Mezcal meets insects on a Xochimilco boat. I love the unlimited artisanal mezcal pours and the way the guide explains what you are tasting, not just what it is. I also really enjoy the surprise edible insects part, because it is funny, bold, and very Mexico, all in one ride.

The main thing to consider is the vibe is built to be social and alcohol-forward. If you want a calm, quiet nature cruise, or you know you will not try the insects, this may not be your cup of mezcal.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Traditional trajinera ride through Xochimilco canals with guided sightseeing and good music
• Unlimited artisanal mezcal tastings, including young and reposado, plus some flavored options
• Edible insects from familiar to rare, revealed right when they land in front of you
• Games, Mexican slang, and culture on the water to keep the mood light and interactive
• Chinampa photo and restroom stop, plus a meal with pulque tasting
• Souvenir mezcal cup and surprise gifts to take home

Finding the tour at Embarcadero Las Flores (purple arch included)

Your day starts at Embarcadero Las Flores in Xochimilco. When you arrive, look for the purple arch. That is your first real clue that you are in the right place.

To make it easier, the team shares a photo of the meeting point and the guide details through WhatsApp or email. Your guide wears a badge with the MEZCALICIOUS.MX logo, so you can spot them quickly. I also suggest arriving about 10 minutes early so the group can roll out on time and you are not stressed before your first sip.

If you are coming from Mexico City proper, plan for extra time. This area has its own rhythm. The tour needs everyone present and ready before it departs.

Sailing Xochimilco on a traditional trajinera

Once you are onboard, the experience becomes a floating mix of scenery, stories, and social energy. You spend about two hours on the water as part of the broader 2.5 hour experience, riding a traditional trajinera and having guided time through Xochimilco.

Early on, you get guided sightseeing and a slower pace to get your bearings. Then there is more time on the river boat, with the focus shifting from simply looking to understanding what you are seeing and tasting. The guide keeps the vibe fun with music and lively interaction.

What I like about this format is that Xochimilco is not just a view. It feels like a moving stage where the guide can connect mealtime snacks, mezcal culture, and local traditions to the place itself. If you are visiting CDMX for the first time, it also helps break up the city routine with a totally different kind of Mexican day.

Artisanal mezcal tastings you actually learn from

This tour is built around artisanal mezcal. You will taste multiple types, including young (joven) and reposado, plus some flavored versions that are meant to surprise your palate. The guide does not treat this like a checklist. They share stories and context about the process and the culture behind mezcal so your tasting makes sense as you go.

And yes, the pours are unlimited. You also get an open bar with beer, water, and sodas. That detail matters because mezcal can sneak up on you fast. Having non-alcohol options included is a smart safety net, and it lets you reset between tastings without feeling awkward.

A good way to approach this section is to taste in small sips and pay attention to how each round changes the flavors. Because the guide is talking while you taste, you will get more out of the session than if you were just sampling in silence.

The insect tasting moment, and why it works

This is the part that makes people pause, then grin. The tour includes surprise edible insects, with options that run from the most famous to rarer picks. You do not get told ahead of time what you will be tasting. The insects are presented to you during the experience, and the guide keeps the mood upbeat.

I like how they handle it. Instead of making it feel like a dare, it is framed as a Mexican snack tradition, part of the broader cultural story. You are not meant to panic. You are meant to try, laugh, and move on.

If you are nervous, start with a simple strategy: take one bite, breathe, and treat it like a tasting course rather than a life choice. If you hate it, you can usually shift to the next mezcal sip and keep things light.

If you have any allergy or dietary restrictions, tell the team in advance. The tour notes that they work with small groups for more personalized comfort, which helps when you have limitations.

The chinampa break: photos, restroom, and pulque tasting

Halfway through the experience, you stop at a small chinampa. This is where you can catch your breath, take photos, and use the restroom. It also gives you a chance to step off the main flow for a moment, especially helpful if you are doing this in the afternoon heat or after a couple rounds of drinks.

On top of the scenery break, you get a meal and a pulque tasting included. Pulque is a great contrast to mezcal, and the pairing works because it is still very local, still tied to Mexican drinking culture, and still served in a way that feels educational, not just promotional.

You can also purchase additional food or drinks during this stop if you want to top up between sips. That option is useful because it keeps the day from feeling like an all-or-nothing alcohol plan.

Games, slang, and the social side of CDMX

A lot of Xochimilco tours focus on scenery. This one adds structured fun so you are not just watching your surroundings. Throughout the trip, you get surprise games, traditional activities, and chances to learn some Mexican slang.

