbnb in Xochimilco, 10 minutes from the kayaking rental spot.
For this experience, we booked an Airbnb for the weekend just so we could get to the meeting place on time at 4:30 am.
It was tough, but we had to wake up at 3:45 a.m. to get there. Once we arrived at the meeting spot, we stood around for about 30 minutes and had a roll call to make sure everyone was present.
Waiting at the kayaking meeting spot in Xochimilco before starting the adventure.
Another view of the meeting spot in Xochimilco before the kayaking adventure
After everyone arrived, we walked to what looked like a home where the kayaks and equipment were stored.
Guide giving instructions on kayaking and using the vest
This is where we chose our life jackets and paddles, and they also gave us instructions on how to row. It seemed like no one there spoke English, so I was glad to have someone with me who knew Spanish. In the back of the house was the canal, and that's where the kayaks were waiting.
Kayaking at Sunrise
Once we got into our kayaks, it was still dark, which was perfect because we were able to see the sunrise as we paddled.
Getting on the kayaks before sunrise at the kayaking meeting spot in Xochimilco
If you’ve never kayaked before, it’ll take some time to get used to rowing. Don’t be surprised if you bump into other kayaks often, like we did—the canals can be narrow at times, and we also bumped the sides of the canal every now and then.
Us bumping into other kayaks during our kayaking adventure in Xochimilco
As we rowed along, the scenery was beautiful. There are people who actually live along the canals, so it was interesting to see their homes. We also saw horses, cranes, cows, and this weird house with dolls just hanging there called Island of the Dolls (La isla de las Munecas). Thankfully, there were no mosquitoes during this time, which was a relief.
Passing by horses while kayaking in Xochimilco
Passing by a crane while kayaking in Xochimilco
Passing by the Island of the Dolls (La Isla de las Muñecas) while kayaking in Xochimilco
Another view of the Island of the Dolls (La Isla de las Muñecas) from our kayaking trip in Xochimilco
Relaxing in the Lagoon
Once we reached an open water area or lagoon, we were allowed to relax and enjoy our time there.
Relaxing in the lagoon while kayaking in Xochimilco
We let our legs and arms rest and just enjoyed a romantic morning and the beautiful weather.
Another view of us relaxing in the lagoon while kayaking in Xochimilco
We did this for around 30-45 minutes, and after that, we all gathered together to take a group photo.
Us taking a group photo after resting in the lagoon during our kayaking trip in Xochimilco
The Journey Back
After the group photo, we made our way back, retracing our route to the place where we got the kayaks. About halfway there, our arms were feeling a little tired, so we had to stop a few times to rest.
Resting on the side of the canal in Xochimilco while watching a boat pass by
Once we got back, we used the restroom and washed our hands in a big concrete sink in the backyard.
Just finished washing our hands in the large outdoor sink in the backyard
At this same place, people who paid a little extra got to enjoy a full meal as well.
Senoras preparing food for guests who paid extra in Xochimilco
Guests who paid extra enjoying their meal in Xochimilco
Exploring the kayak rental neighborhood
The place where we got the kayaks was pretty close to the Mercado, so we decided to walk there since we hadn’t been before.
A bicycle taxi passing us that we almost took in Xochimilco
As we made our way to the Mercado, the area wasn’t the nicest, and there were bicycle taxis that we almost took but didn’t because they were all occupied. We didn’t want to wait long since the Mercado was close enough to walk to.
Walking towards the Mercado in Xochimilco
So, we ended our kayaking experience here and made our way to the Mercado.
Is Kayaking in Xochimilco for You?
As promised at the beginning, here are three reasons why this experience might not be for you:
Early Start: You have to wake up super early. There are two available times: sunrise and sunset. If you choose the time we went, you’ll need to arrive by 4:30 am. At this hour, it’s probably better to book an Airbnb like we did the night before and then take an Uber or Didi in the morning to get to the meeting point.
Physical Demands: Rowing can be quite tiring. As I mentioned, my arms were getting tired on the way back. So, if you’re elderly or have any sort of disability that would prevent you from rowing on your own, this experience might not be for you.
Language Barrier: If you don’t know Spanish, it can be difficult to communicate due to the language barrier. I honestly wouldn’t have gone if I didn’t have someone with me who knew Spanish.
Conclusion
The cost of this entire kayaking experience, including all the rentals, was 250 pesos per person, which is very affordable. While it may not be for everyone, it’s definitely a unique way to explore Xochimilco beyond the usual Trajineras. If you’re up for an early start and a bit of a workout, it’s an experience worth considering!
Hello, I’m Alan!
I’m from California, slow traveling (slowmadding), staying productive, and exploring beyond the tourist spots—all on a budget.