(above) Bolivia's Death Road At 15,000 Feet Has Taken Toll Of 300 Deaths A Year BBC/TopGear


Bolivia's Death Road At 15,000 Feet Has Taken Toll Of 300 Deaths A Year


By Susmita Baral

High in Bolivia's sky, about 15,400 feet in the air, there is the North Yungus Road, which is more commonly known as 'El Camino de la Muerte' (or 'The Death Road'). For those seeking a thrill, there is no better destination in Bolivia. Each year, the 40-mile road attracts roughly 25,000 mountain bikers. But the Death Road also comes with its own set of drawbacks: It is dangerous and results in 300 deaths a year.

In addition to the thrill of riding down the single-lane road -- which was proclaimed the World's Most Dangerous Road by the Inter-American Development Bank in 1994 -- with no railings, those who embark on this terrifying journey also get to see exquisite and unparalleled views of the Amazon rainforest. As such, it comes as no surprise that companies have capitalized on the destination by creating cycling tours.

Gravity Bolivia, one company that offers tours, tells Daily Mail that tourists should make sure they get a good guide before taking the notorious route. "There have been a number of deaths on this road, which is why it is very important that people ride with a competent outfitter," said Derren Patternson, the manager of Gravity Bolivia to Mail Online. "We go down single file keeping plenty of distance between riders, with a guide in the front and a guide in the back at all times."

(below) Click on photo below for video from Top Gear, about Bolivia's Death Road, BBC.