Trajineras Nativitas

I couldn't recommend Xochimilco more, this is something that was almost completely unlike any of our other experiences in Mexico City. TL;DR at bottom. Let me try to paint the picture of my memories here. After leaving the dock in our communal boat, we set out on the canal, surrounded by a slew of other vibrantly colored and adorned boats. We're soon met by a slew of smaller boat vendors that ride up right beside us. After we politely wave off a man selling flower crowns we order some beers from another. While doing so, I feel our boat start rocking, and immediately I'm alarmed. I spin around to see that another craft has pulled along and someone has jumped in our boat. We were being boarded...by Mariachis??? Indeed another group on our boat had paid for a song and we were along for the very close quarters musical show. As we enjoyed speaking with the other passengers and people watching the other groups on their own unique boats, we started to notice something mildly disturbing on the horizon. The trees on a nearby island were all filled with ragged dolls. Barbies, troll, porcelain, raggedy Ann, they even had Santa! These were all very weather worn and missing various body parts. While I know now that this is the Island of the Dolls, I prefer to think that this is where Sid from the original Toy Story lives. This island marked the halfway point and we then turned around, just to do the whole crazy thing over again. I loved my time here, but that being said, I have some tips. 1.Unless you're in a very large group, don't pay for a private boat, it's expensive (500 pesos for an hour) and a great deal of the fun is meeting others. 2.If you're taking an Uber to this dock, you'll be bombarded with bikers telling your driver that the dock/road/canal is closed and will try to redirect you to other locations for boat rides. They're all lying, tell driver "Siempre Nativitas" whenever they try to redirect you. 3.The water in the canal is admittedly putrid, so for the love of your bowels do not get any food on the boat, food hygiene is not observed. Now quit reading my novel and get planning your trip to Xochimilco, you're going to have a blast. TL;DR: Fun boats (GET A COMMUNAL BOAT), Mariachi Pirates, Incredible Atmosphere, Spooky Doll Island and Don't Eat Canal Food and an Overall A+ experience.

Xochimilco is a fun place to visit for anyone coming to Mexico City. Although the water of the channels is very dirty and on weekends there are many boats competing for customers and a place on the water, tour on water, the Mariachis playing, the small boast selling food, flowers or souvenirs make this an enjoyable experience. Make sure to agree on all prices and time on the water ahead of time to avoid confusions. Enjoy the ride.

As a tourist we came on a Friday afternoon around 4pm. Lots of teenagers but not in an annoying way, but adding a youthful energy. Set government price is 500 pesos per hour but the amount of boats docked told us it was slow. I negotiated and he said 400 per hour instantly. I could have tried for lower I think but was happy with his willingness. It was awesome! At ½ hour we already knew we wanted more. I negotiated with our Captain for another hour for 400 pesos. We had the entire boat to ourselves for the 400 but I was envious of the boats with large groups. THIS IS A MUST FOR TOURISTS VISITING MEXICO CITY. I was septical but am now a convert. So much fun.