Known as the ‘Camino de la Muerte’, Bolivia’s notorious road continues to be a perilous path for thrill-seekers and locals alike, eight years after safety measures were introduced

Bolivia’s infamous ‘Camino de la Muerte’, or Death Road, continues to live up to its daunting nickname despite ongoing efforts to improve safety. This 64km stretch, connecting La Paz to the Yungas valleys, has historically seen up to 200-300 fatalities annually, though recent measures have significantly decreased this number.

The road, originally constructed by Paraguayan prisoners of war following the Chaco War, winds through treacherous mountainous terrain with no safety barriers along much of its length. Its narrow paths, sometimes just three meters wide, are frequently shrouded in mist and bordered by a chilling 3,500-meter vertical drop. The addition of sudden sharp turns and unexpected water from mini waterfalls only increases the hazards that drivers and cyclists face.

Despite the reduction in yearly deaths to an average of about five since 1998, the road still claims lives, serving as a stark reminder of its dangers. Memorials sporadically placed along the route where safety barriers are absent bear testimony to the numerous lives lost over the years.

Adventurers and thrill-seekers are drawn to the ‘world’s most dangerous road’ for the very risks that make it notorious. A Bolivia Hop writer shared their harrowing experience cycling the route, highlighting the intense mental challenge posed by the road’s precarious conditions. “The sharp twists and turns, and the thin margin for error just a few feet from a fatal drop, were genuinely frightening,” they recounted.

Local and international tourists continue to flock to this route, attracted by its infamous reputation and breathtaking views. However, the road also serves practical purposes, being a vital link between La Paz and the Yungas region. This dual role underscores the ongoing need for improvements in safety measures to protect both local commuters and international visitors drawn to its dangerous allure.

As the road maintains its grim appeal, the local government and safety advocates are called upon to balance the thrill of the ‘Camino de la Muerte’ with the very real need to safeguard human life.