Kayak the ancient canals of Xochimilco
Before the Spanish conquest in 1521, Mexico City, then called Tenochtitlán, was built on two small islands inside Lake Texcoco. Surrounded by water, the Aztecs built canals and floating farms called to feed and house its growing population. Today, all that remains of these ancient waterways are in Tláhuac and Xochimilco, a neighbourhood 15 miles south of Mexico City’s Centro Historico. Flat-bottomed party boats called cruise Xochimilco’s canals daily, but a guided kayaking trip offers a more tranquil —and environmentally friendly —visit. Tours offer the chance to spotwhich still provide food for Mexico City residents today.
