In short
- Vendor boats pull up to sell tacos, elotes, and micheladas.
- Mariachi bands charge roughly 300 MXN per song.
- Bring small peso bills to pay the floating merchants.
In this article
Buying food and entertainment directly from the water is a core part of the Xochimilco experience. Small canoes will approach your boat offering everything from fresh snacks to live acoustic performances.
How do you buy food from Xochimilco floating vendors?
Vendors in small canoes paddle alongside your trajinera and latch onto your boat while you order.
These merchants sell popular street foods like elotes, tacos, and micheladas. They cook and serve the food directly from their boats. Once you finish your transaction, they detach and move to the next trajinera.
How much do mariachi songs cost in Xochimilco?
Mariachi bands charge approximately 300 MXN per song.
You pay the musicians directly for each song they play. They will attach their boat to yours and perform the songs you request. Negotiate the total number of songs and the final price before they begin playing.
What types of music can you hire on the boats?
You can hire floating mariachi bands and norteño groups.
Live acoustic music is encouraged on the canals. However, large speakers and loud amplified music are strictly prohibited. The acoustic bands float through the main routes, making it easy to hail them down.
Can you bring your own food and alcohol to Xochimilco?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks at no extra access charge.
Many groups pack coolers with picnic food and personal beverages. If you bring alcohol, strict limits apply. You may only bring three beers per adult or one 1-liter bottle of hard liquor per boat.
How should you pay the vendors?
You must pay in cash using Mexican pesos.
Card machines are not available on the water. Bring small denominations of pesos to make it easier for vendors to provide change. You will also need small bills for the public restrooms at the docks.
When are the vendors and musicians most active?
Vendors and mariachi bands are most active during weekend afternoons.
Saturdays and Sundays offer a lively party atmosphere with the highest concentration of floating merchants. If you visit on a weekday morning for a calm nature ride, you will see far fewer food and music boats.
Questions travellers ask
Can I play my own music on the boat?
You can play acoustic music, but loud amplified music and large speakers are strictly prohibited on the trajineras.
Are the food vendors available on all routes?
Most food and music vendors stay near the traditional tourist piers and main canals. The quieter ecological routes near Cuemanco have fewer vendors.
How do you flag down a mariachi band?
You can wave to passing mariachi boats or ask your trajinera driver to steer toward a band and hail them for you.
