The Perilous Yungas Road: A Journey on the World's Most Dangerous Route

The North Yungas Road, also known as the Death Road, is a treacherous path that stretches 69 kilometers through the Cordillera Oriental mountain range in Bolivia. It was constructed in the 1930s by Paraguayan prisoners during the Chaco War, and it rises to a height of 4,650 meters above sea level at Lakhumber Pass before winding down towards the Amazon rainforest. The road is narrow, often no wider than three meters, with steep drops of up to 600 meters into the surrounding forest. It connects the city of La Paz with the small town of Kuroyko at the entrance to the Amazon rainforest, and until 2006, it was the only option for traveling between the two locations.

The North Yungas Road has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous roads in the world. Before 1994, nearly 300 drivers lost their lives on the road each year. The hairpin turns, combined with the narrowness of the road, made it nearly impossible for every vehicle to pass safely, resulting in many accidents. Merchants often packed into trucks and buses to transport their goods to town, further exacerbating the danger.

The road is dotted with memorials to those who lost their lives, and it is still considered dangerous, even after modernization efforts in the last 20 years. In 2009, a new road was constructed nearby that has two lanes and is well-maintained, providing a safer alternative to the North Yungas Road. However, many local workers and backpackers still use the Death Road, and it remains a popular destination for thrill-seekers from all over the world.

Tour operators lead bike rides down the road, which is considered the ultimate extreme sport. However, it is crucial to remember that the North Yungas Road is still dangerous, and precautions should be taken to ensure safety. Riders must use the left-hand side of the road to make passing safer, meaning they must stick to the precarious cliff side during their descent. With drop-offs as high as 600 meters, riders need to be cautious and not lose control. The road is still rough, with big rocks jutting out of the road at every turn, and riders must stay within their limits to avoid accidents.

In recent years, the North Yungas Road has been modernized with two driving lanes, new pavement, drainage systems, and guardrails. Despite these changes, accidents still occur, with many local workers and backpackers losing their lives on the road. Tour operators have reported over a dozen cyclist deaths in the last decade, emphasizing the need for caution when traveling on this infamous path.

In conclusion, the North Yungas Road, also known as the Death Road, is a dangerous path that stretches through the Cordillera Oriental mountain range in Bolivia. Despite modernization efforts, it remains a hazardous road, with steep drops and narrow passages. Thrill-seekers from all over the world come to bike down the Death Road, but safety precautions must be taken to avoid accidents. While the road is not as deadly as it once was, it is still treacherous, and it should be treated with caution and respect.