Coyoacán Tours | Day Trips from Mexico & Xochimilco Access

Coyoacán (pronounced coy-oh-a-KAN, in case you were wondering) means “place of coyotes” in Nahuatl. But don’t worry, as you're more likely to find frozen churros than actual wildlife here.

Step into the leafy lanes, colonial courtyards, and bohemian charm of Coyoacán, Mexico City’s most soulful neighborhood. Once a peaceful village on the outskirts, now a vibrant cultural district, the neighborhood is all about color, creativity, and churros. Whether you're a Frida fangirl, market-hopping foodie, or just someone chasing that chill neighborhood vibe, Coyoacán tours are your golden ticket.

Getting to Coyoacán: How far is it from Mexico City?

Good news: you don’t need to pack an overnight bag. Coyoacán is right inside Mexico City, just tucked away in its leafy, laid-back southern pocket. It feels like a separate town, but it’s very much part of CDMX. Getting there is easy once you know your options:

Best for: Budget travel and avoiding traffic

Travel time: 35–50 minutes (from Centro Histórico)

Closest stations: Coyoacán Station (Line 3) – 1.5 km from the main square and Viveros-Derechos Humanos (Line 3) – 1.2 km away from the main square

There’s no direct metro stop on the main square, but both Coyoacán and Viveros stations are within walking distance (15–20 mins).

Tip: Ride Line 3 (yellow) and avoid peak hours for a smoother trip. The metro fare is just 5 pesos.

Combine Coyoacán and Xochimilco with this guide

Best for: Local experience and budget travel

Travel time: 50–70 minutes, depending on traffic (from Centro Histórico)

Bus lines: RTP Route 1, 34-A, and several microbuses

You’ll find buses heading toward Avenida Miguel Ángel de Quevedo or Centro de Coyoacán from many areas in Mexico City. It’s inexpensive, but routes can be inconsistent, and stops aren’t always announced.

Tip: Ask if the bus stops near Avenida Miguel Ángel de Quevedo—it’s a main road just a short walk from the main plaza, making it a reliable reference point for getting off.

Best for: Comfort and door-to-door convenience

Travel time: 30–40 minutes from Centro Histórico, 25–30 minutes from Roma or Condesa, or

35–45 minutes from Xochimilco

Using Uber or a local taxi app is the easiest way to reach Coyoacán without transfers. Fares range between 120–180 pesos, depending on the time of day and traffic.

Tip: Set your destination to "Frida Kahlo Museum" or "Jardín Centenario" to land in the heart of the action.

Coyoacán restaurants: Tried-and tested spots worth your time

Los Danzantes

Cuisine: Upscale regional Mexican | Find on maps

Why go: This elegant courtyard restaurant is a local favorite for its thoughtful take on traditional dishes. Try the duck in mole negro (a rich, chocolatey sauce made with over 30 ingredients) or the grilled cactus salad served with fresh cheese and chili oil. Their house-made mezcal is excellent and the space itself—open-air, with koi ponds and carved stone—feels special without trying too hard.

Corazón de Maguey

Cuisine: Oaxacan specialties with a focus on mezcal | Find on maps

Why go: It’s one of the best spots to taste Oaxacan food, known for bold flavors and centuries-old cooking styles. The tlayuda, a crispy tortilla topped with black beans, cheese, steak, and spicy salsa, is big enough to share. The staff will walk you through their mezcal menu if you’re new to it. Sit outside facing the plaza to people-watch over smoky grilled flavors and a glass of something strong.

La Esquina de los Milagros

Cuisine: Modern Mexican with street food influences | Find on maps

Why go: This cozy restaurant near Jardín Centenario plays with familiar flavors in clever ways. Their cheese-stuffed tacos come seared with a crispy shell, and the grilled steak enchiladas are topped with a salsa made from roasted tomatillos. You get comfort food, but with sharper presentation and layered flavor.

Tostadas Coyoacán

Cuisine: Classic Mexican market tostadas | Find on maps

Why go: The lines move fast for a reason. These tostadas—crunchy tortillas layered with toppings are freshly made and generously loaded. Try the spicy shrimp, creamy chicken with mole, or the tender beef in green salsa. It’s busy, loud, and a little chaotic, but absolutely worth it.

