Mercado de Tierra Nueva

Photos: Alcaldía Xochimilco

The Mercado de Tierra Nueva is a public market in Xochimilco just north of the Huichapan Light Rail Station. As it’s in Xochimilco, some of the focus is naturally on, well, nature. But with some 74 merchants according to a 2017 UAM study, it can’t have all of them peddling flowers. Nueva Tierra is a newer neighborhood. Like in much of Mexico City, the market complements the nearby government offices, and the tiny Huichapan public library. The small public plaza on the Avenida México ends up acting as a town square and a meeting place for all kinds of neighbors.

For international travelers, it’s not going to beat the giant central market of Xochimilco. It is, though, a good chance to sample local fare. Regular customers come in for no-nonsense sit-down lunches, and the menus change each day. Prices are beyond affordable, and there’s nothing fresher on the street. As it’s also something of a plants and seeds market, there’s lots to look at too. The environment is fresh, and a 2017 rehab brought the market well up to date.

The Mercado de Tierra Nueva is just a few minutes walk north from the Tasqueña-bound platforms of the Huichapan rail station. Xochimilco-bound passengers will walk a little bit further. But it’s a great place for lunch, and a good glimpse into life in Xochimilco.