World's Most Dangerous Road Dubbed 'Death Road' Where Hundreds Of People Die Every Year

There exists a road so notoriously dangerous that it has earned the ominous nickname 'Camino de la Muerte,' or Death Road. 

For those of you who get a thrill from extreme adventures but find that jumping from skyscrapers or attempting risky ski maneuvers isn't quite your style, consider a different kind of challenge.

Imagine taking a drive along what is known as "the world's most dangerous road."

This infamous route, the Camino de la Muerte, stretches for 64km (40 miles) and, in certain sections, is barely three meters wide. 

The road has been dubbed 'Death Road'. Luis Gandarillas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Driving here involves navigating corners that appear abruptly and include sharp turns.

Additionally, the road is often slick with water, thanks to the numerous mini waterfalls that dot the surrounding area.

The road's history adds to its daunting reputation.

It was constructed by Paraguayan prisoners of war following the Chaco War.

Notably, the road lacks continuous solid safety barriers.

This means that if you stray too close to the edge, you'll be faced with a terrifying, sheer drop of 3,500m. *Gulps* 

So, where exactly is this Death Road located, so you can either seek out the thrill or, for those who are more cautious, avoid it at all costs?

The Camino de la Muerte runs from La Paz in Bolivia, through the Yungas valleys, and extends into the Amazon rainforest and further.

If the mere thought of a 3,500m drop isn't enough to persuade you to look for an alternative route from La Paz to the Yungas and the Amazon, perhaps the road's deadly history will.

According to Bolivia Hop, the road used to claim the lives of 200-300 people annually.

However, since 1998, the average number of deaths has significantly decreased to about five per year.

Despite the decrease, I must admit, I'm still not tempted to test my luck there. 

Memorials stand where safety barriers don't. Luis Gandarillas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

A writer from Bolivia Hop shared their experience of cycling down this notorious path, which the Inter-American Development Bank has called "the world's most dangerous road."

They recounted: "It was all gravel. The transition from road biking to mountain biking meant that the stakes were suddenly much higher. The course became increasingly difficult."

They spoke of "sharp twists and turns" and times when they "couldn't see what was coming around the corner." 

They concluded with a chilling reflection:

"Plus, I think the most scary part was realizing that just one wrong decision or move could easily send you plummeting over the edge.

"Most of the road is only 10 ft (3 m) wide, so there really isn't much room for error.

"I'm not normally scared of heights, but the absence of guard rails and safety barriers really terrified me!"