Activities
Canoe Rides, Chinampa, and Axolotls
Late morning or afternoon: The canoe ride is approximately 30-45 minutes through the protected Chinampa Zone of Xochimilco (not the party zone). For a portion of the ride, we will talk about the ecosystem so you can learn the names of the birds, vegetation, and interesting facts about the chinampa region. At other times we will be silent so that you can make your own personal connection to the land and water, learning from Mother Earth herself and leaving with a greater understanding of all the life that surrounds us. After canoeing through the canals we will arrive to Chinampa Nantli where you will explore and learn about the land. We will share a meal (made with local ingredients and vegetables grown on the chinampa), drink delicious cafecito and water infused with herbs or flowers grown on the chinampa. You will not leave hungry! If you want to try Pulque, the ancient drink of the Xochimilcas, let us know and we may be able to take you to the local 100 year old pulqueria, or at least show you where it is! We will also introduce you to the Axolotls that live on our chinampa and seed together in the traditional Xochimilca way. After approximately two to three hours on the chinampa we will head back to the docking station to end our day. The complete tour is approximately 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours.
*Late morning or Afternoon
Sunrise Canoe Ride, Chinampa, and Axolotls
This is a quiet canoe ride that is approximately one hour. We will board our canoes before sunrise, silently rowing through the mist and taking in this truly unique and special time in the canals. We will arrive to Laguna de Tezhuilo, where we will greet the sun with a Nahuatl prayer. We will sit in our canoes and sing songs (if one wishes to), until we are ready to continue on our journey to our chinampa. When we arrive to Chinampa Nantli we will sit around the fire, eat a delicious breakfast and drink cafecito. You will explore and learn about the land, visit the Axolotls that live on the chinampa and just relax for awhile. After approximately an hour or two, we will return to the docking station to end our day.
Axolotl Conservation
At Chinampa Nantli we have joined the conservation efforts to protect our precious relative, the Axolotl. We will discuss the problems they are facing and explore possible solutions to save them from extinction in their natural habitat. You will have an opportunity to meet them in person!
Cultural Learning
Through a series of workshops you can experience the richness of Xochimilca culture and gain a deeper understanding of the ecological wonders of the chinampa region. We offer hands-on learning in traditional chinampa farming techniques; remando, Nahuatl lessons where you will learn to speak basic phrases and the names of local plants, trees, birds and other animals; the history of the region, and much more.
Retreats and Gatherings
For those wanting a more immersive experience and a deeper understanding of the basin of Mexico region, what it takes to be a chinampera/o, the history of Xochimilco, current conservation efforts, and more, a retreat is a great option. At our retreats, you will camp on our chinampa, and have hands-on learning opportunities in farming, rowing, cooking, and more. You will visit places like Teotihuacán, the pictographs at Cuahilama, The Zócalo, and Xochimilco’s main plaza center. The retreats will be 3-9 days, including travel.