Lake Xochimilco, Natural lake in southern Mexico City, Mexico
Lake Xochimilco is a network of canals and waterways stretching across the southern part of Mexico City. The water routes connect artificial islands and farmland, creating a landscape where small boats are the main way people move around.
The lake originated as part of a large water system from the ice age, connected to Lake Texcoco. In the 14th century, the Aztecs built causeways that changed the water system, but the waterways remained central to their city.
The lake has long been central to chinampa agriculture, a farming method where artificial islands are built from stakes and reed mats to grow crops year-round. You can still see locals working these floating fields as they have done for generations.
You can take traditional boats called trajineras through the canals to see the landscape and local life up close. It's best to go early in the morning when the water is most active and the views are clearest.
The water is home to the last natural habitat of the axolotl, a rare aquatic salamander found nowhere else on Earth. This creature is rarely spotted, but it remains an important part of what makes this ecosystem special.
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