33 Ghost Towns That Have Become Stunning Tourist Attractions

4. Humberstone and Santa Laura, Chile: Nitrate Ghosts

In the arid Atacama Desert of Chile lie the ghost towns of Humberstone and Santa Laura, once bustling hubs of the nitrate industry. These towns flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, producing nitrate for fertilizers and explosives. However, the development of synthetic alternatives led to their decline and eventual abandonment. Today, these towns are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, drawing visitors to their well-preserved industrial architecture and machinery. The rusting equipment and empty buildings tell the story of a once-thriving industry, while the desert landscape adds to the towns' haunting beauty. Visitors can explore the remnants of the nitrate works, including the processing plants, worker housing, and communal facilities, gaining insight into the challenges and triumphs of life in the desert.