Xochimilco, Coyoacán and Frida Kahlo Guided Tour

Language: English, Spanish

Duration: From 9 hours to 10 hours

Tour Highlights

- Take a punt down the tranquil canals of Xochimilco.
- Explore the vast university campus of Mexico's National Autonomous University.
- Immerse yourself in Coyoacán's bohemian atmosphere.
- Enter the magical world of Frida Kahlo, one of Mexico's most passionate artists.

Tour Overview

This is one of our most colorful tours, not only because of the famous "Casa Azul" and seeing some of Frida Kahlo's works, but also because of the magnificent architecture of the university, the landscape, and picturesque colonial Coyoacán, and the colors of Xochimilco – the name says it all... "place of flowers."

The first stop will be in Coyoacán, which means "place of coyotes" in Nahuatl. This location's history dates back to pre-Hispanic times. The first Mesoamerican highland community centers were established in this area, and for more than 2,500 years, this place has been changing and evolving, either due to natural causes such as volcanic eruptions or human intervention as the urban area has grown. Hernán Cortés planned his war strategy for the conquest of the Aztecs here, and Coyoacán became one of the first colonial settlements, retaining its style as well as the atmosphere that has characterized and distinguished it from the city center for years. For all of this and more, Coyoacán has been the location of choice and inspiration for many local artists and foreigners who have lived here, making it no surprise that Coyoacán is considered Mexico City's cultural heart. It has held this position in the past, and it continues to be one of Mexico's most productive neighborhoods for cultural and intellectual development. The National Arts Center, the National School of Music, the National School of Restoration, and the Ciudad Universitaria, UNAM are all located here (National Autonomous University of Mexico).

UNAM will undoubtedly be one of our tour's stops. Their first structures were constructed in the 1950s by a variety of design architects and Mexican artists including Diego Rivera, Juan O'Gorman, Siqueiros, Mario Pani, and many others. The entire university space was created to be authentic, harmonious, and functional. UNESCO designated it as a human cultural heritage site in 2007.

Later in the tour, you will travel to Jardn Hidalgo, the center of Coyoacán, where you will walk around while the guide tells you about the history of its streets and buildings, where you will encounter various characters, food stands, and activities typical of Mexico. The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as "La Casa Azul," is the last place to visit in Coyoacán (the Blue House). You will have about an hour to immerse yourself in Frida's world through her paintings and personal belongings.

You will continue your journey to the south of the city to one of Frida Kahlo's favorite places, Xochimilco, which means "the place of flowers" in Nahuatl. The story begins many years ago in ancient Mexico, where you can still see the prehispanic landscape of Mexico's valley, which was originally a lake rather than a valley. It's difficult to believe that this massive city was once a massive lake. What's left of it can still be seen in Xochimilco.

This is now a popular destination for both DF residents and tourists, foreigners, and nationals. Traveling in a punt (a type of boat) through the typical channels surrounded by the famous chinampas, also known as floating gardens. The chinampas are an agricultural system that was developed over a thousand years ago to take advantage of the lake as a natural irrigation system.

During your punt ride, you can sample a variety of dishes and drinks, including mole, mixiotes, roasted corn, quesadillas, tacos, barbecue, carnitas, pulque, micheladas, and much more. The journey will also be accompanied by live Mexican mariachi music, marimbas, northerner trios, Huapangueros, or a recorder, encouraging families to come here for birthdays, baptisms, weddings, or simply having fun.

Included

-Round transfer from meeting point
- Certified bilingual guide
- Entry to the Frida Kahlo Museum
- Trajinera

Not Included

-Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Food and drinks

Reduced Price

-Children (age 3-11)
- Infants (age 0-2): Free

Meeting Point

The meeting points for this tour can be any of the following: the Lunario sculpture of the National Auditorium at 7.50am, Hotel NH Reforma Collection (Calle Liverpool #155 Col. Juarez, Mexico City) at 8.20am, or the back of the Fine Arts Palace at 8.50am.

When

Please refer to the calendar for updated starting times and availability.

Booking Fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Cancellation Policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.