Café El Jarocho

Cuisine: Traditional Mexican coffee | Find on maps

Why go: This walk-up café has been serving Coyoacán locals since the 1950s. Order a café de olla, brewed with cinnamon and raw cane sugar, and sip it as you wander the plaza. There's no seating, no Wi-Fi, no pastries. Just good coffee, fast, and always hot.

Churrería General de la República

Cuisine: Fried churros with sweet fillings | Find on maps

Why go: You don’t need to be a dessert person to fall for this place. The churros are made to order—crunchy outside, soft inside—and filled with cajeta (a creamy caramel made from goat’s milk), chocolate, or vanilla. Grab a cone of two and prepare for a sticky, joyful sugar high.

Coyoacán tours visitor tips

Get there early. Crowds start rolling in around 11am, especially at the Frida Kahlo Museum and the main market. Morning tours mean shorter lines, cooler weather, and better photos without a hundred heads in the way.
Full-day tours are a great budget option, but museum entry is timed and non-priority—expect to wait a bit, especially on weekends. Still a solid way to see the highlights if you don’t mind the crowds.
Want to skip the long line at the Frida Kahlo Museum? Book a premium day tour from Mexico City that includes skip-the-line entry and a private guide. It’s the easiest way to get in fast and actually understand what you’re looking at.
Pair Coyoacán with Xochimilco for the perfect day trip—these two neighborhoods are just 20–30 minutes apart, and most combo tours include a walking tour in Coyoacán and a traditional trajineras boat ride in Xochimilco. It’s a no-brainer if you’re short on time.
Don’t underestimate the walking. The charm of Coyoacán is in the streets—narrow, cobbled, and full of distractions. Skip the flip-flops and wear shoes you can walk and stand in for hours.
Bring cash. Small bills (in pesos) go a long way, especially at food stalls, the Artisan Market, and public restrooms. Card payments are rare outside cafes or shops with fixed counters.
Bathrooms are hit or miss. Some museums and cafes have them, but public toilets are usually paid and hard to spot. If you see one, use it, as you may not find another for a while.
Weekends are festive but packed. If you like crowds, music, and energy, Saturday or Sunday afternoons are great. But if you're after a calm visit with fewer people, go midweek.
Don’t drive yourself. Parking is a headache, and traffic can eat up your day. If your tour doesn’t include transport, use Uber or the metro and a short taxi ride.

Plan your visit to Xochimilco

Frequently asked questions about Coyoacán tours

How far is Coyoacán from Mexico City?

Coyoacán is located in the southern part of Mexico City, roughly 10–15 km from the historic center. Depending on traffic and transport mode, it takes 25 to 40 minutes to get there.

Are Coyoacán walking tours worth it?

Yes—a Coyoacán walking tour is one of the best ways to experience the neighborhood. You'll explore cobbled streets, colonial-era buildings, vibrant plazas, and stop at must-sees like the Frida Kahlo Museum, Coyoacán Market, and Jardín Centenario.

Can I combine Xochimilco and Coyoacán in one day?

Definitely, many Coyoacán tours are paired with a morning or afternoon visit to Xochimilco—Mexico City’s colorful canal district. You’ll float on a trajinera, listen to mariachi, and then head to Coyoacán for a stroll through historic plazas and markets.

Should I book a Coyoacán tour in advance?

It’s highly recommended, especially those that include entry to the Frida Kahlo Museum, often sell out in advance. Booking online guarantees your spot and saves time.

Are there good restaurants in Coyoacán?

Yes, and plenty of them. From iconic spots like Tostadas Coyoacán and Café El Jarocho, to sit-down places like Los Danzantes and Corazón de Maguey, there’s a mix of casual bites and refined regional cuisine. Coyoacán day tours include time to explore the local food scene.

How much time should I spend in Coyoacán?

Most Coyoacán tours allocate 2 to 4 hours in the neighborhood, which is usually enough to visit famous museums, markets, and enjoy a meal.

Can kids join Coyoacán tours?

Yes, Coyoacán tours are family-friendly. Kids tend to enjoy the open plazas, colorful markets, and street snacks (especially churros).

Can I use credit cards at the Coyoacán markets or food stalls?

Some stalls in the Coyoacán markets accept cards, especially for higher-priced items, but many vendors are cash-only. Mercado de Coyoacán is almost entirely cash-based, especially the food stalls. Best to bring pesos, as small bills go a long way.

Is it safe to bring a camera or phone around Coyoacán?

Yes, Coyoacán is considered one of the safer and more relaxed areas in Mexico City. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists.