Imagine enjoying the sunrise surrounded by an almost surreal silence, where the only sound interrupting the calm is the song of the birds and the gentle murmur of the water.
This magical and natural place is called Xochimilco, an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, located in the southeast of Mexico City. Xochimilco means “Milpa of flowers” in Nahuatl.
Discover the hidden charm of Xochimilco. Known for its canals and colorful trajineras, this place has a rich history to tell, and unique experiences to offer. I´ll be my pleasure to be your guide at this journey and help you live an unforgettable adventure away from the noise.
I will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Xochimilco dock, where a specialized guide will be waiting for you before dawn. We will board a trajinera and explore a site of Xochimilco that very few people know.
During our relaxing journey through the canals, you will learn about the local flora and fauna, including the axolotls, an endangered species due to their extraordinary abilities. You will also discover the importance of this place for agriculture, amidst the chaotic Mexico City.
Additionally, we will have the opportunity to explore the “Chinampas,” artificial floating islands that pre-Hispanic inhabitants built to grow food. These islands are a living testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the ancient Mexicans.
Upon arriving at the Chinampa, a healthy breakfast made from the day’s harvest will await you. The hosts will welcome you and take you through the crops, explaining the process, seasons, and timelines for harvesting each product.
You will enjoy the fresh air and the surrounding nature, and to conclude this journey, during the return trip, you will be able to listen to pre-Hispanic songs performed by the same guide.
If you wish to deepen your connection to agriculture, farmers, and the city, my recommendation for you is to visit restaurants that promote sustainable harvesting and support local ecosystems. It is a delightful experience to sit at a Michelin-starred restaurant and be aware that the food comes from the Chinampas you have visited.
In the afternoon, you can take another trajinera and have more fun in the canals. You can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy during the ride. You will encounter other trajineras selling Mexican food and Mariachis playing traditional music, creating a festive and authentic atmosphere.
Do not forget to visit the Mexican crafts shops and the flower market, this are perfect places to enjoy the local culture. The crafts have a unique and authentic touch, with vibrant colors and details that reflect the country’s rich tradition, and the flower markets, full of scents and colors, are perfect for enjoying the natural beauty and the warmth of the atmosphere.
This experience will allow you to connect with nature, culture, and Mexican tradition in a unique and memorable way.
Melissa Oteo is a member of Les Clefs d’Or Mexico. This article has been published in its original form.
South America Culture History Food Gastronomy Activity Hyatt Regency Mexico City Mexico City
My career in hospitality began in 2013 when I joined the reception team at Hyatt Regency Mexico City. Since then, this hotel has been my second home, a place where I have grown and learned for more than 11 years. My professional journey took an unexpected turn when I was offered the opportunity to temporarily cover the position of concierge. However, what my bosses didn’t know was that I would fall deeply in love with being a concierge. In 2015, I officially began as a concierge, and since then, I have dedicated my career to providing unique and personalized experiences for our guests. From 2020 to 2023, I had the opportunity to serve as Deputy Director of the Mexico City Concierge Association. In 2022, I fulfilled my dream of obtaining Les Clefs d'Or, a recognition that represents excellence in concierge service. Throughout this journey, I have discovered that being a concierge is not just a profession, but a way of life. The need to make our guests’, families’, and friends’ dreams come true becomes a passion that drives us to go above and beyond. It is a gift that all concierges possess.
Hyatt Regency Mexico City is situated in the exclusive and vibrant Polanco neighborhood, close to the city’s main financial district with 755 rooms and suites.
Authentic experiences that connect the avant-garde and tradition in spaces with a contemporary aesthetic are the essence of Hyatt Regency Mexico City, a world-class emblem that redefines hospitality in the heart of the capital’s Polanco district.
The interior design reflects quality with a palette of neutral tones in combinations that emphasize serenity and calm, offering the chance to pause amid the dynamism of the city. The room layout, together with the minimalist and functional furnishings, aim to offer a sense of spaciousness, while the wood, marble, and stone textures provide an accent of timeless sophistication.
The hotel, an architectural emblem of Mexico City, writes a new chapter with updated rooms offering a serene and timeless allure. The culinary experience is boosted with the arrival of Miriam Moriyama, Japanese Specialty Chef for Yoshimi and Teppan Grill, Hyatt Regency Mexico City also presents itself as a landmark for exceptional culinary experiences with Yoshimi, Teppan Grill, Rulfo, and the Amado pâtisserie, all reference points for lovers of good food.
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