Culture

Teotihuacan and Xochimilco: The Two Classic Day Trips

How to plan the two classic Mexico City day trips from Roma Norte: the pyramids at Teotihuacan and the trajineras of Xochimilco.

Pick one per day

Teotihuacan and Xochimilco sit on opposite ends of the city. Doing both in one stay is easy; doing both in one day is a forced march. Pyramids reward an early morning. Trajineras reward an afternoon with space to relax.

Teotihuacan: go early

The archaeological site opens at 8:00 AM, with last access before closing in the late afternoon. The light, heat, and crowds all argue for going early. Get there by tour, private driver, or rideshare; bring a hat, water, and sunscreen because there is very little shade.

Xochimilco: the trajinera afternoon

Xochimilco is a floating party on weekend afternoons and a calm canal ride on weekday mornings. Boats charge by the boat per hour, not per person, so a group makes it cheaper. Bring drinks and snacks or buy from the vendor boats that pull alongside.

Which one, if you must choose

First visit and interested in ancient Mexico: Teotihuacan. Traveling as a group that wants a long lunch on the water: Xochimilco. Either way, keep dinner flexible that night.

Places in this guide

  1. Zona Arqueologica de Teotihuacan

    The pyramids of the Sun and Moon and the Calzada de los Muertos, an hour northeast of the city.

    Address: 55800 San Juan Teotihuacan, Estado de Mexico

    Hours: Open daily 8:00 AM-5:00 PM; last access listed at 4:30 PM.

    Cost: $105 MXN national/resident; $210 MXN foreign visitor.

    Roma Set note: Book a driver or small tour the day before and be back in Roma for a late lunch - that is the whole trick.

    Open map

  2. Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas, Xochimilco

    One of the main official docks for hiring a trajinera on the Xochimilco canals.

    Address: Antiguo Canal Cuemanco 777, San Jeronimo, Xochimilco, 16420 Ciudad de Mexico, CDMX

    Hours: Daytime operation; confirm hours at the dock before going.

    Cost: $750 MXN per trajinera per hour; per boat, not per person.

    Roma Set note: Confirm the posted rate and the number of hours before boarding, and everything after that is easy.

    Open map

Frequently asked questions

Should I book a tour or go independently to Teotihuacan?

Both work. A tour or driver is easiest from Roma Norte. Independent travelers should go early and leave margin for traffic on the way back.

How much does a trajinera cost?

The useful rule is that the rate is per boat per hour, not per person. Confirm the current posted price and number of hours before boarding.

Can I do Teotihuacan and Xochimilco in one day?

Technically, but they are on opposite ends of the city and each deserves its half day. Split them across two days if you can.

Stay nearby

The Roma Set homes keep you close to Roma Norte, Condesa, cafes, parks, restaurants, and easy rides across Mexico City.

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