Xochimilco, Mexico City

A living testimony to the canals of Mexico before the conquest, Xochimilco also attests to the period of the Viceroyalty. Meaning "Land of Flowers," it is a landscape of 176 kilometers of ancient canals called chinampas, built for irrigation and transportation by the Aztecs. Artificial islets were created by layering logs, earth, mud and roots tied with vine, and planting ahuejote, a native plant whose tough roots bind the walls of the chinampas. Today, Xochimilco has been regenerated and visitors can take a trip on wooden boats trimmed with beautiful fresh flowers. The 14 kilometers of navigable waterway are lined with vendors selling their wares and delicacies, and groups of mariachi or marimba serenading them from wooden boats.