37 Abandoned Resorts From a Bygone Era You Can Still Visit

19. Vila Epecuén: The Town That Drowned

Once a bustling spa town on the shores of Laguna Epecuén in Argentina, Vila Epecuén was famed for its therapeutic saltwater lake, attracting thousands seeking relief for ailments. In 1985, a rare weather pattern caused the lake to burst its dam, slowly submerging the entire town. For nearly 25 years, it remained underwater. As waters receded from 2009 onwards, haunting skeletal ruins emerged – petrified trees, building foundations, and rusted vehicles creating an eerie, salt-encrusted landscape. It stands as a surreal testament to nature's power and a community abruptly washed away.