23 Places Where Nature Has Reclaimed Abandoned Cities

17. Villa Epecuén, Argentina – A Drowned Town Resurfaced

Once a thriving resort town on the shores of Laguna Epecuén, Villa Epecuén was Argentina’s answer to the Dead Sea. The lake’s mineral-rich waters were believed to have healing properties, attracting thousands of tourists every year. Luxurious hotels, bustling markets, and lively promenades made it a popular getaway for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. But in 1985, disaster struck—heavy rains caused the salt lake to overflow, breaking through protective barriers and submerging the entire town under 30 feet of water. For 25 years, Villa Epecuén remained lost beneath the surface, its buildings, streets, and memories hidden beneath a saline grave. However, in the early 2000s, as water levels began to recede, the ghostly remnants of the town emerged from their watery tomb. What remained was a landscape unlike any other—a skeletal, salt-encrusted wasteland, where crumbling structures stand coated in a thick layer of white mineral deposits, making the town look like an apocalyptic frozen world.