Death Road

Situated in Bolivia, the North Yungas Road, which links the capital city of La Paz to the low-lying Yungas region within the Amazon rainforest, is infamously referred to as Death Road and is recognized as the most dangerous road in the world. The road rarely exceeds a width of 3 meters and features cliffs that plunge 2,000 feet. Navigating this 43-mile winding route is exceedingly hazardous due to frequent fog, landslides, and a steep drop along one side that extends throughout the entire stretch, characterized by over 200 sharp, narrow turns. Positioned above cloud level, the road often suffers from visibility challenges. Prior to 1994, around 300 fatalities occurred annually on this treacherous path. It is not unusual for vehicles to fall over the edge, typically as a result of drivers attempting to overtake one another. Road rage is a significant concern, with impatient drivers pressuring others to accelerate. There have been instances of individuals deliberately colliding with other vehicles, causing them to plunge off the road. The most notorious incident took place on July 24, 1983, when a bus careened off the edge, resulting in the deaths of 100 individuals. The Bolivian government is working to enhance safety measures, but the process is slow and expensive due to the challenging conditions. The northernmost segment of the original road has been supplanted by a modern two-lane motorway, which is considerably safer. Currently, the majority of fatalities involve local workers and backpackers who continue to traverse the notorious road. For those seeking adventure, tour operators offer biking excursions along the route, although it is reported that over a dozen cyclists have perished there in the past decade.