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Xochimilco |
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| Nahuatl for “the place of the flower beds,” and constructed on top of man-made islands called chinampas, Xochimilco is the only settlement in the Valley of Mexico that resembles the lakeside towns that once constituted this basin in pre-Hispanic times. Its Nauhuatlaca settlers first arrived in the 12th century, one hundred years before the Aztecs, though eventually they became their tributaries in the 15th century. Since that time the Xochimilcas have been dedicated principally to the cultivation of produce as well as medicinal and ornamental plants. Such activity has changed little or not at all over the ensuing centuries. Xochimilco is also an exceptionally appealing spot for visitors. They enjoy excursions on its network of canals every day—especially on weekends—aboard colorful launches called trajineras, propelled by pole-bearing oarsmen, who work much like a Venetian gondolier. Local merchants in trajineras or smaller launches called chalupas use these craft to provide visitors with every type of merchandise or service (food, artesanías, music, drink, etc.). To get to Xochimilco by car it’s best to take the Anillo Periférico highway. However, public transportation is an excellent and speedy option. Metro line 2 goes as far as the Taxqueña terminal where you can board the light rail system (el tren ligero) that carries you to the very center of Xochimilco. There’s plenty to see nearby, from the various embarkation piers, to Xochimilco’s market, church and park with its kiosk, as well as the Dolores Olmedo museum, which houses a collection of both Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo’s works. |
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Programas
