Xochimilco and Univercity City

Xochimilco

Xochimilco is all that remains of the lake territory in the Southern portion of Mexico City. It consists of a series of canals and chinampas. The chinampas are artificial islands created in the shallow waters of lakes starting in the pre-Hispanic period when the Aztecs moved into the region. These Islands began as rafts made of branches of trees and other materials, which were loaded with earth and mud from the bottom of the lake and attached to ahuejote or other types of trees to anchor them. Over time, these rafts would sink and accumulate at the bottom of the shallow lake, and ultimately become fixed Islands.

As these islands multiplied in number, channels were left between them to maintain a constant supply of water to the chinampas. In the past, the chinampas were used mainly for the cultivation of food products, but today ornamental plants are the primary crop. Much of ecological system was restored over a period of five years between 1988 and 1993. The area opened as a park in 1993, mostly of consisting of the aquatic environment of the lake, canals or chinampas. However, there are some wooded areas, many of them planted with pines, eucalyptus and ahuejotes. The majority of the chinampas have been transformed into "agro-ecological" land, which means that they are both ecological preserves and areas of cultivation. The objective of this area is the preserve an atmosphere like that known by the Aztecs 500 years ago.

In addition to the chinampas, restoration efforts expanded a 54 hectare lake and have created two small artificial lakes of approximately one hectare each. Facing these water courses is the Jetty of Nativitas (a dock) from which trajinera (flat-bottomed barges similar to gondolas) depart to tour the canals and the best-preserved chinampas of Xochimilco. While cruising on the trajinera, passengers can purchase food, beverages and other products while listening to passing mariachi bands. The entire area is quite festive, particularly on weekends and holidays.

Xochimilco is one of the few areas that remain in the Valley of Mexico which still has a significant number of chinampas. The area was declared a biological preserve by the Mexican government in 1984 and heritage site by UNESCO in 1987. We are sure that you will enjoy this experience.

Cuicuilco

Cuicuilco is the oldest archaeological zone of the Valley of Mexico. It is a predecessor of Teotihuacán. It was covered by lava in 200 A.C. and is known as the American Pompeii

City UNAM University

UNAM University is the seat of education in Mexico and is recognized around the world. It is a part of the cultural heritage of humanity and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Its architecture is impressive and was designed by some of brightest and best architects of contemporary Mexico.