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The 22 Most Dangerous Tourist Destinations in the World

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The world is full of fascinating places that attract tourists in their droves. There is a lot of variety in these destinations, from tropical paradises to mountainous peaks, and they attract people ranging from sunseekers to thrill-seekers.

However, as incredible as some locations can be, they can also be very dangerous . The danger can be from different sources, from natural hazards to high crime levels .

While some of these locations aren’t the worst places to visit, there are underlying reasons why you should proceed with care. Here’s a look at some of the most dangerous tourist destinations on the planet.

Top 22 Most Dangerous Vacation Spots on Earth

Death valley, california.

Main danger: car accidents

Death Valley is the hottest place on the planet; temperatures at Furnace Creek have reached 134 °F. The extreme temperatures have taken the lives of many people who’ve been careless enough to stray away from the roads. If the heat wasn’t enough, rattlesnakes are another hazard.

Regardless, Death Valley is still a popular tourist attraction, partly because of how dangerous it is. If you do find yourself in Death Valley, make sure you stick to the roads and take plenty of water with you to avoid dehydration and heatstroke. 

The Danakil Desert, Ethiopia

Main danger: heat exhaustion

The Danakil Desert, located on the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea is also dangerous because of the sheer heat. Although it is not quite as hot as Death Valley, the Danakil Desert will still reach around 131 °F.

most dangerous tourist sites

The high temperatures are partly because of the geothermal activity in the region, which are also responsible for lakes of acid and poisonous gases. The desert is a popular tourist destination, but visitors are recommended to stick with guides at all times.

Mount Everest, Nepal

Main danger: hypoxia

Mount Everest tends to attract an extreme variety of tourists. That is, those who want to climb to the top of the world’s tallest peak. Every year around 1,200 intrepid explorers will set off from the foot of the mountain. Unfortunately, only around half make it to the top, and some will die trying.

As you scale the mountain, the conditions become increasingly severe. Low oxygen levels, freezing temperatures, and fatal falls are just a few of the things people here must be careful of. It’s estimated that more than 200 bodies still remain on the mountain, frozen where they perished.

Acapulco, Mexico

Main danger: criminal activity

Acapulco, Mexico, is a city that attracts sun-seekers in their droves, mostly from elsewhere in Mexico, but the city also receives some international visitors. Visitors to this famous beach resort get to make the most of stunning beaches with clear blue waters.

Acapulco used to be a major destination for tourists from the United States, but this is no longer the case. Since its heyday, the city has seen an explosion in crime, including homicide, causing overseas visitors to choose other destinations instead. If you want to visit the city, it’s wise to be very careful during your stay.

Kingston, Jamaica

Jamaica is a tropical paradise and home to the legendary Bob Marley. The country is also steeped in history, having been under Spanish and British colonial rule, and is the birthplace of the Rastafarian religion.

People from all over the world flock to Jamaica’s pristine beaches and soak up the vibrant yet laid back culture. However, as is the case with many tropical paradises, things are not so paradisical below the surface. Poverty and crime rates are high, especially in the country’s capital, Kingston. Visitors here are advised not to stray away from the safety of the resorts.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is one of the world’s premier tourist attractions. The wonderful beaches and stunning backdrop make for a vacation that you will not forget. As if the natural beauty wasn’t enough, there’s also the lively culture that makes the city irresistible for so many people.

However, Brazil is a developing country that has high unemployment rates. People from all over the country flock to cities like Rio in the hope of finding work, and many are not successful. The result is high rates of crime, and visitors are advised to be very careful.

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Main danger: falling off cliffs

Ireland’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm welcome help make the country a popular tourist destination. Modern cities like Dublin are rich in culture and arts, with plenty to do for visitors. However, many people come for the country’s rustic beauty rather than its rural attractions.

most dangerous tourist sites

One such attraction is the stunning cliffs of Moher, located on the island’s rugged west coast. The sights are spectacular, with views of the coastline and over the Atlantic ocean. However, as beautiful as the sheer drops are, they are also very dangerous. Many people have fallen to their death after getting too close to the edge to get a better look.

