12 Most Dangerous Destinations for the Daring Traveler
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Some of the most intrepid travelers are all over danger, seeking out those most hazardous trips on earth. Whether that describes you or you simply want to know where to steer clear of, this rundown of a dozen dangerous destinations is fascinating. From drug cartels or murder to extreme temperatures and other natural dangers, here’s where to go only if you accept the severe threat to your life.
Death Valley, USA
There’s a reason why Death Valley is named that way. Much of the risk is due to heat, as the temperature can regularly exceed 50°C (122°F) in summer. Dehydration, heatstroke, and exhaustion are major risks where the highest temperature on earth was recorded. It’s a dangerous area in another way, too, due to the number of people who are armed.
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Mount Everest, Nepal and Tibet
Climbing Mount Everest is one of the most dangerous things you can do on Earth. A killer combination of extreme altitude and unforgiving weather means many take on the challenge without making it to the summit – or back down the mountain. The notorious Death Zone is the worst, with oxygen starvation causing dizziness and nausea at best. Climbers use bodies as markers, as it’s too risky and expensive to move them.
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Caracas, Venezuela
Caracas is one of the world’s murder capitals, with 110 deliberate killings per 100,000 people. Due to the prevalence of violent crime, it’s recommended that visitors hire a private security firm to escort them to and from the city’s airport. If you decide to take the risk and travel to destinations like Angel Falls anyway, never resist an attacker, as murder is too often the result.
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El Caminito del Rey, Spain
El Caminito del Rey in Andalusia has one of the most perilous pathways on the planet. Put one foot wrong on this narrow walkway, and you could plunge to your death. The path is set on the side of a cliff with a vertical drop. Despite undergoing safety improvements, the prospect of stepping onto it isn’t for those with even the remotest fear of heights.
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Oymyakon, Russia
Where Death Valley is known for its searing heat, Oymyakon in Russia is the opposite. It’s extremely cold here, with the mercury often dipping to -40°F (-40 °C) – coincidentally the same figure in Fahrenheit and Celsius. Though flora and fauna struggle to survive in this climate, the Yakut people call this place home. Being very friendly, the only danger is posed by the inhospitable temperatures.
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Sinaloa, Mexico
Drug cartels rule in this part of Mexico, which makes it a very dangerous area. Between 2018 and 2019, 10 American citizens traveling through the area were killed. As well as violent crime, such as armed shootouts between cartels and the Mexican military, Sinaloa is also notorious for kidnappings.
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Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland
Concealed chasms pose a danger to the public at Aletsch Glacier in Switzerland. Though the glacier’s surface may seem like smooth ice, there are hidden crevasses that adventurers can fall into. Serious injury or even death can be a tragic result. Experienced, highly trained guides, plus the right protective gear, are essential for anyone who wants to explore the glacier.
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Pripyat, Ukraine
Pripyat in Ukraine was formerly part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), otherwise known as Russia. In 1986, Pripyat was the site of the biggest nuclear disaster ever when a reactor at the nearby Chernobyl power plant exploded. As it’s reckoned that Pripyat won’t be habitable for another 20,000 years due to high radiation levels, it’s not somewhere you should visit soon.
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Mount Huashan, China
Like El Caminito del Rey in Spain, Mount Huashan in China is infamous for its cliff-side path. It’s made from planks, so it’s hardly what you’d call safe or steady. Though the planks are attached to the rock below, intrepid travelers must cling tightly to a chain. Wet and very windy weather only adds to the dangers posed by this precarious walkway.
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Death Road, Bolivia
This Bolivian destination is another where the name gives the game away. North Yungas Road runs 43 miles between La Paz and Coroico and is dangerous due to an often fatal combination of wet, misty weather and sheer drops. Mountain biking is popular, even though hundreds of people have lost their lives here. Though some safety measures were introduced during the 1990s, driving or riding along Death Road in Bolivia remains incredibly risky.
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Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
The dangers of the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia are undeniable. While visitors are attracted to the unique geological features of the region, including gushing geysers, sulfurous springs, and lakes of lava, the volcanic activity and scorching sunshine make this a perilous place. You cannot visit at all without the required protective equipment.
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The Devil’s Pool, Zambia
The dangers of the Devil’s Pool are posed by the sheer power of Victoria Falls. Its attraction lies in its unique perspective on the thundering falls, but one false move and the Zambezi River could send you tumbling to your death. Strong currents combined with slippery rocks underfoot only increase risk.
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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She has been featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
