Bucky in Xochimilco

Xochimilco is one of the most recognized, emblematic and admirable places in the Metropolitan area of Mexico City (Federal District). This world heritage site dates back to the time of the Aztecs, and in this place, many plants that were used for adornment and food by Tenochtilán inhabitants were cultivated. Its founders were originally an independent tribe, but were soon overtaken by the Aztecs. The Xochimilco canal is located in the city with its same name and was declared cultural heritage by UNESCO in 1987, although for many years it was protected by presidential decree. 

The site is mainly admired for its “Chinampas” and for the tours done on the Trajinera boats. The "Chinampa" is a special kind of crop developed in Xochilmilco and consists in planting small rectangular areas on the surface of lakes and lagoons. They are also called floating plots or gardens. To "build" the cultivation area, a structure is prepared using logs, mud, silt and grass and is anchored to a tree (the Ahuejote). Magnificent results are produced with the cultivated plants due to the filtration of the water.

The Trajineras are small decorated boats that we can find in Xochimilco. They can hold a capacity of between 10 and 30 people and are moved using long poles pushed against the water bottom. They were created out of necessity to comfortably transport goods around the lake area. They are adorned with flowers and their names (always female) are written on the front alluding to the name of the ship or the owner's loved one. Virtually all of them have tables and woven chairs where tourists can eat what they brought with them, as there is a picnic-like ambience.