The colorful boats in Xochimilco have attracted me to book a tour going there during my Mexico trip. And thanks goodness, it didn’t fail my expectations.

Located 28 km south of Mexico City, Xochimilco is a former independent city established during the pre-Hispanic period. These early settlements at the Valley of Mexico were connected by an extensive lake and canal system. The settlers built artificial islands called “chinampas” or floating garden where flowers, fruits and vegetables were being raised. The canals were constructed as a navigation route for the “chinampas” which help feed the Aztec empire. The importance of Xochimilco to the Aztecs has made it worthy of its designation as a World Heritage Site in 1987.

Along with the floating gardens are the colorful gondola-like boats called “trajineras”. The presence of these vibrant-looking boats in the canal gave Xochimilco a festive atmosphere and the integrity of being called as “the Venice of Mexico”. These boats actually reminded me of the colorful jeepneys ruling the streets of my own country, the Philippines. I had a chance to ride in one of these flat-bottomed “trajineras” as part of the tour.

Navigating around the 170 km of the canal of what has been left from the original extensive one, the boats usually have female names like “Brenda”, “Jessica” and “Beatriz” written on its arches. Inside the boat, there is a long table where we were given food and drinks for our lunch. There are also smaller canoes with vendors selling food and beverages. In addition to Mexican food, we were also treated with music played by the mariachi bands.