You’ll visit the floating flower gardens of Xochimilco with one of our Mexico City hosts, who also happens to be an archaeologist! The islands you’ll discover here are the last vestige of the ancient Aztec agricultural system - fascinating stuff. The canals, known as chinampas, were used to create an intricate system of irrigation waterways. 

This promises to be an experience for the senses, as you visit the vibrant market of Xochimilco, feast on pre-hispanic cuisine (the recipes, not ingredients - don’t worry), and float along the flower-perfumed canals aboard a brilliantly colorful trajinera - the traditional flat-bottomed boats of Mexico. 

Once you’ve had your fill of this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s time to go beyond what most visitors see and discover a grassroots community project where locals are protecting their cultural heritage and preserving endangered species of native aquatic life. You’ll round off your day in a local barrio, exploring Bernardino de Siena Church and sampling authentic Aztec delicacies.