Xochimilco is the area of canals and chinampas, the old floating farm plots, in the south of the city. Together with the Historic Center, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You explore it by trajinera, the brightly painted wooden boats, with music, food and floating vendors around you. It’s about 24 km from Hotel Emma Boutique, so set aside a full morning or afternoon.
Practical information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from the hotel | About 24 km |
| Getting there (summary) | Metro Line 1 to Pino Suárez, Line 2 to Tasqueña and light rail to Xochimilco; or a taxi or ride-hailing app |
| Hours | Check current hours at the dock you choose |
| Cost | Paid: trajineras are rented by the hour and by the boat, not per person, at an official rate |
| Suggested time | 2 to 3 hours on the water, plus travel time |
What to do in Xochimilco
- Ride a trajinera through the canals: rides are hired by the hour, and one boat holds up to 18 people.
- Hire music on board: mariachis, trios or marimba players pull up in their own boats and charge by the song.
- Eat on the water: boats sell corn on the cob, quesadillas and drinks, and you can also bring your own food.
- Browse the crafts market and the plant and flower stalls by the Nuevo Nativitas dock.
- For something quieter, the Cuemanco dock, on the Periférico ring road, runs guided rides through the chinampa farmland, including a route to an axolotl sanctuary.
Getting there from Hotel Emma Boutique
By public transit: board at Sevilla Metro, 200 m from the hotel, and take Line 1 toward Pantitlán to Pino Suárez. Change to Line 2 toward Tasqueña and ride to the end. There, follow the signs to the light rail (Tren Ligero), renovated in 2026 and now called “El Ajolote”, and ride to the Xochimilco terminal; that leg alone takes over 40 minutes at rush hour. Allow an hour and a half to two hours door to door. The Metro and light rail take the Integrated Mobility Card (Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada).
From Xochimilco station to the docks: some are a short walk away, but Nuevo Nativitas isn’t the closest; if you’re heading there, take a local taxi. By taxi or app from the hotel, the direct ride takes 45 minutes to an hour and a half depending on traffic, and it’s the easiest option for groups.
Tips for hiring your trajinera
- Go to an authorized dock and look for the posted official rate; the price is per hour and per boat, not per person.
- Agree on how many hours you’ll ride and the total price before boarding, to avoid misunderstandings when you get back.
- If someone on the street says the dock is closed and offers to take you somewhere else, be wary and keep going.
- Music, food and photos are charged separately at their own rates: ask the price before ordering.
- Go on a weekday morning for calm water; weekends and midday bring more crowds and more music. Bring sunscreen and, in the rainy season, a rain jacket.
Nearby
Line 2 stops at the Zócalo, a good stop on the way back. If you’re exploring the south of the city, see our guide to the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a trajinera in Xochimilco cost?
Rides are charged by the hour and by the boat, not per person, at the official rate posted at the dock. One trajinera holds up to 18 people.
Which Xochimilco dock is best?
Nuevo Nativitas is the busiest, with a crafts market and plenty of boats. Cuemanco, on the Periférico, is better for rides through the chinampa farmland.
How do you get to Xochimilco by public transit?
Take the Metro to Tasqueña (Line 1, changing to Line 2 at Pino Suárez), then the light rail to the Xochimilco terminal.
How much time do you need for Xochimilco?
Half a day: 2 to 3 hours on the water and an hour and a half to two hours each way by public transit.
Where to stay for a trip to Xochimilco?
Hotel Emma Boutique in Roma Norte is 200 m from Sevilla Metro on Line 1, which takes you to Pino Suárez to continue toward Tasqueña.