On this free walking tour of Xochimilco, you'll dive into Oaxaca's oldest neighborhood to discover its fascinating Aztec history, vibrant urban art murals, and deeply rooted artisan traditions. A must-do tour with a local guide!
Visitar Xochimilco, el barrio más antiguo de Oaxaca
We'll meet at Plaza Cruz de Piedra to begin our free walking tour of Xochimilco, an iconic area founded in the 15th century during the Aztec occupation. Despite being very close to the hustle and bustle of the historic center, this district will immediately charm you with its traditional village atmosphere, where time seems to stand still.
First, we'll begin our walk by admiring a true gem of colonial engineering: the famous Aqueduct Arcos de Xochimilco, built by Dominican priests in the 17th century to supply the city with water from the mountains. You'll see how its imposing arches of green quarry stone blend seamlessly with the facades of the picturesque colonial houses.
Our tour will continue by immersing ourselves in the living heritage of the neighborhood. We'll visit a traditional pedal loom workshop, where local artisans keep Oaxaca's rich textile heritage alive.
After learning the secrets of the threads and traditional designs, we'll visit a chocolate shop. Here, the owners have combined an ancient pre-Hispanic recipe with a secret family formula to create exquisite, artisanal, vegan chocolate bars. Your mouth will water when you taste them!
The tour will also take us to the local church and its cemetery, spaces that become the epicenter of social and spiritual life during vibrant celebrations like Day of the Dead and the famous Muerteadas. We'll also stroll through colorful streets to admire striking urban art murals that rival those of the neighboring Jalatlaco district in beauty and creativity.
Before we finish, we'll pass by some of the neighborhood's historic cantinas to reminisce about the most curious anecdotes of the popular figures who shaped the area's social life.
After 2 hours, we'll conclude our free tour in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage district.
Group Size
This free tour does not allow groups of over 6 people, even if they book separately.