Tlacolula Valley – Mexico

Arbol del Tule, Tlacolula Valley, Mexico

The Tlacolula Valley is a short drive from Oaxaca and has been a cultural and historical centre since the 7th century BC. Over 2,500 years of civilization have filled the 50-kilometre valley with diverse attractions reflecting its Olmec, Zapotec, Mixtec, Aztec and Spanish heritage. The Arbol del Tule, which is reputed to be one of the world’s largest trees, is over 2,000 years old and is situated in the Santa Maria del Tule churchyard.

Photograph taken with Nikon D100 & 12-24mm lens at 12mm on 16th November 2008

Xochimilco – Mexico

Xochimilco, Mexico City

Xochimilco was once a lakeside village connected to Tenochtitlán by a causeway. Today it is the only part of Mexico City still to have the canals and semi-floating flower and vegetable gardens, or chinampas built by the Aztecs. Today it is popular with the tourists and chilangos, the city’s inhabitants, as they rent one of the many flower-decked punts and cruise the canals while enjoying a casual lunch. Smaller punts filled with musicians pull alongside the punts and offer a musical interlude to be enjoyed with the local cuisine.

Photograph taken with Nikon D100 & 24-85mm lens at 80mm on 14th November 2008