Island of the Dolls, Mexico
Despite its historical significance and recognition as a Unesco World Heritage Site, Xochimilco is predominantly renowned for the Isla de las Munecas, or the "Island of the Dolls." Nestled amid the numerous canals of the borough, this diminutive island gained fame for the multitude of dolls, along with doll fragments, hanging from trees and strewn across the grass.
While its appearance may evoke images of a horror film set, this chinampa (resembling an artificial island) was once the actual dwelling of the late Julian Santa Barrera. After discovering the lifeless body of a young girl in a nearby canal, Barrera gathered and exhibited the dolls in an attempt to ward off malevolent spirits. The adventurous can opt to hire a boat, persuade the boatman to steer towards the island, and safely observe the eerie collection of dolls from the water.