Xochimilco and the Trajineras

The famous water canals in the far south of Mexico City are an essential destination for anyone who visits the capital. Floating along the water on a traditional trajinera gives you a glimpse of what it would have been like to navigate ancient Tenochtitlan. Xochimilco contains all that remains of the Mexica capital (water, boats, floating gardens). Thanks to its cultural contribution to the world, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 11th, 1987.

 

Dolores Olmedo Museum

 

Our trip to Xochimilco starts at the Dolores Olmedo Museum, where our students can view crafts, prehispanic pieces, paintings, colonial art, and more. Dolores Olmedo, a former model of Diego Rivera, became a collector and gained Diego Rivera’s confidence to be the administrator of the Frida Kahlo and Anahuacalli museums. Since our students have already acquired valuable information about Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, they are more likely to benefit from the visit to this historic place.

 

Dolores Olmedo was always fascinated by art. She had a great love for culture, which is why she donated her art collection to the Mexican people. The Dolores Olmedo Museum is housed in a rambling stone structure, which used to be the Hacienda la Noria. The gardens are lush and magnificent. There, visitors can admire peacocks, a notorious bird who appears to be made out of jewels, and the mysterious xoloescuincles, a Mexican pre-Columbian hairless dog.

 

Our students use their Spanish skills to describe the things they see, touch, and smell during the tour. At Spanish Training Academy, we make sure that they put all their senses to work to gain more practice in real-life scenarios.

 

Trajineras in Xochimilco

 

“Trajinar” is a verb that means “to carry goods from one side to another”. This is the reason why we call the kind of boats that traverse Xochimilco “trajineras”.

 

When we reach Xochimilco, we board a traditional trajinera. We then navigate the canals while drinking beer and listening to mariachis. Some people bring their own food, but you can also buy food and drinks from vendors sailing boats along the canals. You can even pay for songs from the mariachis, who glide past on their own trajineras. It is a magical experience.

 

Our students enjoy the trip very much, as the experience combines folklore, culture, amusement, and history. They are able to practice their Spanish when requesting services, asking prices, formulating questions, and more during the journey.

 

Experience this adventure with us. Book your tour and join us!