The Xochimilco Floating Gardens are one of Mexico City's loveliest and most unusual attractions, drawing curious visitors to a festive yet tranquil oasis of shimmering waters and beautiful flowers. Considered the Venice of Mexico, visitors ply a maze of verdant canals in colorful boats known as trajineras (pictured), enjoying food and drink procured from floating vendors while mariachi bands play traditional music and some of the most beautiful plants, trees, and flowers in Mexico float by on all sides. The area of Xochimilco was the breadbasket for the early city of Tenochtitlán, the capital of the Aztec empire. In the 15th and early 16th centuries, the Aztecs performed great feats of engineering and labor to create more than 80 miles of canals designed to move people and goods around the city and across Lake Texcoco. While much of the Aztec kingdom was destroyed during the Spanish conquest of 1521, the canals are a living reminder of the achievements of this ancient civilization. Xochimilco is located 28 kilometers south of central Mexico City, and is a perfect day trip for guests at the Sheraton Maria Isabel Hotel & Towers or any of Starwood's Mexico City properties.
