Xochimilco a Nahuatl indian word means where the flowers grow. In the 13th century the Xochimilcas Indians who settled here built rafts on the lake to grow food and flowers. These rafts eventually became rooted to the lake bottom and were named chinampas. Because there were so many of them the lake was transformed into more than 80 km of canals.

Today many colorful flat bottom boats cruise the canals with tourists, mariachi bands, photographers, vendors, taco stands, and even plants and flowers. Here you will see many Mexican families taking a break from their daily routine.