Xochimilco Canal: Mexico City, Mexico

Xochimilco located in southern Mexico City in Mexico, is best known for its canals, the last remnants of a vast water transport from what was an extensive lake and canal system that connected most of the settlements of the Valley of Mexico. These canals, along with artificial islands called chinampas, attract tourists and other city residents to ride on colorful gondola-like boats called trajineras around the 170 km (110 mi) of canals. Colorful gondola-like boats take visitors on cruises while food vendors, artisans and mariachi bands float past. The atmosphere is festive, especially on weekends. Tourists can also visit the eerie, purportedly haunted Island of the Dolls. Xochimilco was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 11, 1987. The canal and chinampa system, Cultural site and Aztec heritage have been recognized as a vestige of the area's precolonial past, has made Xochimilco a World Heritage Site.