The North Yungas Road in Bolivia is widely considered one of the scariest and most dangerous roads globally, often dubbed the "Death Road."
The Infamous Yungas Road
Located in Bolivia, the North Yungas Road gained its notorious reputation due to its extreme conditions and high fatality rate. It is one of the most famous dangerous roads in the world, and for good reason. Stretching approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) from La Paz to Coroico, this narrow mountain pass offers breathtaking views but also immense peril.
Why It's Considered So Dangerous
The terrifying nature of the North Yungas Road stems from a combination of factors:
- Extreme Narrowness: Much of the road is only about 3 meters (10 feet) wide, barely enough for two vehicles to pass, especially larger ones.
- Sheer Drops: On one side, the road features drops of up to 600 meters (2,000 feet) directly into the Amazon rainforest basin, often without any guardrails.
- Poor Visibility: Fog and mist are common, severely reducing visibility, especially during the rainy season.
- Unpaved Surface: The road is mostly gravel and dirt, making it slippery and prone to landslides, especially when wet.
- Lack of Safety Barriers: For significant stretches, there are no protective barriers between the road and the dizzying cliffs below.
- Unpredictable Weather: Rain, fog, and mud can appear suddenly, making driving conditions even more treacherous.
Historically, the road was the primary link between the capital city and the Amazon, leading to heavy traffic despite its hazards. While a new, safer highway has since been built, the original North Yungas Road remains a popular, albeit dangerous, destination for thrill-seeking tourists, particularly cyclists.
Key Facts About North Yungas Road
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | La Paz to Coroico, Bolivia |
| Length | Approximately 80 km (50 miles) |
| Nickname | "Death Road" (El Camino de la Muerte) |
| Hazards | Narrow width, sheer cliff drops, lack of guardrails, poor visibility (fog/rain), unpaved surface, landslides. |
| Status | Mostly replaced by a new highway for general traffic; now primarily a tourist attraction for extreme cycling and driving. |
| Source | Top 10 most dangerous roads in the world 2025 |
This perilous route serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by travelers in remote, mountainous regions, earning its reputation as one of the world's most daunting drives.
