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Floating gardens of Xochimilco

I read a scholarly account of traditional Central American farming techniques last year, and was struck by the complexity of several of their systems.  For example, chinampas within the area that is now Mexico City used subirrigation to keep their plants hydrated without constant watering.  Over 22,000 acres of chinampas were present in Lakes Xochimilco and Chalco at the time of European contact, fed by rich muck and algae scooped out of the surrounding canals, and producing so many crops that one acre fed up to eight people.

Unfortunately, the Europeans who moved into the area saw no value in the chinampas, so they built a long canal all the way to the ocean and drained most of the swamps dry.  Later, Mexico City's wastewater was channeled into the abandoned chinampas, degrading the ecosystem further.  But a few local people --- chinamperos --- still farmed the remaining gardens.

Today, you can see a reinvisioning of the chinampa system in the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, located in the southern portion of Mexico City.  Close to the center of Xochimilco, you'll find these brightly colored trajineras hauling tourists around, serenaded by mariachi bands.  If you head to the north end of the town, though, you can hire a boat through the more natural Parque Natural Xochimilco, which I hear is nearly empty on weekdays.

If I can ever get over my fear of Mexico City, the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco will make it onto my list of desired destinations.