Aventure of the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco in Mexico City

Hola, travel enthusiasts! I’m Sevinj, your quirky solo female traveler who loves diving into new cultures, eating weird snacks, and getting lost (literally and metaphorically). Today, I’m taking you on a journey to the vibrant and colorful floating gardens of Xochimilco in Mexico City. Buckle up for an adventure filled with Mexico City boat tours, and a pinch of Frida Kahlo magic!

Table Of Contents

Day 1: The Journey Begins: Frida Kahlo Tour in Mexico City

Arriving in Mexico City

Landing in Mexico City, the bustling energy hits you right away. After navigating the lively streets and delicious food stalls, I checked into my cozy little Airbnb in Coyoacán, a charming neighborhood that’s as colorful as a Frida Kahlo painting.

Frida Kahlo Tour Mexico City

Speaking of Frida, I kicked off my adventure with the Frida Kahlo tour in Mexico City. I visited La Casa Azul, her iconic blue house-turned-museum. Walking through her home, you get an intimate glimpse into the life of this incredible artist. The vibrant colors and eclectic decor set the perfect mood for the rest of my trip.

La Casa Azul: Frida’s Home and Museum

Getting There

Located in the charming neighborhood of Coyoacán, La Casa Azul (The Blue House) is Frida Kahlo’s former home and now a museum dedicated to her life and work. It’s easily accessible by public transport or a quick Uber ride.

Exploring La Casa Azul

Walking through the cobalt blue walls of La Casa Azul, I felt like I had stepped into one of Frida’s paintings. The museum is filled with her personal belongings, artwork, and memorabilia, offering an intimate glimpse into her life.

The Studio: Seeing Frida’s studio, with her wheelchair and easel, was a poignant moment. It felt like she had just stepped out for a break, leaving behind the tools of her creativity.
The Garden: The lush garden, filled with native plants, vibrant flowers, and her beloved animals, is a peaceful oasis in the city. It’s easy to see how this space inspired her art.
Personal Artifacts: From her colorful dresses and jewelry to her medical braces, these personal items tell the story of Frida’s resilience and unique sense of style.

Museo Anahuacalli: Diego Rivera’s Legacy

A Stone’s Throw from La Casa Azul

After immersing myself in Frida’s world, I took a short trip to Museo Anahuacalli, another gem in Coyoacán. This museum, designed by Frida’s husband Diego Rivera, showcases his extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and his incredible murals.

Discovering Anahuacalli

The museum itself is a work of art, constructed from volcanic stone and designed to resemble a teocalli (a type of Mesoamerican pyramid). Inside, I wandered through rooms filled with ancient artifacts and stunning murals.

Diego’s Collection: The museum houses over 50,000 pieces of pre-Columbian art. Diego Rivera was passionate about preserving Mexican heritage, and this collection is a testament to that.
Murals and Architecture: The building’s design and Diego’s murals create a mystical atmosphere, blending ancient and modern Mexican culture.

Coyoacán: A Walk Through History

Exploring the Neighborhood

Coyoacán is more than just Frida’s home; it’s a vibrant, historical neighborhood. I spent an afternoon wandering its cobblestone streets, visiting local markets, and soaking in the bohemian vibe.

Jardín Centenario and Jardín Hidalgo: These twin squares are the heart of Coyoacán, surrounded by cafes, shops, and colonial architecture. Grab a coffee, sit back, and people-watch.
Coyoacán Market: A bustling market where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Don’t miss the churros and hot chocolate!

Museo Dolores Olmedo: Frida and Diego’s Art

A Short Trip South

A bit further south in Xochimilco, the Museo Dolores Olmedo houses an impressive collection of works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. The museum is set in a beautiful estate, complete with gardens, peacocks, and hairless Xoloitzcuintli dogs.

Inside the Museum

Frida’s Paintings: The museum has one of the largest collections of Frida’s work, including some of her most famous self-portraits.
Diego’s Murals and Drawings: Rivera’s works are also well represented, showcasing his range and talent.

Day 2: Xochimilco, Here I Come!

Getting to Xochimilco

By Public Transportation

Option 1: Metro and Light Rail (Tren Ligero)

Metro Line 2 (Blue Line):
- Start by taking the Metro Line 2 towards the direction of “Tasqueña.”
- If you are not near Line 2, transfer to it from your nearest metro station.
Tasqueña Station:
- Get off at the last stop, Tasqueña Station.
- Follow the signs to the Tren Ligero (Light Rail) station, which is connected to the metro station.
Tren Ligero:
- Board the Tren Ligero (Light Rail) towards “Xochimilco.”
- The ride will take approximately 45 minutes.
- Get off at the last station, “Xochimilco.”
Walk to the Canals:
- From the Tren Ligero station, it’s a short walk to the Xochimilco canals.
- Follow the signs or ask locals for directions to the Embarcadero (dock) area.

By Taxi or Rideshare

Hail a Taxi or Use a Rideshare App:
- You can hail a taxi from your location or use a rideshare app like Uber or Didi.
Destination:
- Set your destination as “Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas” or simply “Xochimilco.”
- The ride from central Mexico City typically takes around 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic.

By Bus

From Coyoacán:
- If you are already in Coyoacán, you can take a bus directly to Xochimilco.
- Look for buses that say “Xochimilco” or ask a local for guidance.

The Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, Mexico City

Stepping off the bus, I was greeted by a riot of colors and the sounds of mariachi music. Welcome to the floating gardens of Xochimilco! These ancient canals, remnants of a vast lake and canal system built by the Aztecs, are lined with vibrant trajineras (boats) decorated with bright flowers and festive names.

Day 3: The Ultimate Mexico City Boat Tour

A Solo Adventure on the Canals

I rented my own trajinera, complete with a cheerful boatman named Carlos who seemed to have an endless supply of stories. As we floated down the canals, passing other colorful boats, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty and history surrounding me.

Carlos told me about the ancient chinampas (floating gardens) and how they were used for agriculture. I even got to see some of these lush, green patches up close. It felt like stepping back in time!

Mariachi, Mezcal, and New Friends

What’s a boat tour in Xochimilco without some music and mezcal? We were soon joined by a mariachi band, and I couldn’t resist the urge to sing along (apologies to everyone within earshot). I shared drinks and laughs with locals and other travelers, making friends from all over the world. It was a party on water, and everyone was invited!

Day 4: Farewell, Xochimilco

Exploring the Markets

Before heading back, I spent my morning exploring the local markets of Xochimilco. I picked up some beautiful handmade crafts and sampled delicious street food. The tamales were heavenly, and the fresh fruit juices were just what I needed after the previous day’s festivities.

Reflections and Goodbyes

As I boarded the bus back to Mexico City, I couldn’t help but reflect on my time at the floating gardens of Xochimilco. The vibrant colors, the friendly people, and the rich history had left an indelible mark on my heart. Visiting Xochimilco was not just a trip; it was an experience that blended history, culture, and a whole lot of fun.

Tips for Your Xochimilco Adventure

Visit Early: Arrive early to avoid the crowds and have a more peaceful experience on the canals.
Bring Cash: Most transactions, including boat rentals and market purchases, are cash-only.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: The weather can be warm, so dress comfortably and don’t forget sunscreen.
Stay Safe: While Xochimilco is generally safe, it’s always good to stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings.

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