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Where It's At
If the pace of Mexico City is raising your stress levels why
don't you escape the city and head to Xochimilco, and take
a boat cruise along the peaceful canals and flower nurseries.
History
About 500 years ago the valley of Mexico was a lake, which
the pre-hispanic inhabitants of the area transformed into
a series of canals, leaving the earth around the canals as
fertile gardens called chinampas. It was the success
of these gardens that lead to this area being one of the Aztecs
economic and social bases.
Exploring Xochimilco
Today there are about 60 miles of these canals which run alongside
plant gardens and houses which are still navigable by the
boats that you can rent by the hour. To explore this area,
which is a favorite with tourists and locals alike, you have
a number of options. You can board your boat at a number of
locations and you can choose between an ecological tour ride
or the standard tourist ride on the colorful trajineras
(gondolas).
The trajineras are punted by a man with a pole, who will
take you for a cruise of the canals and even steer you towards
some floating mariachi boats or floating kitchens, and craft
stalls.
Whilst you can get an insight into Xochimilco in an hour,
it's recommended to allow a good afternoon to fully explore
and relax in this soothing water environment. |
