'Death Road' is 37 miles long and widely acknowledged as the world's most difficult highway to drive down
Published on Jul 17, 2026 at 5:23 PM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Jul 17, 2026 at 5:23 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Ben Thompson
If you ever want to put your nerves to the test, driving down ‘Death Road’ is the ticket – 37 miles on the world’s most difficult highway will leave you white-knuckling the steering wheel.
The Yungas Road would test the skills of even the hardiest driver.
One lapse in attention and you could find yourself off the edge of a very steep cliff.
While this road wasn’t built to be an attraction, that’s what it’s become over the years.
There are some roads that will test you as a driver
When it comes to driving, some of us like the smooth and steady approach.
Others opt for the rough and rambunctious off-roading lifestyle.
But sometimes it’s the road that offers up the challenge, regardless of what a driver goes for.
These roads winding through the mountains of China would certainly leave you with sweaty palms.
And then there’s Fairy Mountain Road in Pakistan, which comes with treacherous drop-offs.
But compared to Death Road in Bolivia, those look like leisurely Sunday morning drives.
If a road is enough to make Jeremy Clarkson feel tense, you know it’s a real nailbiter.
Death Road is not the faint of heart – or the weak of stomach
It was built by Paraguayan prisoners of war following the end of the Chaco War in 1935.
As you might expect for a construction project of its era, a lot of deaths occurred during the building process.
And in the decades that followed, plenty of people fell victim to this treacherous road – around 100 people per year on average.
It wasn’t until 2007 that a bypass opened up, providing an alternative to the tricky route.
In 2025, between 30 and 40 people died on the road.
Despite this, some people still pay a visit to Death Road.
But these days, it’s more out of intrigue than necessity.
After all, it does offer some spectacular views of the surrounding valleys.
And there must be some part of people that wants the bragging rights of saying ‘I went to Death Road and came out alive’.
Ben joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025 after being published by international organizations including LADbible, The Sun, the New York Post, and the Daily Mail. He covers supercars, rare and collectible vehicles, aviation, luxury assets, and the fascinating people behind them. His reporting has explored everything from seven-figure supercars and historic Ferrari collections to unusual aircraft adventures and extraordinary automotive discoveries from around the world. Ben has also gained first-hand insight into vehicle craftsmanship and customization, including visiting specialist workshops to see bespoke vehicles up close.