Mount Washington, USA

Main danger: hypothermia

Many more adventurous tourists are attracted to Mount Washington in British Columbia, USA. The mountain has ski resorts, while it also attracts hikers and climbers who want to get closer to nature and take in the stunning views.

While mountain exploring is typically risky, Mount Washington has a particular hazard that people need to be careful about: high winds. The winds here can reach as high as 203 mph, enough to blow people away to their deaths. Visitors also need to be careful of the temperatures, reaching -40 °F.

For good reason, Mount Washington is reputed to be the world’s most deadly little mountain. It’s the highest peak in the northeastern United States and is prone to dynamic weather fluctuations year round.

Although the mountain is just a little over 6000 feet elevation, it receives severe temperature changes and strong winds that exacerbate the dips.

The majority of accidents on Mount Washington include hypothermia episodes and visibility problems.

Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California

It doesn’t get better than California’s Yosemite National Park for people who like the outdoors. Vast woodlands, stunning waterfalls, and scenic mountains make up just a few of the reasons to come here. Unfortunately, as beautiful as mother nature can be, she can also be very, very dangerous.

Although bear attacks are rare, it’s the mountains that are more likely to lead to untimely deaths. The Half Dome peak is one of the most dangerous of all. People have fallen to their death trying to hike to the top, while climbers are also at increased risk of lightning strikes.

New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Main danger: shark attacks

Florida’s New Smyrna Beach is a surfer’s paradise. The perfect waves attract surfers from all over the world, helped by Florida’s warm climate. Unfortunately, however, danger is lurking just beneath the waves. The waters off New Smyrna Beach are teeming with sharks.

Florida is known as the world’s shark attack capital, and New Smyrna Beach is one of the most dangerous Florida locations of all. It’s also well known that sharks and surfers tend not to make a good combination. It’s not that the shark thinks people are on the menu, but they mistake surfers for their usual prey: seals. Regardless of the reason behind an attack, the results are unpleasant and potentially life-threatening.

Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand is home to many of the world’s most incredible tropical beaches, attracting millions of tourists each year. However, beaches are not the only attraction; the country offers legendary nightlife, a famously warm welcome, rich history, and shopping galore.

Beaches aside, one of Thailand’s many attractions is its famous capital city: Bangkok. The city has so much to offer to people from all walks of life, whether you’re looking to see the sights, go shopping, or just party. However, crime is rife in the city, with commonplace scams and robberies against tourists. A corrupt and disinterested police force does not help the situation.

Pripyat, Ukraine

Main danger: decaying structures and potential radiation

Pripyat used to be a normal Russian Town (now Ukrainian). There wasn’t much to attract visitors, and the town and surrounding areas were little known. However, that would all change in 1986 when an accident took place that shocked the world.

In 1986, a nuclear meltdown occurred at the nearby Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Such was the high levels of radiation that inhabitants of the time had no choice but to leave, and it’s been unoccupied since. Despite the radiation levels still being dangerous, many people are drawn to the city to get a glimpse of the past.

Hawaii National Park, Hawaii

Main danger: poisonous gases

In addition to beaches that many people dream about visiting, Hawaii is also known for its active volcano activity. The small group of islands sits directly over a fault line, making it one of the most active volcanic regions on the planet. The activity makes for a fascinating site for tourists, while it also presents plenty of danger.

Not only is lava extremely hot, which presents obvious dangers, but poisonous gases and ash fill the air in some areas. The volcanoes and surrounding areas have taken the lives of unwitting tourists and other people who didn’t take sufficient care.

