Xoximilco By Xcaret

Have you heard of Xoximilco in Cancun ? Yes, in the heart of Riviera Maya.

Picture this: you, surrounded by lively music, traditional dances, and the aroma of delicious food. With your family or friends, you'll cruise the canals on a colorful trajinera, just like in Mexico City's Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Welcome to Xoximilco Cancún, where the Mexican party comes to life in a unique celebration.

What is Xoximilco

Xoximilco is a unique cultural attraction that pays homage to the original Xochimilco, renowned for its picturesque canals and colorful trajineras. Both kids and adults can enjoy an on-boat party, led by a host assigned to your group. The idea behind is to have fun, like the Mexicans do, enjoy Mexican music, and eat delicious Mexican food.

The trajineras, which look like a Mexican version of the Venetian gondolas, are named after Mexico’s states and Mexican traditions. They have a capacity for 20 people, so you can plan a party with as many friends or family members as you wish. If you are more, you can simply rent two trajineras. The gondola-like boats will take you on a tour through specially designed canals.

You will need to arrive at 7 pm to begin the boarding that closes at 8:30 pm. During that time you will get your bracelet and get to know the name of your trajinera, you can also play some traditional games, buy souvenirs and handicrafts, or simply start the party and dance to live music. Then you can board your trajinera and enjoy the party that will end at 11 pm.

What can you expect in Xoximilco Cancun?

Well, the incredible Mexican music! You’ve surely heard about Mariachis, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, but what about banda, ranchero, marimba, jarana, and norteño music? You’re bound to fall in love with these rhythms and listen to them later on back at home. Your host will also make you play some traditional games, and tell jokes and witty stories.

Have I already mentioned that there will be internationally famous delicious Mexican food, tequila, and beer open bar? Yes, you will taste a selection of snacks, drinks, and sauces from different Mexican regions, 30 to be exact. The food will be placed on a table and there is enough for everyone, even if you want to try some more than once.

I can especially recommend esquites, corn in a cup with lemon, mayo, and chile and chicharrón, a fried pork belly. Yes, it might sound strange, but it’s really delicious especially if you dip it in one of the Mexican sauces available. You should also get ceviche, raw marinated seafood, and if you’re brave, chapulines, fried grasshoppers seasoned with chili powder, lime, garlic, and onions. Charales are also not a typical snack in Western culture, so they might catch your attention; they’re dried little fish from Michoacan.

If your culinary taste is more traditional, get ready for the most delicious guacamoles, nachos, and an array of cheese .

Don’t get too full, as a selection of desserts comes after the main dishes! Try Glorias, a combination of milk, pine nuts, unrefined sugar, cinnamon, nuts, and some other ingredients wrapped in red cellophane. Sevillanas, two wafers separated by sweet condensed milk with caramel, are also delicious. There will also be plenty of coconuts-based candies, known as cocadas.

If you don’t fancy alcoholic drinks, don’t fret. Mexico is famous for its natural and refreshing fruit-based drinks known as aguas frescas, and you will have plenty during the part. Horchata and jamaica (hibiscus) are a must but if you prefer more traditional flavors, go for the lime one.

If you wish for a special menu for kids, or a vegetarian or vegan option, request it at the main office after receiving your bracelet.

Xoximilco Cultural Heritage

Steeped in history and tradition, Xoximilco is more than just a leisurely boat ride—it's a living testament to Mexico's rich cultural legacy. You’ve heard about music, games and food, but every trajinera is a homage to Mexican traditions.

My absolute favorite is the Vida y Muerte, which refers to Mexico’s most famous celebration: the Day of the Dead. You must have seen Coco so you know what I’m talking about. This trajinera has a figure of Catrina, and marigold flowers that always decorate the altars during the Day of the Dead.

If you come with kids, they will love the Queretaro gondola, as it features rag dolls, typical of the region. The dolls have traditional clothes, ribbons, and braids and they were declared Cultural Heritage of the State of Queretaro. Just be careful, your kids might ask you to buy them a doll like this in the souvenir shop.

Children will also absolutely adore the Oaxaca trajinera, decorated with alebrijes, colorful creatures that are mixes of different animals and are considered spiritual guides. Obviously, you can also buy some at the shops located in the park.

Are you religious? The trajinera dedicated to Mexico City proudly displays the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the Virgin that according to tradition appeared to the humble Juan Diego in 1531.

I also love La Luxa, the trajinera that pays homage to Mexican wrestling, lucha libre. The masked Mexican wrestlers are often considered national heroes, and the first wrestling matches date back to the 19th century!

How to Get to Xoximilco

First of all, don’t worry too much. There is roundtrip transportation from your hotel available at an additional cost while purchasing your tickets online. As there are alcoholic drinks available, this is the most comfortable and safest option to get to Xoximilco Park and back to your hotel. You can also get a taxi from your hotel.

However, if you prefer to drive, it’s very straightforward. Xoximilco is located approximately 4 miles south of the Cancun International Airport. Depending on your starting point in Cancun, you can get to the park in the range of 10 to 30 minutes.

From Playa del Carmen , it’s approximately a 50-minute drive to cover 30 miles, while from Tulum, 70 miles away from the park, expect a journey of about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Practical Information

Admission to Xoximilco costs $109.99 USD for adults and $82.49 USD for kids between 5 and 11 years old. Younger kids are not allowed for safety reasons. Same as in other parks, an early booking gets you a discount price. If you buy your tickets more than 7 days in advance the prices will drop to $98.99 USD for adults and $74.24 USD for kids.

A 15% discount is given when you purchase your admission tickets more than 21 days in advance or combine two or more parks.

You can also get a Xoximilco Photo Pass to take home all the high-definition pictures you want to remember your iconic Mexican party . The pass costs $34.99 USD per boat and the photos will be ready 24 hours after your visit. You will have 30 days to download your photos or share them directly on your social media. If you forgot to add your photo pass while booking your tickets, you can also do it upon your arrival at Xoximilco.

Ready for the Mexican Party of your Life?

Xoximilco Cancún offers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience that invites you to explore the vibrant cultural heritage of Mexico. Every moment spent at Xoximilco is full of magic and the essence of Mexican tradition and hospitality. Plan your visit today (why not?), enjoy the discounts and embark on a journey through the heart and soul of Mexico at Xoximilco Cancún.

Book your tickets now and prepare to embark on a cultural adventure like no other. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or among friends, Xoximilco Cancún promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you with cherished memories to last a lifetime. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of Mexico at Xoximilco Cancún!