The Ghosts Of Isla de las Munecas (Island of the Dolls), Mexico

Despite its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its well-preserved example of Aztec life, the neighborhood of Xochimilco has reached a certain amount of internet fame for its Island of the Dolls. 

Hidden among the region’s many canals, the site is famous for the hundreds of dolls—and doll parts—hanging from trees and scattered among the grass. While it might look more like a horror movie set, the chinampa (akin to an artificial island) used to be the residence of a now-deceased man named Julian Santa Barrera. 

After finding a dead girl's body in a nearby canal, Barrera collected and displayed the toys in the hopes of warding off evil spirits, reports National Geographic. It is said that a girl was found drowned in mysterious circumstances and that the dolls are possessed by her spirit.  Local legend says that the dolls move their heads and arms and even opened their eyes.

After finding a dead girl's body in a nearby canal, Barrera collected and displayed the toys in the hopes of warding off evil spirits, reports National Geographic. It is said that a girl was found drowned in mysterious circumstances and that the dolls are possessed by her spirit.  Local legend says that the dolls move their heads and arms and even opened their eyes.

Barrera was apparently haunted by the spirit of the girl and started hanging more dolls in an attempt to please her spirit.  He soon realized the dolls themselves were possessed by the spirits of dead girls, and continued to collect creepy dolls hanging them over the entire island.  According to those close to him, it was as if Julian was driven by some unseen force that completely changed him.

After 50 years of collecting dolls and hanging them on the island, Julian was found dead, drowned in the same spot where the girl did.

Daring souls can hire their own boat and view the island safely from the water.