When embarking on a road trip or driving to a destination, most of us focus on the beauty of the open road, the excitement of exploring new places, and the joy of the journey. However, some roads are better left untraveled due to their extreme danger, unpredictable conditions, or the risk they pose to your safety. Whether it’s due to treacherous terrain, poor infrastructure, or a history of accidents, there are certain roads that should be on your radar as routes to avoid at all costs. Here are three infamous roads you should never take if you value your safety.
1. Guoliang Tunnel Road – China
The Guoliang Tunnel Road, also known as the Guoliang Tunnel or the “Road Through the Mountain,” is one of the most dangerous roads in the world. Carved into the side of a mountain in China’s Henan Province, this road is as stunning as it is treacherous. Originally created by villagers using rudimentary tools to allow access to their isolated village, this narrow, winding road has become a popular tourist attraction, but it is extremely risky to drive on.
Why You Should Avoid It:
- Narrow, Cliffside Roads: The tunnel itself is carved through solid rock, and the road often hugs the edge of steep cliffs with very little space between the mountain and the precipice below. The road is narrow and sometimes only wide enough for one vehicle, making it difficult to pass other cars safely. If you misjudge the turn or your vehicle slips, the consequences can be catastrophic.
- Lack of Guardrails: The road lacks proper barriers or guardrails, and the high altitude and sharp corners make it particularly hazardous. One wrong move can send you tumbling down the mountain. The sharp, treacherous bends combined with the heavy fog that often settles over the area make the road even more dangerous, especially for inexperienced drivers.
- Unpredictable Weather: The weather in the mountainous region can change rapidly, with rain, fog, and snow making the road even more slippery and dangerous. Even experienced drivers can struggle with the unpredictable conditions.
Though the Guoliang Tunnel Road offers incredible views and a unique adventure, it is not recommended for anyone without advanced driving skills and a strong sense of caution.
2. North Yungas Road – Bolivia
Known as the “Death Road,” the North Yungas Road in Bolivia is infamous for its high fatality rate. Stretching from La Paz to Coroico, this narrow mountain road is nestled deep within the Andes, and while it offers breathtaking views, it is also one of the most perilous roads in the world.
Why You Should Avoid It:
- Extremely Narrow and Steep: North Yungas Road is a single-lane dirt road that winds through steep mountain passes. It’s barely wide enough for two vehicles to pass each other, with sheer cliffs on one side and vertical drops of up to 2,000 feet (600 meters) on the other. There are very few guardrails, and vehicles often end up plummeting down the cliffs due to the narrow width of the road.
- Poor Road Conditions: The road surface is often muddy, dusty, and riddled with potholes, especially during rainy seasons. Flash floods and landslides are frequent, making this road even more dangerous to navigate.
- High Fatality Rate: The road earned its nickname for a reason. It has claimed hundreds of lives over the years due to its dangerous conditions. While improvements have been made, including the construction of a safer alternative route for heavy traffic, many vehicles still use North Yungas Road, which remains a risk for those daring enough to travel it.
While the road is a popular challenge for experienced cyclists and adventure seekers, it’s certainly not a safe option for regular road travelers. Even though it offers a scenic experience, it’s best to opt for the new, safer road to avoid any risk.
3. The Guajara Pass – Brazil
The Guajara Pass, located in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, is one of the most isolated and dangerous roads in the world. Connecting the state of Pará to the rest of Brazil, this 80-mile stretch of road is often referred to as one of the deadliest highways due to its extreme weather conditions and hazardous terrain.
Why You Should Avoid It:
- Lack of Infrastructure: The Guajara Pass is poorly maintained, with the road often reduced to a mud pit or covered in large rocks, making it challenging for vehicles to pass through. During the rainy season, the road becomes nearly impassable, and drivers risk getting stuck for hours or even days.
- Flooding and Mudslides: The area is prone to frequent heavy rainfall, which causes flooding, landslides, and the road to wash away. If you’re not familiar with navigating through such conditions, your car may get stuck or be swept away by sudden floods.
- Dangerous Wildlife and Isolation: The road cuts through the dense Amazon jungle, which is home to dangerous wildlife such as jaguars, snakes, and other animals. The isolation of the road, combined with a lack of access to emergency services, means that if anything goes wrong, help may be hours or even days away. The remote nature of the Guajara Pass makes it a perilous journey for even experienced travelers.
Additionally, the absence of significant infrastructure along this route makes it challenging to get assistance in case of a breakdown, further increasing the risks associated with this road.