Overall, the experience is divided into two central moments; a shopping expedition in the markets and a cooking class on a boat trip through Xocmilco’s stunning floating gardens (Chinampas).
The journey
We offer a pick-up service from Condesa to downtown Xochimilco. The pick-up is often scheduled at 9:oo am. Upon your arrival at Dalia Restaurant, I welcome you with a hot traditional coffee and toast. It is worth mentioning that Dalia Restaurant is also a women’s cultural collective selling artisanal products.
The markets
We will go through the iconic hustle and bustle of a Mexican market. But, this market is unique because all greens are harvested from the Chinampas. There, we’ll buy fresh cheese, vegetables, and handmade tortillas, among other ingredients, for our lunch (Tlapique).
The boat trip
We’ll ride a bike taxi from the markets to the pier Fernando Celada, one of the most important piers with access to the natural reserve, which is perfect for appreciating the landscape and its flora and fauna. We board a Trajinera (traditional colourful boat) and explore the mesmerising canals there.
The cooking class
While cruising along the canals between ancient chinampas, we’ll cook (and then eat) a local delicacy, a tamal called Tlapique. Then, wearing my traditional clothes, I’ll recount the history, symbolism, and meaning of my dressings and some regional legends, myths, and traditions.
The Sanctuary
What would it be to visit Xochimilco without knowing the Axolotl? So, before we end our journey, we will stop by an Axolotl sanctuary. Axolotls are Xochimilco’s endemic salamanders, sadly endangered, though extensively used in scientific research due to their ability to regenerate limbs, gills and brains.
Last but not least
We’ll then wrap up the experience with a ‘Toritos’ toast (fruit juice with mezcal) and finish the tour at 1h30pm at Dalai; from there, you can wait for your ride or move on to your next destination or maybe keep exploring the fantastic centre of Xochimilco.