A mezcal tasting on Xochimilco sounds like a good idea. And this one adds edible insects, plus stories and games, so it feels less like drinking and more like Mexican folklore with flavor.

I really like the unlimited artisanal mezcal on the water, including young, reposado, and even flavored options. I also like the way the guide keeps the mood playful, with music, slang, and surprise activities that make the whole ride move fast.

One thing to think about: if the idea of eating insects makes you hesitate, you’ll still be in the moment when they’re set in front of you. Let the team know about allergies or dietary limits ahead of time, since the snacks are part of the experience.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Unlimited artisanal mezcal while you sail Xochimilco’s canals on a traditional trajinera
• Edible insect surprises, from well-known types to rarer ones, served as a cultural snack
• A guide-led party vibe: games, music, and Mexican slang that keep everyone engaged
• Chinampa stop for photos, a restroom break, and time to stretch between tastings
• Full meal plus pulque tasting, so you’re not just drinking your way through Mexico

Xochimilco by Trajinera: the start of a very Mexican day

Xochimilco is one of those places where the setting does half the work for you. You’re on the canals, gliding past scenes that feel rural but sit right inside Mexico City. It’s a calm setting with music and food energy, which is a rare mix.

This tour leans into that contrast. You start with a water ride, then shift into tastings and culture, and you finish with take-home souvenirs that remind you what you actually did, not just what you drank. It’s also timed well for a 2.5-hour outing.

If you want CDMX in a more human scale than museum hopping, this is a strong choice. And if you like mezcal, it’s a chance to experience it in the place where it belongs.

Meeting at Embarcadero Las Flores (and the purple arch trick)

You’ll meet at Embarcadero Las Flores, which is a traditional spot in Xochimilco. When you arrive, look for a purple arch as your first visual cue.

The team sends a photo of the meeting point and your guide via WhatsApp or email, which helps a lot because water areas can look confusing fast. Your guide wears a badge with the MEZCALICIOUS.MX logo, so you’re not stuck guessing.

I’d show up 10 minutes early. Not because it’s a rule, but because it lets you settle, get oriented, and start tasting on time instead of waiting around with your first nervous drink jitters.

Sailing time and what each boat segment is really for

Your experience runs about 2.5 hours, with a mix of time on the canals and short stops on land. You spend real time on the trajinera—this isn’t a quick drive-by.

Early on, you’ll get guided sightseeing while you’re out on the water. That matters because Xochimilco isn’t just pretty canals. It has a living culture tied to how people use these waterways, and the guide connects that to what you’re tasting later.

Then the ride continues with a river boat segment, keeping the rhythm of the day. In practical terms, this is when you’ll be most comfortable letting the guide set the pace: you’re seated, surrounded by canal air, and focused on flavors instead of logistics.

Between water time and land time, you get the best kind of pacing for drinking. You don’t do everything in one go. You also get breaks built into the schedule for photos and restroom access.

Unlimited artisanal mezcal: how the tasting is structured

This is the headline: you taste artisanal mezcal made in different styles. The tour includes young, reposado, and some flavored versions, chosen to broaden what you think mezcal can taste like.

The key detail is that it’s unlimited during the experience. That doesn’t mean you should treat it like a contest, but it does mean you can slow down and repeat the tastings you like. If a style hits you—smoky, floral, spicy, earthy—you can return to it without feeling rushed.

And you’re not drinking with zero backup. The open bar covers beer, water, and sodas too. So if you want a breather between mezcal pours, you can take it. That makes it a lot more comfortable for a group setting.

Why I think this works: mezcal is often discussed like it’s all the same. Here, you’re nudged to notice differences while the guide explains what those differences are supposed to mean. That turns you from a passive taster into a more confident one.

The guide energy: Daniela, Odette, Alan, and the rest of the crew

What makes this kind of tour enjoyable is the host. This one has a noticeable pattern in the names people mention—Daniela, Odette, Alan/Allan, and Irlanda, plus Ruben.

What you should take from that: the guides aren’t just handing you drinks. They run games and keep the vibe social. One person is doing stories and history, another is running activities, and it feels like the group is meant to interact rather than sit quietly.

The tour also includes Mexican slang and surprise cultural moments. It’s not just for entertainment. It’s a way to get you speaking the local language faster, even if it’s just a few phrases. And slang sticks better than facts you read once and forget.

If you like tours where the guide actually sets the tempo, you’ll probably enjoy this format.

The most Mexican snack: edible insects with mezcal

Now for the part that makes people pause: surprise edible insects.

The tour doesn’t list them in advance. Instead, you’ll taste them when they’re served in front of you. That’s deliberate, and it changes the experience. You don’t overthink. You respond in the moment.

The insects are described as ranging from the most famous types to the rarest. And the guide explains how they fit into Mexican food culture, not as a novelty but as something people eat for flavor and tradition.

Here’s how I’d handle this if you’re cautious. Start with one bite, use the guide’s suggested pairing ideas, and take mezcal slowly. The point is not to prove you’re fearless. The point is to understand why this food is part of Mexico’s culinary world.

