Xochimilco is to the south of Mexico City, and gives a glimpse at the effects of rushed urbanization over the years. It’s a great place for tourists. Together with the historical center of Mexico City it forms a UNESCO World Heritage site.
. . . Mexico City/Xochimilco . . .
Though Xochimilco is far from the city center, it is well served by public transportation. First, take Metro Line 2 (the blue line) to 1 Tasqueña (in a few stations on the way, you may see it spelled Taxqueña). As you exit the train platform at Tasqueña, make a sharp right turn to get to the Tren Ligero (light rail). The light rail does not accept Metro tickets, so you must buy separate tickets ($3) at the booth just outside the train turnstiles. Xochimilco is the last station on the light rail line, and the embarcaderos (waterfront embarkation points) are just a short walk away.
- Chinampas. The famous floating gardens, which originate from the pre-colonial Aztec era. This was the home of the critically endangered axolotl, an amphibian honored in Aztec culture as the incarnation of a god. However, none have been seen for several years, and they are assumed to be extinct in the wild due to extensive water pollution and loss of habitat. What you will see are flowers and garden plants.
- Xochimilco Cathedral.
. . . Mexico City/Xochimilco . . .