Carnival Vibes at the Floating Gardens

Mexico City is not Cancun. There aren’t any all-inclusive resorts packed with tourists and perma-vacationers. The nearest beach is maybe a few hours away. It asks a little more of vacationers, to explore a little bit more, get lost a little bit more. But I promise, once you do you’ll find a wonderfully city, brimming with culture and possibility. That’s how I found myself at the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco.

Xochimilco is not for those with limited time, I't's far away from the city center, so plan atleast a half day excurison.

You'll need a boat captain who, like in Venice, will use a pole to navigate the canals.

Floating Carival

Xochimilco is just outside of the city, about a thirty five minute drive. A fleet of boats sits docked at the edge of the waterway. Decked out with swans and roses and painted red, yellow and green, they are the brightest objects on the street. Depending on what time you get there the vibe can be dramatically different. Because I took an early tour, the atmosphere was a tranquil one. The boatmen poled us through the winding, tree-lined waterways with ease. At times it felt like a ride in a gondola. However, when we returned to the dock crowds had already started to gather and the whole place gave off more of a carnival vibe or bar on water.

Canal Riding

So Colorful!

A lot of locals frequent the floating gardens. It’s a popular pastime among families. On my boat there were groups of families with young children as well as groups of friends that had decided this was the best way to spend Sunday morning: navigating the slow moving water, enjoying drinks while the mariachis played for us. By the end of the ride, I had started to feel like a local too. That was the best part.