A district of Mexico City, Xochimilco is known for its canals and chinampas, a farming system developed by the Aztecs to cultivate crops using the surrounding lakes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco harness unique agricultural techniques still in use today.

A short drive from Mexico City, Teotihuacán charms with its soaring Sun and Moon pyramids — seen at sunrise from hot-air balloons — plus vivid murals and gleaming obsidian tools.