Lago Epecuén, Salt lake in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina.
Lago Epecuén is a salt lake in Buenos Aires Province with salt concentration roughly ten times that of the ocean. The lake is ringed by the remains of Villa Epecuén, whose ruins have emerged from the water since 2009 and are covered in salt deposits.
The lake became a tourist destination in the 1920s as word spread about the healing properties of its salt water. In 1985, a dam breach caused flooding that submerged the town under 10 meters of water.
The lake drew visitors from the early 1900s onward, who came seeking relief from rheumatic and skin ailments in its mineral-rich waters. This wellness tradition shaped how people understood the place for decades.
Visitors can explore the ruins of Villa Epecuén, which are covered in a thick layer of salt that tells the story of the flooding. The area is best visited during warmer months when conditions are more comfortable for exploring.
A former resident returned to live among the salt-covered ruins, becoming the sole inhabitant of the ghost town. His presence connects the past with the present in an unexpected way.
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