Private Tequila Craft Beer Tasting – Mexico City Floating Gardens

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Mexico City’s vibrant culture and flavors, a private tasting tour on the floating gardens might just be the highlight of your trip. This experience combines a scenic boat ride through Xochimilco’s iconic floating gardens with a curated tasting session of some of Mexico’s most beloved spirits and beverages.

What makes this tour truly stand out are two things: first, the chance to glide through what’s essentially an open-air museum of colorful trajineras and lush waterways, and second, the personalized tasting led by a knowledgeable brewmaster and sommelier. It’s not your typical bar crawl—here, you combine stunning scenery with deep dives into Mexico’s drink culture.

However, a potential consideration is the duration—around three hours—so it’s best suited for those who want a relaxed, immersive experience rather than a quick tasting. Also, while it’s generally accessible and family-friendly (service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate), it’s primarily geared toward adults who enjoy spirits or craft beers. This experience is ideal if you’re seeking something different from the usual city tours and want to add a flavorful, scenic twist to your Mexico City visit.

Key Points

• Scenic boat ride through UNESCO-listed Xochimilco provides a relaxing and colorful backdrop.
• Your guide is both friendly and knowledgeable, explaining the cultural significance of each beverage.
• A curated selection of Mexican spirits and drinks includes tequila, mezcal, pulque, tepache, and craft beers.
• Private tour allows for a personalized experience tailored to your tastes.
• The experience lasts about three hours – perfect for a relaxed afternoon outing.
• Booking is typically made 16 days in advance, so plan ahead if you want to secure this experience.

A Unique Journey through Mexico’s Flavors and Scenery

We loved the way this tour thoughtfully combines the visual feast of Xochimilco’s floating gardens with the sensory pleasure of tasting Mexico’s diverse libations. As you glide through the canals on a traditional trajinera, you’re surrounded by vibrant colors, lively music, and the peaceful sound of water—an environment that instantly lifts your mood. It’s like stepping into a postcard, but with the added bonus of having expert guides walk you through the drinks and their cultural roots.

This isn’t just about drinking; it’s about understanding why these beverages matter. For example, you’ll learn about pulque, a traditional fermented drink with roots dating back to Aztec times, and explore the nuances between tequila and mezcal. The guides, especially Diego, are praised for their detailed explanations and attentive service, making the experience both fun and educational. As one reviewer put it, “Diego is a great guide, everything was fabulous, and he explained everything at length.”

What’s Included and How It Works

The tour kicks off at the Embarcadero Cuemanco, where you’ll hop onto a colorful trajinera—think of it as a floating picnic table with a roof—and set sail through the lush canals. The scenery alone is worth the price—vivid flora, traditional boats, and the buzz of local vendors selling snacks and souvenirs.

Throughout your ride, the craft beer and spirits tasting is guided by a brew master and sommelier, ensuring each sip is meaningful. The selection is carefully curated, and you’ll have the chance to sample a variety of Mexican drinks. If you’re not into spirits, you might find the option to try Mexican wines or tepache (a fermented pineapple drink) appealing. The tasting is personalized, which adds an intimate and flexible feel—more like sharing drinks with friends than attending a large, commercial tour.

The Quality of the Experience

The reviews are glowing—people mention that the scenery and drinks were perfect, and the experience was “different and fun.” One reviewer noted that their guide had “a lot of knowledge about history, culture, and traditional drinks,” which really enhanced the experience. Another said, “everything was fabulous, and our guide was attentive and detailed in explanations,” which speaks to the quality of the personal touch.

Although the tour is fairly short (around three hours), the quality of the tasting and scenery makes it feel well-paced. It’s a great way to unwind in the middle of a busy sightseeing schedule, combining relaxation, education, and indulgence.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $205 per person, this isn’t a budget experience, but when you consider the personalized service, guided tastings, and scenic boat ride, it can be quite good value. You’re paying for a curated experience that’s not readily available elsewhere—an intimate journey into Mexico’s beverage culture set against a stunning backdrop.

Accessibility and Booking

The tour is private, meaning only your group will participate, which guarantees a more relaxed and tailored experience. It’s suitable for most travelers, and service animals are allowed. To secure your spot, booking 16 days in advance is typical, so plan accordingly. It’s also flexible with cancellation—full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, which adds peace of mind.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits adults who enjoy spirits, craft beers, or simply want a different way to see Mexico City. It’s perfect for those interested in cultural experiences that blend scenery with tasting, and it works well for couples, small groups, or anyone looking for a memorable, personalized outing. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner who loves drinks and scenic views, this could be just the ticket.

It’s less ideal for families with young children, unless they’re particularly interested in the scenery and cultural context, as the main focus is on the beverages. The relaxed pace and scenic boat ride, however, make it accessible for most travelers seeking a leisurely, enriching activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience clocks in at approximately three hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and tasting without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Embarcadero Cuemanco and ends back at the same point. The meeting point is easy to access, located in the Xochimilco area.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While most travelers can participate and service animals are allowed, this experience is geared toward adults interested in spirits and craft beers. Children who enjoy scenic boat rides might like it, but the focus on tasting might not be suitable for young kids.

Can I cancel or reschedule if I change my mind?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted.

What beverages are included?
You’ll sample a selection of premium Mexican spirits like tequila and mezcal, traditional drinks like pulque and tepache, and craft beers or Mexican wines, depending on your preference.

Is the experience private?
Yes, only your group will participate, which makes it more intimate and flexible for your needs.

In The Sum Up

If you’re after a relaxing, scenic, and flavorful experience in Mexico City, this private boat tour through Xochimilco’s floating gardens is an excellent choice. It combines the beauty of the waterways with thoughtfully curated tastings that highlight Mexico’s diverse beverage traditions. The guides’ expertise adds depth and enjoyment, making it more than just a casual sip—it’s an engaging cultural journey.

This tour is ideal for adults who love spirits and scenic outings and are willing to indulge in a leisurely three-hour experience. It’s a perfect mix of sightseeing and tasting, set in one of the most iconic locations in Mexico City. Whether you’re a seasoned spirits enthusiast or simply curious about Mexican drinks, this experience offers a memorable way to connect with local culture while enjoying stunning views.

If you’re looking to add a personal, authentic touch to your Mexico City visit, this private floating gardens tour could be just what you need—delightful, educational, and most importantly, fun.