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Chinampa Kayak Tour: Explore Ancient Water Trails
5.0
11 Ratings
Ciudad de México
Embark on a 3-hour kayaking adventure through the ancient canals of Xochimilco. Explore the 800-900 year old chinampa system of agriculture and discover a green maze of wildlife, mountain views, and island farms.
Embark on a 3-hour kayaking adventure through the ancient canals of Xochimilco. Explore the 800-900 year old chinampa system of agriculture and discover a green maze of wildlife, mountain views, and island farms.
Duration:
3 hours, 15 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Trajineras Xochimilco - Embarcadero Cuemanco - Departing from Embarcadero Cuemanco, enjoy a serene 3-hour kayak journey through the stunning agricultural area of Xochimilco. Explore the lesser-known narrow canals teeming with bird and fish life, and pass by the active island farms (chinampas) that have existed since the pre-Hispanic era.
- Trajineras Xochimilco - Embarcadero Cuemanco - Departing from Embarcadero Cuemanco, enjoy a serene 3-hour kayak journey through the stunning agricultural area of Xochimilco. Explore the lesser-known narrow canals teeming with bird and fish life, and pass by the active island farms (chinampas) that have existed since the pre-Hispanic era.
What's Included
- Kayaks provided
- Lifejacket included
- Dry bag for personal items
- Kayaks provided
- Lifejacket included
- Dry bag for personal items
Additional Information
We navigate the canals within the 800-900 year old chinampa agricultural system, the surviving fragment of the ancient lake that dates back to pre-Columbian times. This verdant aquatic labyrinth is teeming with fauna, picturesque mountainous landscapes, and operational isle orchards unique in the world. The journey is tranquil, allowing ample…
We navigate the canals within the 800-900 year old chinampa agricultural system, the surviving fragment of the ancient lake that dates back to pre-Columbian times. This verdant aquatic labyrinth is teeming with fauna, picturesque mountainous landscapes, and operational isle orchards unique in the world. The journey is tranquil, allowing ample opportunity for photography, ornithological observation, and discovery.
Location
Trajineras Xochimilco - Embarcadero Cuemanco
We meet at dawn at the far end of the Embarcadero parking lot. Look for a big red van and a bunch of kayaks.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(11 Ratings)
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S6186cgcatalinam
Sep 13, 2025
Awesome experience - No one else had booked on the date I chose, so it ended up being just Grant and me. He knows the area, culture, and history extremely well, and I learned a lot. He’s also very mindful and gave clear, helpful instructions throughout. Communication was perfect—fast, efficient, and always on time. I highly recommend it — you’ll be in great hands with him.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizaread
Aug 9, 2025
Great back-to-nature excursion - This was such a great way to experience natural Mexico City! Grant was engaging and intelligent in his information sharing, as well as being flat-out nice. We had a great time and recommend this to anyone who wants to see Mexico City outside the city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeth
Aug 7, 2025
Perfect outdoor activity - What a fantastic way to learn about Mexico and be in nature! Grant was a fabulous guide, full of engaging and informative stories, and we felt welcomed and appreciated.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Professorsnaples
Jun 6, 2025
Kayaking rocks and Grant rules - Just beautiful. THIS is the way to experience Xochimilco. Firstly, being there at dawn before it becomes a Mardi Gras vibe is so refreshing and deeply soothing if you’ve been staying in the busy parts of the city. You’ll see more wildlife this way too. Kayaking is easy but engaging and you’ll feel really independent and intrepid paddling your own boat! And finally, Grant is a terrific guide. He is incredibly knowledgeable because of a deep curiosity he has. He shares a sense of wonder with his guests and it’s contagious. And he is just charming, honest, down to earth, and really capable. Terrific tour, absolutely the highlight of our whole CDMX visit!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eliotz2023
Apr 3, 2025
Great Fun in the canals - What an amazing experience - Grant was a knowledgeable and fun guide who took us on four hours of touring the canals. Saw all sorts of birds.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X440tfjohnm
Mar 23, 2025
Fantastic small group kayak excursion at Xochimilco - The kayak trip with Grant in Xochimilco was one of the highlights of our trip to Mexico City. Grant is a terrific guide and very knowledgeable. Don’t miss out on this very unique and informative venture. Skips the party boats and go with this one-of-kind excursion in a small group.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Luis_s
Jan 15, 2025
Extraordinary encounter - This is the most beautiful, respectful, and educational experience! Between tapping in to ancient wisdom and appreciating ongoing culture, I was so grateful this experience was possible. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Z894rzdianas
Jul 24, 2024
Our favorite part of our CDMX trip! - The best part of our trip to CDMX! Grant is a fantastic storyteller and taught my partner and I so much about the history of the chinampas, CDMX, and the flora and fauna around us. Kayaking itself was peaceful and quiet on calm water, and we benefited from being a small group. We went at a leisurely pace, taking a break halfway.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_s
Apr 5, 2024
Great birding! - Grant was very knowledgeable, native English speaker, super helpful with advice and adjustment of our schedule. Many bird sightings, many up close, night heron only 3 meters away!
Review provided by Viator
223robm
Jan 29, 2024
A slow paddle around the beautiful waterways of Xochimilco with a very knowledgeable guide - This was one of the highlights of our 2 week holiday in Mexico. Grant kept us updated at all stages and we set off on time, in a double kayak, for a beautiful paddle through the waterways of Xochimilco. Grant knew the area well and gave a continual commentary on the history of Mexico, the flora and fauna we saw and what the local farmers were doing as we paddled serenely past. We went past the colourful trajineras and down narrow waterways and explored backwaters so quiet it was hard to believe you were in Mexico City. We stopped on a tiny island for lunch – mezal and some esquites from a passing punt! Then a lazy paddle back to the launch jetty for what was an incredibly memorable day and a treat I would definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor