What We Do
About Us
ChinampasXochimilco.com serves as the hub for collaboration among chinampa farmers, organizations, educational institutions, scientists, artists, businesses, and individuals dedicated to advancing the ecological well-being of Xochimilco, Mexico.
Chinampa Temachtiani is a 501c3 nonprofit. The intentions of our organization include, but are not limited to raising funds for Axolotl and environmental conservation efforts in Xochimilco, International cultural exchange opportunities, and supporting local farmers. Read more about our existing partnerships and collaborations here.
Our Story
It all started with my father, Jose Luis Sandoval Cortez. Xochimilco was his home until at five years old he was taken to live in Tijuana, MX., and separated from his family for many years. After a trip to Xochimilco in April 2022, I visited my father at his home in California to deliver messages from family members that had missed him so much. I didn't know this would be the last time I saw my father in this realm, for he left us on June 1st, 2022. Luisito finally journeyed home. Our family has been in Xochimilco for countless generations and ancestral memory is strong. What I realized was that I also had been missing Xochimilco, SO HERE I AM! Being on my ancestral land has connected me to others with the same desire to be bridges across borders for the love of land and water, SO HERE WE ARE! We are a group of dreamers that believe we can do our part to preserve Xochimilco’s sacred treasures and show the world how special it is. . Check out our team bios to learn more about our collective story.
Our Mission
To connect people worldwide through ecotourism in the chinampa region of Xochimilco, MX.; conserve and protect the ecosystem; return axolotls to their natural habitat; elevate Xochimilco through creativity, economic growth, and business opportunities for locals; cultivate learning through educational projects; contribute to the revitalization of chinampa farming, and to honor, remember, and share knowledge of our ancient Xochimilca culture.
Our Vision
To collaborate with Xochimilco farmers in creating a healthy ecosystem where the canals will flow with clean water and there will be an abundance of Axolotls in their natural habitat. We envision worldwide love for Xochimilco and awareness of its importance in the world.
Our Values
We honor Creation, Mother Earth, our Ancestors, and Elders. We take the role of stewards of land seriously. We know water is life. We recognize our connection to all life we coexist with and live in reciprocal relationships with all our relations, including the two and four-legged, winged, crawlers, swimmers, rooted, and rock nation. We care for others as we would care for ourselves and we take action to better our world.
Chinampa Temachtiani is honored to collaborate with Chinampa Nantli in hosting one day tours and multi-day retreats at one of Xochimilco’s most beautiful chinampas focusing on preservation, sustainability, and relaxation in nature as a healing practice. Chinampa Nantli is also an Axolotl conservatory. It truly is a magical place to be!
We believe there is an abundance of opportunities to work with others toward our shared goal of preserving Xochimilco’s natural and cultural treasures, so we can’t wait to expand our collaborations and foster friendships across borders.
Chinampa Temachtiani is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 92-3780055) under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.