Cayuco to the Chinampa

Discover the magic of Xochimilco’s wetlands and the agricultural and culinary traditions of its floating gardens: chinampas. Learn about the area's aquatic plants while rowing through canals at dawn in a traditional cayuco. - and hearing about ancestral traditions and the coexistence between humans and nature. At an eco center located on a 1200 year-old chinampa you see axolotl, the mythical amphibian once considered a delicacy of Aztec gods. You'll also meet Lupita, a Xochimilco native who welcomes you with organic coffee. She explains how the first inhabitants developed milpa, an ancestral and sustainable system of crop production. You may see small offerings once placed beneath crops by Xochimilca women, honoring Chicomecóatl, the corn goddess. You explore the chinampa's crops and pick your favorites. Lupita will ask you to help her make a delicious green salsa, which, along with the freshly harvested salad and tlacoyitos filled with beans, will be your fresh, organic lunch.

This is not a party trajinera tour. Instead, you'll experience Xochimilco in a mindful and peaceful way. The early morning start allows you to enjoy a truly calm Xochimilco, when birdsong is at its peak, and the area's wildlife is at its most vibrant. While canoeing at dawn, you'll gain insights into conservation efforts by the people who keep Xochimilco's ancient canal system alive. At the environmental center, you'll learn how lake mud, branches, and vegetation are layered to create stable soil, how the banks are anchored, and how the narrow channels are calmed so that amphibian larvae and native fish can maintain their space. Your host will explain why the chinampas were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. At its peak, this agricultural system produced nearly 4 tons of produce per hectare — a yield unmatched by any other agricultural system in the world. You will also learn about projects that help the axolotl return to its natural habitat.

Armando and his colleagues are dedicated to the conservation and restoration of Mexico's wetlands. They are an interdisciplinary team of biologists, farmers, traditional chefs, and educators, driven by social impact and by projects that improve the quality of life for local communities, wildlife, and the wetland ecosystem itself. Their ecotourism initiatives are part of a broader effort to engage communities in addressing environmental challenges. Together, they create experiences that help sustain and regenerate the historic wetlands of Xochimilco. Your hosts are deeply committed to protecting the wetlands’ biodiversity and sustaining the chinampas. During your visit, you’ll engage in small but meaningful ways with their ongoing efforts to preserve traditional farming and daily life in the region. Your participation directly supports the sustainability and conservation projects Armando and his colleagues continue to develop across Mexico’s wetlands.

Please wear practical, comfortable clothing suitable for an outdoor experience. Much of the day is spent on the canals, including extended time in a canoe. Be prepared for light physical activity, as you’ll be rowing for part of the experience. Traffic in Mexico City can be unpredictable, so we recommend allowing some flexibility with timing, both for reaching the wetlands and returning to the city afterward.