In short
- The journey takes 4 to 5 hours round-trip from the main piers.
- Official boat rentals cost 750 MXN per hour per boat in 2026.
- Short 1 or 2-hour tours often visit unauthentic replica islands near the docks.
In this article
- How long is the boat ride to the Island of the Dolls?
- How much does it cost to go to the Island of the Dolls?
- Do standard Xochimilco tours visit the Island of the Dolls?
- How do I hire a boat to the authentic island?
- Why are there dolls on the island?
- How do you get to the Xochimilco piers from Mexico City?
The Island of the Dolls (Isla de las Muñecas) is an eerie agricultural island draped in decaying dolls. It sits deep inside the Xochimilco canal network. Reaching it takes specific planning, as it is located far from the main tourist launch points.
How long is the boat ride to the Island of the Dolls?
The boat ride takes between 4 and 5 hours round-trip from the main Xochimilco piers.
You must negotiate this specific route with your boat driver before boarding. The authentic island is deep in the ecological reserve. Because trajineras move slowly, you cannot reach it on a standard tourist route.
How much does it cost to go to the Island of the Dolls?
A 4 to 5-hour trip costs between 3,000 and 3,750 MXN per boat based on official 2026 rates.
The official government rate is 750 MXN per hour per boat. This price covers the entire boat, which holds up to 18 passengers. The cost is never per person. You must pay the hourly rate for the full 4 or 5 hours required to complete the journey.
Do standard Xochimilco tours visit the Island of the Dolls?
No, standard 1 to 2-hour tours do not visit the authentic Island of the Dolls.
Many short tours claim to show you the island. Instead, they take you to fake replica islands set up near the main docks. To see the actual historic site, you must book a longer excursion or explicitly hire a boat for 5 hours.
How do I hire a boat to the authentic island?
You can hire a trajinera at any of the 11 official tourist piers, such as Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas or Cuemanco.
Walk directly to the official ticket booths at the pier. Tell the dispatcher you want to go to the real Isla de las Muñecas. Confirm the total travel time and final price before you get on the boat. Bring cash in small denominations to pay the driver.
Why are there dolls on the island?
A former resident placed the decaying dolls around the island to appease the spirit of a drowned girl.
The island is actually a chinampa, which is an ancient Aztec man-made agricultural island. The dolls hang from trees and structures across the property. It remains one of the most peculiar landmarks in the Xochimilco canal network.
How do you get to the Xochimilco piers from Mexico City?
You can take an Uber directly to a pier, or ride the Metro and Tren Ligero.
A ride-share app or taxi takes 45 to 90 minutes and costs 150 to 350 MXN one way. Alternatively, take Metro Line 2 south to Tasqueña, then transfer to the Tren Ligero to the Xochimilco station. This public transit route takes 60 to 90 minutes and costs 8 MXN.
Questions travellers ask
What is a chinampa?
A chinampa is an ancient Aztec agricultural system of man-made islands. Locals still use them today to grow flowers, vegetables, and plants along the Xochimilco canals.
How many people fit on a trajinera?
A single trajinera boat holds a maximum capacity of 18 passengers. This limit is strictly enforced.
Can you eat on the trajineras in Xochimilco?
Yes. You can bring your own snacks and picnic food onto the boats at no extra charge. Floating vendor boats also sell food along the canals.