In plain terms, the guide’s job is to keep energy high and the group engaged. The experience is designed for people to connect and toast like Mexicans do, with a happy, open mood. I especially appreciate that the guide uses interaction as the glue. It turns a boat ride into something you will remember because you took part in it, not just because you photographed it.

The guide names that show up again and again in this kind of hosting style include Odette, Daniela, Irlanda, Ruben, and Alan. Whoever is on your day, you should expect a host who talks, jokes, and leads the games, instead of one who simply recites facts.

What to expect at the stops, in real time

Here is how the flow feels in practice, step by step:

1) You meet at Embarcadero Las Flores, find the purple arch, and link up with the guide.

2) You head into Xochimilco for guided sightseeing. This is where you get context and start feeling like you are part of the place.

3) You spend additional time on the river boat, with the atmosphere staying lively.

4) There is a photo stop and some free time, plus a bit of shopping time if you want it.

5) Back in Xochimilco, you get more guided time, including walking and a class component, which gives the experience another layer beyond drinking and eating.

6) You return to MEZCALICIOUS.MX to wrap up.

One small consideration: because there is guided time and a bit of walking involved, wear comfortable clothes. Also, keep your phone handy for photos, but do not feel like you need to document everything. The best moments are the ones you are tasting and laughing through.

What is included, and what you are really paying for

The price is $27 per person for about 2.5 hours. That sounds like a bargain, but the value comes from what is bundled together.

You get:

• A comfortable traditional trajinera ride through Xochimilco
• Unlimited tasting of artisanal mezcal
• Surprise insect snacks
• A local guide with stories, culture, and good vibes
• Open bar with beer, water, and soft drinks
• A stop at a chinampa for photos and a restroom break
• Surprise games and activities
• A souvenir: your own mezcal cup plus other surprise gifts
• A full meal and pulque tasting included

So your money covers transportation on the water, the guide, the tastings, the food, and the entertainment. If you compare that to piecing together a mezcal tasting plus a canal boat plus food and drinks separately, it is the kind of deal that only works because it is packaged tightly.

The one situation where it might not feel like value is if you are not interested in alcohol and insects at all. Then you could be better off with a quieter Xochimilco boat tour or a different food focused plan.

Comfort tips so the day stays fun

This tour is built for taste, movement, and a little outdoor time. Pack like you are spending an afternoon outside, not like you are going to a museum.

Bring:

• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes
• A daypack
• Cash
• A credit card

You might also want a small towel or extra water if you get warm easily, even though water is included.

Not allowed:

• Weapons or sharp objects
• Fireworks
• Touching plants

Weather note: the tour continues in light rain. If extreme weather hits, it is rescheduled or refunded. Plan your clothing so you can handle a quick drizzle without ruining the day.

Who should book Xochimilco’s Wild Side

This is a great match if you:

• Want a fun social activity rather than a quiet observation day
• Like trying new flavors and you are curious about mezcal
• Are open to edible insects as part of a cultural snack tradition
• Prefer a tour with a guide who keeps things interactive, including games and slang

It is not a great match if you:

• Cannot handle alcohol tastings and the included unlimited mezcal
• Strongly dislike insects or know you will not try them
• Are looking for a low energy, low talking experience

Wheelchair access is listed as available, which is a helpful point if you need that option.

Should you book it or skip it?

I would book Xochimilco’s Wild Side if you want a CDMX day that mixes place, food, and people in one smooth package. The big wins are the unlimited artisanal mezcal with guide-led stories, and the fact that the insect tasting is handled as part of the culture, not as a gimmick.

If you are on the fence, ask yourself one question: are you the type of person who can laugh, try something unexpected, and toast while someone explains why it matters? If yes, this is an easy yes at this price. If no, you will probably be happier with a calmer Xochimilco boat option and a separate food plan that fits your comfort level.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Embarcadero Las Flores in Xochimilco. Look for a purple arch. Your guide also wears a badge with the MEZCALICIOUS.MX logo.

How long is the tour?

The experience lasts about 2.5 hours.

What is included in the drinks?

You get unlimited artisanal mezcal, plus beer, water, and sodas during the tour.

Do you really taste insects?

Yes. The tour includes surprise edible insects as part of the experience.

What types of mezcal are included?

You taste artisanal mezcal types such as young (joven) and reposado, and there may also be flavored versions.

Is there a restroom stop?

Yes. You stop at a small chinampa where you can take photos and use the restroom.

What food is included?

A full meal is included, and there are Mexican snacks throughout the trip. Pulque tasting is also included.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide is available in English and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring a credit card, cash, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and a daypack.

What happens if it rains?

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