If you have a strong allergy or any dietary restriction, tell the team ahead of time. The tour includes mezcal and surprise snacks, so it’s better to get clarity before you sit down.

Games, music, and the sense of being part of the moment

This isn’t a stiff tasting room. It’s a social experience with good music and surprise games throughout.

Expect moments where you’re laughing with strangers, singing or joking along, and learning bits of how people talk in Mexico. That’s not filler. When the mood is light, people actually remember the flavors better.

The tour also includes what’s described as traditional activities and playful segments to help the group connect. For many people, that’s the difference between a “meh” food tour and one that feels worth your money.

If you want calm and quiet, this may not be your match. But if you like energy, it’s a strong fit.

Chinampa stop: photos, restroom break, and food that matters

At some point, you’ll stop at a small chinampa. This is the land break you need during a drinking-focused tour.

You’ll get space for photos, access to a restroom, and some free time to reset. There’s also an option to buy additional food or drinks, so you’re not locked into only what’s provided.

This is also where the tour shifts into food and drink beyond mezcal. You’ll have a full meal, and there’s a pulque tasting included as part of the experience.

That matters for value and comfort. If all you did was mezcal, you’d burn through the experience fast. With food and pulque in the mix, the tour becomes a full cultural outing, not just a bar hang.

There’s also a walk/class component tied to this land portion, which helps you connect the scenery to the cultural stories rather than treating the chinampa as a quick photo stop.

Souvenirs: your own mezcal cup and the little extras

You end with a take-home reminder. You’ll receive your own shot glass—a proper memento rather than a cheap pamphlet.

The tour also mentions other surprise gifts. The value here isn’t the gifts themselves. It’s that the experience ends with something tangible that makes it feel complete.

There’s also follow-up with personalized recommendations so you know what to do after you leave Xochimilco. That’s helpful in a city where planning can feel endless.

Price and value: why $27 makes sense here

At $27 per person for about 2.5 hours, this is priced like a budget-friendly party. But the real value is in the bundle.

You’re getting:

• Traditional trajinera time through Xochimilco
• Unlimited artisanal mezcal tastings in multiple styles
• Beer, soft drinks, and water
• Mexican snacks during the trip
• A full meal plus a pulque tasting
• A guided experience with culture and activities
• A souvenir shot glass

Even if you personally drink less than the “unlimited” label suggests, the structure is what makes it a smart deal. You’re not paying for one fixed pour. You’re paying for a guided cultural outing with food and drinks working together.

The only time I’d hesitate is if you’re sure you won’t want mezcal or you’re highly uncomfortable with insects. Otherwise, $27 is tough to beat for this much included.

Who should book this tour (and who should skip it)

This tour is best for you if:

• You want mezcal tasting with real guidance, not just random pours
• You enjoy social tours with games and a lively guide
• You’re curious about Mexican food culture, including the odd-but-meaningful snacks like insects
• You’d like a break from typical CDMX sightseeing

Think twice if:

• The idea of edible insects makes you feel stuck or anxious
• You only want a quiet ride and nothing interactive
• You have complex dietary needs and haven’t told the team in advance

It’s also worth knowing that it’s designed for small groups with personalized attention, and it runs in English and Spanish. If you’re traveling in a language bubble, you’ll still be supported.

Kids can participate in non-alcoholic activities, but the tasting includes mezcal and surprise snacks. If you’re bringing a younger kid, plan around that.

Should you book Xochimilco’s Wild Side with Mezcalicious?

If you want Xochimilco in a way that’s fun, cultural, and food-forward, I think this is a smart book. The biggest strengths are the mix of unlimited artisanal mezcal, the guide-led party energy, and the willingness to pair drink and food culture in a genuinely Mexican way.

The only reason to skip is fear of the insect component or a strong desire for a quiet, low-interaction outing. If that’s not you, this is one of the more memorable ways to spend a few hours in Xochimilco without turning it into an all-day commitment.

Go in with an open mind. Take small sips. Take one bite. You’ll probably be glad you did.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Embarcadero Las Flores in Xochimilco. Look for a purple arch. The guide also wears a badge with the MEZCALICIOUS.MX logo, and you’ll receive a photo of the meeting spot and your guide by WhatsApp or email.

How long does the tour last?

The experience runs about 2.5 hours.

What drinks are included?

You’ll have unlimited mezcal, plus access to beer, water, and sodas during the tour.

Do you get to taste different types of mezcal?

Yes. The tasting includes young, reposado, and some flavored mezcal versions.

Are edible insects really part of the experience?

Yes. You’ll taste surprise edible insects, and the tour does not reveal them ahead of time. They range from more famous types to rare ones.

Is there food and pulque?

You’ll get Mexican snacks throughout the trip and a full meal with a pulque tasting included.

What should I bring, and what’s not allowed?

Bring credit card, cash, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and a daypack. Not allowed are weapons or sharp objects, fireworks, and touching plants.

What happens if it rains?

The tour continues in light rain. In case of extreme weather, it will be rescheduled or refunded.

Is the tour suitable for kids?

Children can participate in non-alcoholic activities. The experience includes mezcal and surprise snacks, so it’s best to plan around the non-alcoholic parts for kids.

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