Chile is a land of contrasts, with arid deserts painting the landscape in the north and eternal ice dazzling in Patagonia. Its natural and cultural richness make it a fascinating destination for any traveler, but beyond its postcard-worthy landscapes, there are places shrouded in mystery, where science and legends intertwine. From red-water lagoons to islands with nameless graves, join us as we explore some of the most enigmatic places in Chile.
1. Laguna Roja: The Blood Lake
Laguna Roja is a true enigma. Its intense red color has baffled scientists and visitors alike. It is said that indigenous peoples considered it a cursed lagoon, and that the Incas feared its power. Some claim that its color comes from algae and minerals, while others believe there is a supernatural force in its waters. The truth is, Laguna Roja remains a place surrounded by mysticism in northern Chile, between Arica and Tarapacá.
2. Isla de los Muertos: A Cemetery Without Explanation
In remote Patagonia, near the mouth of the Baker River, lies Isla de los Muertos. This islet hides a disturbing story: in 1905, more than one hundred workers hired for cypress logging were found dead under unexplained circumstances. Despite investigations, the exact cause of death was never determined. Today, the wooden crosses marking their graves still stand, as silent witnesses to a mystery that time has not been able to solve.
3. Puerto Cristal: Humberstone, But in Patagonia
On the shores of Lago General Carrera, Puerto Cristal is an old mining town that once housed hundreds of workers during its golden era. However, lead, zinc, and copper extraction ceased in the 1990s, leaving the town completely abandoned. Today, its deserted streets, empty houses, and eerie atmosphere make it a mysterious destination, where the echo of the past seems to resonate among its ruins, much like Humberstone in the Atacama Desert.
4. Géiseres de Puchuldiza: Ghostly Glow
In the Chilean Altiplano, near the Bolivian border, the Géiseres de Puchuldiza offer an impressive natural spectacle. But beyond their geothermal beauty, the stories surrounding them are just as intriguing. It is said that strange lights and figures appear among the steam columns at night. Some believe they are wandering souls, while others insist they are just moonlight reflections. Whatever the explanation, Puchuldiza is a place where the natural and the supernatural seem to meet.
5. El Enladrillado: The End of the Inca Trail
Located in the Altos de Lircay National Reserve, El Enladrillado is a gigantic plateau made up of perfectly aligned stone blocks, as if placed by an unknown hand. Some theories suggest it was an Incan construction, while others claim it is a UFO landing site. Paranormal enthusiasts affirm that this place is an energy portal and one of the top UFO sighting spots in Chile. Whether myth or reality, visiting El Enladrillado is an experience that defies logic and is considered the final stop of the Inca Trail.
6. Caleta Cóndor: Almost Forbidden Access to a Hidden Paradise
Tucked away among the fjords of the Los Lagos region, Caleta Cóndor is a paradisiacal destination that can only be reached by sea or after a long horseback journey. The Manquemapu community fiercely protects this territory, as they believe their lands hold spiritual significance. The difficult access and the lack of roads have fed its mystery, making Caleta Cóndor an almost mythical corner, where nature remains the absolute ruler of the landscape.
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