Bolivia: “Highway of Death” Claims U.S. Mountain Biker

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | April 23rd, 2008 | Trackback

The North Yungas Road leading from La Paz to Coroico in the Amazon basin has been called “the most dangerous road in the world” and the “highway of death” because of its precipitous drop from the highlands to the Amazon jungle hugging cliffs for most of its 40-mile descent. But for all its danger, which includes frequent dense fog, slippery surface, narrow sections and few guardrails, it has become a draw for mountain bikers. Several tourist agencies offer guided trips down the road, but the challenge should not be taken lightly. A 56-year-old U.S. tourist died April 19 when he lost control of his bike and plunged off a cliff. Hundreds of Bolivians annually were killed in bus crashes on this road until it was paved in 2007.

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