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Mexico City Food Tour

The City Green: Exploring the Urban Eco-Reserve of Xochimilco

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On this full-day tour of Xochimilco – an ancient and significant canal-side agricultural region of Mexico City – we will taste our way through the area’s vibrant market, trying a range of pre-Columbian foods while learning about the local products grown in the area. Then, by private boat, we will visit the district’s ancient farms and meet the farmers upholding Xochimilco’s unique traditions.

ABOUT

Mexico City may be a sprawling metropolis of 21 million, but on its edge is an oasis of green unlike any other in the world. Known as Xochimilco, it is the last part of the city that preserves an ancient system of canals and farms first built by the ancient Toltecs when the area was on the edge of a long-gone lake.

On this Xochimilco tour, we’ll explore how this UNESCO heritage site remains relevant to modern Mexico City — as a place for a pleasure cruise to some and a vital agricultural resource to others. We’ll learn more about its culture and food and meet the people who maintain its one-of-a-kind agricultural system, called chinampas, which are island plots of farmland between the canals.

Our day-long tour starts with coffee and pastries in central Mexico City, before departing by private van for Xochimilco where our first stop will be the vast market of the area. We’ll try different pre-Columbian dishes such as tlacoyos (oval-shaped corn-meal patties filled with fava beans, cheese, refried beans, spinach, potatoes and more) handmade by local women who set up shop every morning at one of the aisles; banana leaf-wrapped tamales – the best of the city – made by Don Lupe and his wife, an older couple native to the area; and chileatole, an ancient drink made with corn, herbs and peppers. As we explore the market we’ll learn more about the different kinds of produce that are grown locally – often organically – on the chinampas, some of which may have just come from the local farms.

We’ll then track those local products back to their source as we ride our own trajinera – a festively-decorated flat-bottom boat used by locals to traverse the canals – through part of the ecological reserve that is particularly rich in flora and fauna. As the boat glides through the canals that connect the chinampas, we’ll have an onboard tasting of seasonal products fresh from the market. Along the way, we’ll stop at a couple of working chinampas to meet the farmers and find out more about the distinctive local way of life and his work, which represents a direct link to pre-Colonial times. At one chinampa, we’ll gather our own fresh greens and assemble a salad back on the boat as we cruise back to shore. After docking, we’ll return to central Mexico City by private van.

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DETAILS

  • Group size: 4-6
  • 7 hours
  • Everyday 9:30am
  • Hagamos Composta - Café Comunitario
  • Culinary Backstreets
    Price: Adults x $150

Dietary

Can accommodate seafood-free, diary-free and gluten-free diets. Can accommodate vegans but some bites will be missed. Pork is served, but can be substituted.

Mobility

Easy terrain but not stroller-friendly. Children welcome.
REVIEWS
This is one of the best food tours we have experienced. Our tour guide was fantastic.... Read more Read less
Very knowledgeable and personable guide.... Read more Read less
My second time on a Culinary Backstreets Food tour and I was extremely pleased again!... Read more Read less
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How are you dealing with COVID-19 risk on your walks? We have reinforced our commitment to safety with new guidelines to assure maximum safety of our guests on our walks in terms of social distancing and hygiene while maintaining the quality of the experience. For more details on our precautions, read here. Our routes have been altered during this period of time to ensure the safety of our guests, guides and community. Our cancellation policy is extremely flexible to deal with changes in travel plans.
What are the current travel restrictions or requirements in Mexico? You can read the full travel regulations by location for Mexico here. There are currently no travel restrictions in Mexico. Our cancellation policy is extremely flexible to deal with changes in travel plans. Please contact us for specific questions on travel restrictions.
Am I going to get sick from eating Mexican food? Mild discomfort is common for people who aren’t used to eating Mexican spices. However, all the food stops on each of our tours have been personally tested by our founders, as well as each of our guides. We stand by their quality and cleanliness and would never include them if there was any doubt.
Can you pick me up from my hotel? How will I return once the tour is over? Our tour prices don’t include transportation to and from the meeting point, but it does to the town of Xochimilio. If you book a tour, you’re responsible for arriving to the pre-arranged meeting spot on your own. If you book a private tour, we can arrange for the transportation to leave from your hotel. Once the tour is over, we will help you get an authorized, safe taxi to your hotel from the original meeting point, or provide directions on public transportation, if you’re interested in that.
Is English spoken? All of our walks are conducted in English unless otherwise specified. Our guides are locals who speak fluent English.
Can vegetarians or vegans take this tour? This tour can definitely accommodate vegetarians and pescatarians and we will do our best to accommodate vegans, though they will have to skip some stops. Please do mention all dietary restrictions in your booking.
Are your walks suitable for people with food allergies? This can vary based on a number of factors, including the food item in question. Please email us at walks@culinarybackstreets.com to discuss your situation before booking. The Xochimilco culinary acitivty works for anyone with cheese, nut and wheat allergies. It is also the best route for participants who have do not eat fish or seafood.
What should I wear? Comfortable, closed-toed shoes (no flip-flops please), pants, and shirts in layers — it can be cooler in the morning and warmer in the afternoon. Please bring an umbrella if you’re traveling in Mexico City’s rainy season, from June-September.
How much walking is involved? This is a full day including comfortable transportation to and from Xochimilco and a boat ride along with walking around this historic town. The walk is on fairly flat and easy terrain but the sidewalks are not always easy or stroller-friendly.
How much food will I get to try? This is really up to you. We generally taste around a dozen items on each tour, but the price includes as much food as you’re open to trying. We offer a suggested portion size at each stop and you can take our recommendation if you’d like. Our goal is to have you end the tour pleasantly stuffed, not so full you can barely walk. That said, everyone’s appetite is different and we welcome all varieties!
What if it rains? Our tours are conducted rain or shine.
Can I bring my children on this tour? Of course! We offer a 50% discount to children ages 12 and under, and we charge $25 for children 6 and younger.
What is your cancellation policy? 90% will be refunded if given 1 week notice prior to walk and 50% will be refunded if given 72 hours notice or more. Less than 72 hours is non-refundable.

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Guests

Adults
Age 13+
Children
Ages 7-12
Children
Ages 6 & under
The City Green: Exploring the Urban Eco-Reserve of Xochimilco
Adults x $150
Total
Fee includes everything consumed on the walk.
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