El Angosto is one of the deadliest roads in the world
Bolivia, south-america
13.8 km
N/A
extreme
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
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 13.8 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -15.6594, -63.6993
Related Roads in south-america
moderateCerro Choquecota
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Cerro Choquecota in southern Peru's Puno Region is calling your name... if you're ready for a serious challenge! We're talking about a lung-busting climb to 5,001 meters (that's over 16,400 feet!). The road? Well, "road" might be too generous a term. It's more like a rocky, gravelly beast. Expect to wrestle with massive, jagged rocks that are just waiting to shred your tires. Seriously, this ain't a Sunday drive. You'll need high clearance, skid plates, and differential lockers. Leave your stock vehicle at home! And remember, you're way up high, so the weather can turn on you in a heartbeat. Think fierce winds and sudden snow squalls, even in summer! Winter here is brutally cold. Come prepared for anything Mother Nature throws at you. This is a mine road, so keep an eye out for traffic. But hey, the views from the top? Absolutely epic. Just remember to breathe... if you can!
extremeVolcan Ticsani
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Ticsani Volcano in Peru! We're talking seriously high altitude here – almost 16,000 feet! You'll find this bad boy nestled in the Moquegua Region, specifically in the Mariscal Nieto Province, between Cuchumbaya and San Cristóbal. Now, the road to the top (also called Tixani) is a gravel beast, and it's STEEP. Think challenging. Seriously, don't even think about it if the weather looks sketchy. This climb isn’t for the faint of heart. The air gets thin, making every step and every turn a test of endurance. Remember, altitude sickness can kick in around 8,000-9,000 feet, and up near the peak, oxygen is a luxury! But hey, the views along the way? Absolutely mind-blowing. Just be prepared for an epic adventure!
easyThe wild road to Huayunca doesn’t drop below 4.900m for 25km
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure awaits at Huayunca Pass! Perched way up in the Peruvian Andes, right where the Cusco and Apurimac regions meet, this beast hits a staggering 5,115 meters (16,781 feet). Yeah, you're gonna feel that altitude! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 25.1 km (15.59 mile) unpaved stretch kicking off from Abra Culipampa, heading east towards Abra Azuca. Think mind-blowing views in the Wansu range, especially on the initial climb. Seriously gorgeous! Heads up, though: The actual summit's a bit of a letdown. You've gotta check in at the Azuca silver mine (yep, at 5,000m!), and the views from the very top aren't the greatest. The descent isn't super scenic either. BUT that initial climb? Totally worth it. The road's generally in good shape, and the slopes aren't too crazy most of the way. Just make sure you're used to the altitude before you even think about tackling this one!
hardHow to drive the challenging road to La Cumbre?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for La Cumbre! This Bolivian beauty sits way up high in the Cochabamba department, topping out at a lung-busting 14,783 feet. You'll be cruising on the Carretera Oruro – Cochabamba (Ruta 4), a fully paved road that's surprisingly smooth. Don't get too comfy though – it's a twisty-turny climb that'll keep you on your toes. This epic stretch of road runs for about 44 miles between Challa Grande and Caihuasi, right in the heart of Bolivia. It's so challenging, it's a regular on the Vuelta Ciclista a Bolivia – the highest stage on the whole UCI circuit! Word to the wise: if you've got heart or breathing problems, maybe skip this one. The air gets seriously thin up there. Altitude sickness is a real possibility above 8,000 feet, and with 40% less oxygen at the summit, even walking feels like a workout. The steep inclines, unpredictable weather, and remote location make this a truly demanding drive. But the views? Totally worth it (if you can breathe enough to enjoy them!).