The Xochimilco Boat Tour offers adventurous foodies a unique culinary experience. Guests can embark on a vibrant boat ride through the picturesque canals and sample ancient edible insects, hailed as superfoods. From Maguey worms to Oaxacan ants and crunchy grasshoppers, each delicacy is enhanced with mezcal and flavored salts, tantalizing the palate. But this tour isn’t just about the food – it also delves into the rich cultural heritage of Xochimilco, making it a must-try for those seeking an immersive and unforgettable journey.
Key Points
- Xochimilco boat tour offers a unique tasting experience of ancient edible insects, including maguey worm, Oaxacan ant, and grasshopper, complemented by mezcal and flavored salts.
- The tour explores the historical and cultural significance of the Xochimilco canals, a UNESCO World Heritage site, by showcasing traditional activities and local customs.
- Guests can participate in Mexican lottery games, sample Pulque (a traditional fermented agave drink), and enjoy scenic views of the floating gardens along the canals.
- The tour provides an immersive cultural experience, with a knowledgeable guide sharing insights on the history and heritage of the Xochimilco region.
- Cancellation policy allows for a full refund with 24-hour notice, and payment options include reserve now, pay later, making it a flexible and accessible experience.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Xochimilco Boat Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the ancient canals and sample traditional Mesoamerican superfood – edible insects.
Priced from K₁,268 per person, the 2.5-hour guided tour takes guests aboard a boat with snacks, food, and unlimited drinks.
Travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.
The tour departs from Canal 237 in Mexico City, with Uber instructions provided to the meeting point under the purple arches.
Whether rain or shine, this Xochimilco adventure promises a memorable cultural experience.
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Itinerary and Activities
Starting at Canal 237 in the neighborhood of San Jerónimo, Xochimilco, the guided boat tour takes visitors on a 2.5-hour journey through the historic canals.
The tour includes a Mexican lottery game, a stop at a chinampa island for tacos and Pulque, and photo opportunities. Travelers can prepare their own Michelada or Margarita while enjoying the views.
The highlight is a tasting of three popular edible insects – Maguey Worm, Oaxacan Ant, and Grasshopper – along with a Mezcal and flavored salts sampling.
Throughout the tour, the guide provides commentary on the history and culture of the canals.
Food and Drink Details
While on the Xochimilco boat tour, visitors can enjoy a variety of snacks, food, and unlimited drinks.
The snacks include Mexican candies and corn chips. For food, they can choose from regular or vegetarian tacos, as well as a salad option.
The drinks are unlimited and include water, soda, beer, tequila, mezcal, and even a Pulque shot tasting.
Visitors can also try three popular edible insects – Maguey Worm, Oaxacan Ant, and Grasshopper. If they don’t want to consume the insects on-site, they can take them home instead.
The food and drink offerings ensure a diverse and immersive culinary experience during the boat tour.
Meeting Point and Transportation
Visitors can meet for the Xochimilco boat tour at Canal 237, located in San Jerónimo, Xochimilco, 16420.
The tour is approximately 90 minutes from central Mexico City. Uber riders can verify the San Jerónimo location and meet under the purple arches.
The tour has a 15-minute tolerance time, and it operates rain or shine.
The transportation options include:
- Uber or taxi from central Mexico City
- Public transportation such as the metro or bus
- Driving your own vehicle and finding parking near the meeting point
- Walking or bicycling to the meeting location
Customer Feedback
How do customers rate the Xochimilco Boat Tour experience? The tour boasts an impressive overall rating of 5/5 based on 6 reviews. Customers highlight the surprise activities, the guide’s enthusiasm, and the overall quality of the treatment. The tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage of Xochimilco while indulging in a flavorful tasting of ancient edible insects.
Feedback Highlights |
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Surprise activities |
Knowledgeable and spirited guide |
High-quality treatment |
Unique cultural experience |
Delicious insect tasting |
Edible Insects Tasting Experience
The Xochimilco Boat Tour offers a captivating opportunity for adventurous palates to savor the ancient culinary traditions of Mexico.
As part of the tour, guests will embark on a tasting journey of three popular edible insects:
- Maguey Worm: A delicacy from the agave plant, known for its nutty and earthy flavors.
- Oaxacan Ant: Offering a tangy and citrusy taste, these ants are a staple in Oaxacan cuisine.
- Grasshopper: Crunchy and toasted, these insects are a beloved snack, seasoned with chili and lime.
The tasting is complemented by a sampling of mezcal and unique flavored salts, further enhancing the experience of exploring Mexico’s rich entomophagy traditions.
Cultural and Historical Exploration
Beyond the culinary adventure, the Xochimilco Boat Tour offers a captivating exploration of Mexico’s rich cultural and historical tapestry. Guests will embark on a journey through the iconic canals, learning about the ancient Aztec tradition of "chinampas" – the floating gardens that sustained the city. The guide will share captivating stories of Xochimilco’s past, from its role as a hub for agriculture and commerce to its evolution as a cultural center. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant local traditions, like playing Mexican lottery games and witnessing the preparation of iconic beverages like Pulque.
Cultural Highlights | Historical Significance | Unique Experiences |
---|---|---|
Chinampas – Floating Gardens | Aztec Agricultural Legacy | Mexican Lottery Games |
Local Traditions & Customs | Xochimilco’s Role as Commercial Hub | Pulque Preparation |
Vibrant Atmosphere | Evolution as Cultural Center | Immersive Canal Exploration |
Boat Ride on Xochimilco Canals
Aboard the vibrant trajinera boats, visitors embark on a captivating journey through the winding canals of Xochimilco. The tour guide provides insightful commentary, sharing the rich history and cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Passengers delight in traditional Mexican games, like the lively lotería, and disembark at a chinampa island to savor local delicacies.
Key highlights of the boat ride include:
- Scenic vistas of the floating gardens and colorful pulquerías along the canals.
- Preparation of refreshing Micheladas and Margaritas by the attentive crew.
- Tasting of three popular edible insects: Maguey Worm, Oaxacan Ant, and Grasshopper.
- Sampling of unique mezcal and artisanal salt flavors to complement the insect tasting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to join the boat tour and explore the colorful canals of Xochimilco and taste the ancient edible insects.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
No, bringing your own food and drinks is not allowed. The tour provides snacks, meal options, and unlimited drinks as part of the package. Guests are expected to consume the provided refreshments during the boat tour experience.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
No, you don’t need any special equipment for the tour. It’s a fully guided experience, and all necessary equipment, food, and drinks are provided. Just bring yourself, your appetite, and a sense of adventure.
Is There an Option to Explore the Canals on My Own?
The tour does not offer an option to explore the canals on your own. The experience is a guided boat tour with set activities and inclusions. Independent exploration of the canals is not available through this particular tour.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?
The tour offers free cancellation if done 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now, pay later option available for added flexibility.
Recap
The Xochimilco Boat Tour offers a unique opportunity for adventurous food lovers to explore Mexico’s rich culinary heritage. Guests embark on a vibrant boat ride through picturesque canals, sampling ancient edible insects hailed as superfoods, enhanced with mezcal and flavored salts. This immersive experience not only tantalizes the palate but also provides a glimpse into the cultural significance of these traditional delicacies.
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