The Chinampas are polyculture systems on raised beds in the swamplands of the spring-fed southern lakes in the central valley of Mexico. The canals around the Chinampa beds are used for aquaculture and to keep out pests and livestock. Moreover, the surrounding water raises the temperature sufficiently to mitigate frosts. The polycultures on the beds include corn, beans, squash, chili and a wide variety of other crops and fruits, as well as edible herbs. Early evidence of Chinampas can be found in the ancient city of Teotihuacán. The greatest Aztec innovations were seed germination beds and seedling nurseries (“almacigas”) at the margins. By use of a rich diversity of niches, the Chinampa agricultural system provides high yields of terrestrial and aquatic produce and can, therefore, support high population densities. It is an excellent example of sustainable farming that ensures food security and livelihoods and helps alleviating poverty, especially with emerging climate-related threats.