In one of the most southern parts of Mexico City, you’ll find a hidden and colorful treasure: Xochimilco. Officially a delegation of the capital, this place qualifies as a bit of a small town all by itself, especially due to its crown jewel, the trajineras.
A trajinera is a type of boat meant to carry 10 to 25 people in not too deep water, usually adorned with flowers that have female names.
It works basically like a gondola, except it’s a lot more flambuoyant.
You can board in 9 different docks: Cuemanco, Caltongo, Fernando Celada, Salitre, Belém, San Cristóbal, Zacapa, Las Flores, Nuevo Nativitas and Belem de las Flores.
It’s a wonderful experience that can be lived right in Mexico City – no need for a plane ticket or tolls to pay.
Upon arrival, your senses are assaulted by a sudden explosion of color, accompanied by the delicious smells of quesadillas and the bubbly wonderfulness of the micheladas.
And every single trajinera is unique and marvelous, creating a Mexican rainbow that floats on water.
There’s also a terrifying place: the Isla de las Muñecas, or Island of the Dolls. It is decorated with old and worn dolls, hung up all over. Kind of creepy. But fun.
You’ll be glad they sell sweet micheladas with sweet and spicy chamoy and flavored pulque, a rather thick alcoholic fruit drink.
And yes, they sell it directly on the water.
And if you’re lucky, some mariachis might just jump on your boat to sing all kinds of songs. Us Mexicans are really proud of our musical heritage.
You can make it a family trip or a day out with friends and beer.
Also, you can rent some speakers – or bring a powerful pair of your own – to listen to your own music while you slide gently through the water.
It’s like Venice, but more colorful.
Gondolas wish they were this cool.
It truly is a magical place. Even more so if you take your friends with you.
Keep on rolling ’til you find something you love…
