28 Ghost Towns That Have Transformed Into Tourist Hotspots

6. Humberstone and Santa Laura, Chile: Saltpeter Dreams

In the Atacama Desert of Chile, the ghost towns of Humberstone and Santa Laura stand as relics of the once-thriving saltpeter industry. These towns were abandoned after synthetic alternatives rendered natural saltpeter obsolete. Today, they are UNESCO World Heritage sites, attracting tourists with their well-preserved industrial architecture and rich history. This section examines the rise and fall of the saltpeter industry and the role these towns played in Chile's economic development. Visitors can explore the remnants of factories, theaters, and homes, gaining insight into the lives of those who once called these towns home.