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

From$150
7 hours
Max 6 people
Mexico City, Mexico

About this activity

A visit to the market for a full tasting tour while learning about the local products grown in the Xochimilco area. Followed by a visit to the district’s ancient farms and meet the farmers upholding Xochimilco’s unique agricultural tradition. 

Highlights

  • Culinary walking tour
  • Visits Xochimilco's market
  • Visits Xochimilco's Chinampas
  • Meet the locals and taste their fresh produce

Full description

Starting in central Mexico City, before departing by private van for Xochimilco. First stop will be the vast market of the area. We’ll try different dishes such as tlacoyos, banana leaf-wrapped tamales 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 on the chinampas.

 We’ll  track those local products back to their source as we ride our own trajinera to traverse the canals. As the boat glides through the canals that connect the chinampas, we’ll have an onboard tasting of seasonal products. Along the way, we’ll stop at a couple of working chinampas to meet the farmers and find out more about the local way of life and work, which represents a direct link to pre-Colonial times. At one chinampa, we’ll gather our own fresh greens and assemble a salad on the boat as we cruise back.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour through Plaka and Anafiotika neighborhoods
  • Tastings of traditional Greek dishes and local specialties
  • Wine tasting featuring small Greek producers
  • Transportation to and from the meeting point

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour is conducted in English; proficiency is recommended.
  • Some stops may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments due to stairs and uneven terrain.
  • The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets.
  • Bring a light jacket or sweater as evenings can be cool.
  • Ensure you have a valid ID if you plan to participate in wine tasting.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

More than one week before the beginning of the activity: 90% Refund Less than one week before the beginning of the activity: 50% Refund Less than 72 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: No Refund

Reviews

Google
Erin McCaughey
Aug 2026
5.0

The tour was awesome and we highly recommend. We were expecting a larger group but were excited to show up to a private tour with Kasumi. She made the tour very personal and did an excellent job making the tour feel casual while teaching us lots of new things. She had the cultural knowledge and also mentioned that she continues to learn every time she takes a new group around. Some of the restaurants and shops we stopped at had lovely owners and workers, who were willing to teach us and share their knowledge happily. It was a good mix of foods and Kasumi made sure we were well hydrated and had plenty of time to rest on a hot day. We had a great day and we highly recommend it!

Google
Lynda Royal
Jul 2026
5.0

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Ken. He is an interested and interesting tour guide and it was a wonderful well-paced day. This was our second time doing this tour in Tokyo. No regrets, worth every cent. Culinary Backstreets Tours are the best food tours we have done everywhere in the world.

Google
Justin Markley
Jun 2026
5.0

We really enjoyed our tour with Dennis, great food and conversation! It was a great introduction to Tokyo and we really appreciated all his helpful tips for navigating the city