May, 2024

I added a visit to Xochimilco as part of a week-long immersion migration studies course I taught in Mexico City with my colleague Dra. Diana Franco earlier this year. Twelve students from the Master of Social Work program at Loyola University Chicago and my colleague participated in this profound and spiritual experience in Xochimilco. We learned about the history of the Xochimilca people, their connection to the land, and their ongoing struggle to bring back indigenous ways of farming and efforts to save the ancient Xochimilco canals. Spending time with Xochimilca elder Doña Susana Marina Sandoval was exceptional; her wisdom, love for the earth, and care for the younger generation was profound and spiritual. Often, the spiritual dimension is left out of graduate academic courses. The visit to Xochimilco’s chinampa region balanced our rigorous week-long immersion migration course by nurturing a spiritual connection to the land, humanity, and each other. 

Thank you, Chinampa Temachtiani!  

Loyola University Chicago, Master of Social Work Program: Immersion migration studies course in Mexico City. Dr. Francisco Javier Lozornio. 

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Our guest Patti writes about her experience on our Sunrise Tour in January, 2026

This tour through the chinampas was one of the greatest moments of my life and I am extremely grateful to the hardworking crew that put it together. The tour began with a ride through the chinampas early in the morning. Our guide gave an introduction to the community and ecosystem of the Xochimilco area. We then arrived at a clearing and watched the sunrise over the mountains while our tour guide told us the legend of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl and how the mountains came to be.

After sunrise we were treated to a beautiful homemade breakfast on a chinampa. The family who owned the chinampa treated us with incredible kindness and hospitality. The food was fresh and delicious and you could absolutely tell how much care and effort was put into it.

After breakfast we visited another chinampa. This chinampa was run by one of the most knowledgeable people I have ever met. He taught us all about the local ecosystem and how the early chinamperos were able to work with the ecosystem to create flourishing farms. He taught us all about sustainable farming and working with the environment to produce healthy food. The entire experience was a wonderful reminder of the importance of indigenous knowledge and how true progress must include the input of the people who know the land best. 

Finally, we visited axolotls and learned about these rare and amazing animals. We were taught about their biology as well as their role in Xochimilco culture. We learned how they became endangered due to careless introduction of non-native species. In listening to our guide speak, it was clear the passion and love he held for the axolotls and the environment around us.

This tour was such an amazing reminder of the importance of our environment, the indigenous communities who originally learned to live within it, and our duty to work to preserve it. This experience has deeply impacted me and reignited a passion for the world around me and a sense of hope that, with enough hard work and dedication, we can improve the world we live in.

I highly recommend this tour for anyone who loves the environment, culture, history, or just learning in general. You simply could not ask for a more incredible experience.

Volunteer testimonial