Abandoned Villages You Can Actually Stay in Overnight

14. Villa Epecuén, Argentina

Once a luxurious lakeside spa town famed for its saltwater healing properties, Villa Epecuén was completely submerged in 1985 when a dam burst. For over two decades, it sat underwater—until the waters receded and revealed a ghostly, salt-encrusted landscape. Today, the town looks like a post-apocalyptic dreamscape: whitewashed skeletons of buildings, bleached trees, and a salty crust that glows under the moonlight. You can legally camp near the site, either in established campgrounds in the nearby town of Carhué or directly on the outskirts of the ruins. At night, the salt flat reflects moonlight and starlight alike, creating an eerie, shimmering effect that makes stargazing here feel like you’re on another planet. Pro Tip: Bring warm clothing—even in summer, temperatures drop sharply at night. Don’t forget a camera; this is one of the most photogenic ghost towns in the world.