Throughout the country there are a number of places that have been involved in supernatural events, legends and myths, or have been the scene of great tragedies without explanation. An aura of mystery surrounds all of them, giving rise to endless theories and giving free rein to the imagination. Here are 5 of the most mysterious places in Chile:

Red Lagoon

This lagoon is a true surrealist scenery hidden in the northernmost desert of the country. Its crimson waters resemble blood, and until recently, it was completely unknown except to the local Aymara population. This is a place full of legends, related to people who have disappeared many times. As no research has ever been conducted in the lagoon, its depth is unknown, as well as the explanation for its special color. As if this were not enough, next to it there are two other smaller lagoons, one yellow and the other green. For the Aymara people this is a place of great spiritual significance, they visit the lagoon with great respect, because the people believe that no matter who is in its waters will suffer great misfortunes and tragedies.

Raja de Manquehua

The town of Salamanca, located in the IV Region, has always been marked by stories of witchcraft and paranormal events. An emblematic place in the area is particularly associated with these events, the so-called "Raja de Manquehua" also known as the "Cueva de los Brujos" (Witches' Cave). This is a rocky opening that takes the form of a deep ravine, very difficult to access and for decades it is said to be a meeting place for witches where covens are held every year in honor of Satan and black magic is practiced. Since 1915, stories have been reported of torchlight processions around this place, said to be the witches on their way to their meetings. There have also been numerous reports of sightings of groups of spheres of light that seem to dance around the Raja de Manquehua.

Robinson Crusoe Island

 Robinson Crusoe Island has been witness to incredible stories and events for hundreds of years. Shipwrecked sailors, corsairs, heroes, prisoners and stories of hidden treasures have marked the character of this small island located in the middle of the Pacific, which has recently been struck by catastrophe and tragedy. It is in this place where Alexander Selkirk was marooned in 1703 for four years and four months as a castaway, which would later inspire Daniel Defoe's most famous work, "Robinson Crusoe", which gave the island its name. It was also for a long time the haunt of corsairs and pirates, and it is speculated that great treasures may be buried on this island and the other two that make up the Juan Fernandez archipelago. One of the most notable is the treasure of Ubilla and Echeverría, nothing more and nothing less than eight hundred barrels of gold, silver and jewels that would be valued at 10 billion dollars. On February 27, 2010, a tsunami hit the archipelago, causing death and destruction. In September of the same year, a plane with 21 passengers crashed while attempting to land on Robinson Crusoe; there were no survivors. Shortly thereafter, the island was in the spotlight again, this time as the center of a theory that connected the Mayans and their prophecy of the end of the world with the island. The History Channel aired a two-hour program called "The Apocalyptic Island".

Former San José Hospital

This hospital was built in the second half of the 19th century in Santiago and functioned as such until 1999, when the new Hospital San José was built. This building remains as a testimony of countless stories of death and suffering of the past, and an icon of the paranormal in the present. Countless people suffering from cholera, tuberculosis, smallpox and other plagues were treated here. It was built next to the General Cemetery and has a direct door to the cemetery, as you can imagine, receiving treatment in this hospital used to be synonymous with death. Like most health centers of the time, the facility was run by nuns, who risked their lives daily treating the sick. Many died of tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. The ghosts of two nuns smoking outside a chapel are the most famous apparitions. Over the years there have been countless reports of ghosts and apparitions in this place.

Chiloé

It is impossible to define a single point or place in particular in a land steeped in mysticism, stories and legends. The Chiloé archipelago as a whole is one of the most mysterious and magical places in the country, where the mythology of its people is still alive today. Stories abound of witches, mermaids, ghost ships and a series of fantastic beings that roam the green lands of the islands. It is in the small fishing villages and on the smaller islands, where it seems that the landscape and the air itself are impregnated with magic and mystery. Aucar Island, also known as the "Island of the Navigating Souls", is a small island connected to the larger island by a beautiful wooden bridge. There is a small chapel and cemetery there. The towns of Quicaví and Colo also stand out, where it is said that the island's witchdoctors still gather.

Would you dare to visit the 5 most mysterious places in Chile?