El Angosto is one of the deadliest roads in the world

El Angosto is one of the deadliest roads in the world

Bolivia, south-america

Length

13.8 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for El Angosto de Villamontes – the Pilcomayo canyon road in Bolivia's Tarija Department! Tucked away near the Paraguayan border, this isn't your average Sunday drive.

"Angosto" means "narrow," and trust me, they weren't kidding. Carved out during the Chaco War back in the 30s to supply troops, this 13.8 km (8.57 mile) stretch of Ruta 11 from Villamontes to Palos Blancos is seriously intense.

Picture this: an unpaved, winding track hugging the edge of a massive 450-meter drop. No guardrails, nada. This road is so skinny that passing another vehicle can turn into a multi-kilometer reversing challenge.

The views are breathtaking, but the road demands respect. Countless crosses serve as somber reminders of past tragedies. Drive slow, drive steady, and maybe say a little prayer. Fog loves to roll in, too, so visibility can be a real issue.

Despite all the risks, it's a surprisingly busy route, packed with buses and trucks. Plus, you're driving right through oil country! Not for the faint of heart, or anyone with a fear of heights, El Angosto is an unforgettable experience.

Where is it?

El Angosto is one of the deadliest roads in the world is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -15.6594, -63.6993

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Bolivia
Continent
south-america
Length
13.8 km
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
-15.6594, -63.6993

Related Roads in south-america

Alto de Letras is the longest road climb in the worldmoderate

Alto de Letras is the longest road climb in the world

🇨🇴 Colombia

Get ready for Alto de Letras, one of the most legendary and grueling climbs in Colombia! Situated high in the Andes, straddling the Tolima and Caldas departments, this road is a must-do for any adventurous traveler. Nicknamed "Letras", this fully paved road, part of Ruta Nacional 50, links Manizales and San Sebastián de Mariquita, offering an epic journey for those brave enough to take it on. Prepare to be amazed as the landscape transforms around you. The changing scenery, climate, crops, and even animals create a truly unique experience. Keep your camera ready for the beautiful, ever-evolving views. Heads up, though: this route can get busy, so an early start is a good idea. Starting from San Sebastián de Mariquita, you'll be tackling a staggering 78.9 km (49 miles) with an elevation gain of 3,220 meters. The average gradient is around 4%, but don't let that fool you – you'll hit some steep sections of 11% or 12% in places! Often called the longest road climb in the world, Alto de Letras is a favorite among cyclists, both amateur and pro, and has been a part of the Vuelta a Colombia for years. Starting in the subtropical heat of San Sebastián de Mariquita at 468 meters and climbing all the way up to an arctic 3,692 meters, this is one South American adventure you won't soon forget!

Travel guide to the top of Cerro Pachonhard

Travel guide to the top of Cerro Pachon

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Coquimbo Region of Chile, heading towards the Andes foothills, right? Your destination? The summit of Cerro Pachón, a staggering 2,696 meters (8,845 feet) high! The road, Camino Centro Astronómico, is mostly paved with a few concrete sections thrown in for good measure, but the final 200 meters is a smooth, graded dirt track. The climb from the D317 road is just shy of 15 kilometers (9.25 miles), with a hefty 951-meter elevation gain—that's an average gradient of 6.38 percent, so get ready for a steady climb! Up top, you're rewarded with views and some serious space-age tech. We're talking the Gemini South Telescope, the SOAR Telescope, and soon, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory – a game-changer in astronomy. This place is all about peering into the cosmos, so expect scenery that’s literally out of this world. A word of caution: due to the altitude, this trip isn't recommended if you have hypertension, cardiovascular, or lung problems. Little ones under 6 aren’t allowed either. But for everyone else? Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Ruta Provincial 52moderate

Ruta Provincial 52

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Ruta Provincial 52! This beauty is a 33 km stretch of gravel road ("ripio" as they say in Argentina) winding through the stunning Valdes Peninsula, right on the Atlantic coast in northeastern Chubut Province. It's your connector between Ruta Provincial 3 and the charming Calleta Valdes. Now, heads up – the Valdes Peninsula can be a bit of a weather wildcard, thanks to its semi-arid climate. Expect sudden changes and strong winds. Keep an eye on the sky. The speed limit is a chill 60km/h, and trust me, you'll want to stick to it to avoid any flat-tire drama. Speaking of the road, it can get a bit loose and muddy, especially after rain. A high-clearance 2WD *can* manage it if you take it slow and steady, but honestly, a 4x4 is your best friend here. Think of it as an investment in comfort and peace of mind. Why bother? Because this road is your ticket to some seriously incredible wildlife sightings. We're talking massive marine animals in their natural habitat. It's an experience you won't forget!

Scaling the Skies: The Journey Up Putana Volcano- Among Earth's Highest Roads on Earthmoderate

Scaling the Skies: The Journey Up Putana Volcano- Among Earth's Highest Roads on Earth

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, adventure seekers, picture this: You're in the Antofagasta region of Chile, right on the border with Bolivia, about to tackle a road that climbs a freakin' volcano! We're talking Volcán Putana, also known as Jorqencal or Machuca, a stratovolcano that's got some serious attitude. This isn't your average Sunday drive. This former mine access road snakes its way up to a mind-blowing 5,779 meters (18,959 feet)! Yeah, you're practically touching the sky up there. It used to be bustling with trucks hauling sulfur, because this volcano is loaded with it. You can even see the fumaroles puffing away from miles off. Word on the street is, this road might not be passable anymore, but even the attempt would be epic! Just imagine the views...the stark beauty of northern Chile... the sheer bragging rights of conquering one of the highest roads on the planet. This is a climb you won't soon forget!