Embarcadero Puente de Urrutia

Can you imagine a bridge where history whispers secrets of revolutionaries and a notorious surgeon? This is the Embarcadero Puente de Urrutia in Xochimilco. The Embarcadero Puente de Urrutia isn’t just a boat launch. It’s a gateway to the quieter canals, a place where the city fades into rural tranquility. It’s a 16-minute taxi ride from the Xochimilco Light Rail Station, nestled on the edge of the Caltongo neighborhood, in Pueblo San Gregorio Atlapulco. Here, agriculture intertwines with the urban landscape of Mexico City. At Embarcadero Puente de Urrutia, you can choose from various ecological tours. Explore the Axolotl Route, a 2.5-hour journey through agricultural areas and axolotl conservation sites. Discover the Quilastli Route, a 3-hour exploration of flower-growing areas and a birdwatcher’s paradise. Or embark on the 4-hour Island of the Dolls tour, encompassing the best of Xochimilco. For early risers, there’s even a birdwatching tour starting between 6 and 6:30 a.m. But the Embarcadero Puente de Urrutia holds a deeper story. The name “Puente de Urrutia” comes from a now-ruined iron and masonry bridge that once spanned the Apatlaco Canal. This bridge connected the Urrutia family’s chinampas (floating gardens) to the path leading to Xochimilco. One of the most intriguing figures connected to this place is Dr. Aureliano Urrutia, a controversial surgeon who lived a remarkable life. Born in Xochimilco in 1872, he was both admired and reviled. He served as director of the Hospital General, revolutionizing its practices and gaining international recognition. Yet, he was also accused of heinous acts, including the murder of Belisario Domínguez. Dr. Urrutia’s legacy is complex, a mix of medical brilliance and alleged atrocities. He later practiced in the United States, even operating on Pancho Villa. The Embarcadero Puente de Urrutia whispers of this history, a reminder of the complexities of the past. The boat launch operators here are deeply involved in the area’s cultural and ecological conservation, offering overnight camps and a wealth of local knowledge. As you embark on your Xochimilco adventure from Embarcadero Puente de Urrutia, remember the stories of a notorious surgeon, a crumbling bridge, and the quiet canals that hold centuries of history. This is more than a boat ride. It’s a journey into the heart of Xochimilco’s hidden stories.