Bikini Atoll, The Marshall Islands

Main danger: high radiation levels

Bikini Atoll is one of the most stunningly beautiful locations on the planet. Pristine beaches and clear blue waters appear irresistible and would otherwise attract visitors in their droves to get a taste of paradise. Except, Bikini Atoll is not quite as paradisiacal as it might first seem.

most dangerous tourist sites

Bikini Atoll has been the location of numerous explosive nuclear tests, which devastated wildlife in the area. Not only that, but the tests mean that even 60 years later, the site has dangerously high levels of radiation. However, people are still attracted to the Atoll, partly because of the recovering reefs.

Snake Island, Brazil

Main danger: venomous creatures

If you were to step foot on snake island, just off the coast of Brazil, you would be in one of the world’s most dangerous locations. You can probably guess the reason why going by the island’s name. Yes, the island has lots of snakes, deadly snakes at that.

The island is home to thousands of golden lancehead vipers, one of the most venomous snake species on the planet. The island is so dangerous that the Brazilian have closed it to the public, with few people allowed to set foot there.

Oymyakon, Russia

Main danger: extreme cold

One of the coldest inhabited places on earth is this little village in Siberia. Due to the weather extremes, this is one of the most deadly locations on earth. The lowest temperature ever recorded was below –60 degrees Celsius.

Darvaza Gas Crater, Turkmenistan

The crater is a natural gas field that has been burning since 1971 and is referred to as the “Gates of Hell.”

Massive heat, boiling muck, and gases are released from the football-sized hole. Additionally, the crater’s access road is a rather difficult one. Even a minor error might be deadly.

La Oroya, Peru

Main danger: lead levels

This Peruvian city is well-known for being among the most deadly locations on earth due to its extreme pollution.

Arsenic, cadmium, and lead are among the many contaminants present in La Oroya, a mining town. These contaminants are present at far greater levels than the WHO deems safe.

The blood lead levels of the city’s population have been discovered to be frighteningly high, and many are reportedly suffering from respiratory problems.

Fraser Island, Australia

Despite the fact that Australia is home to many stunning beaches, you should absolutely stay away from this one. On Fraser Island, one of the deadliest beaches may be found.

Wild Dingo canines that are hostile and poisonous spiders live on the island. Not only that, but the seas close to the island are home to deadly marine species, such as sharks and poisonous jellyfish.

If you do decide to stop there, use great care and avoid the dogs.

Naica Crystal Cave, Mexico

Main danger: lava flow

The largest crystals in the world, mostly formed of gypsum, are found in the caverns. If you could avoid it, this is not the location you need to be going to. It’s not one of the worst places to visit from a beauty standpoint, but it definitely ranks up there from a safety standpoint.

Due to the lava flowing under the surface, the cave is quite warm. In addition, the humidity is quite high, which might harm the lungs.

You are not permitted to enter the cave, yet a few individuals have managed to do so.

Norilsk, Russia

Main danger: toxic air

Norilsk’s metallurgical complex is the reason it is one of the world’s most polluted cities.

Nickel smelting has caused the city to be quite filthy. As a consequence, the whole city is covered in smog and acid rain.

Since there are so many heavy metals in the city, even the soil may now be mined for metals.

Vanuatu, Pacific Ocean

Main danger: natural catastrophes

Natural catastrophes that affect the nation include strong cyclones, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes.

The lives of the island’s inhabitants are in very high danger due to the island’s vulnerability to natural calamities.

How to Stay Safe in Dangerous Tourist Destinations

Keeping yourself and loved ones safe under any circumstances is important, and you need all the best tools at your disposal to make this process easier.

At Armormax we have tons of heavy-duty products to make vehicles safer and more secure. We also have products that are effective safeguards for individuals, like our B6 bulletproof backpack inserts .

Wherever your travels take you, stay as safe as possible with the most protective equipment available.

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Armormax Team 203 articles

Frequently Asked Questions

What countries should americans not visit.

There are several countries that the United States government discourages its citizens to travel to, including notorious crime havens like Afghanistan, Venezuela, Iraq, Iran, and North Korea. Anyone traveling to these nations needs to be cognizant and aware.

Is Egypt a safe country to visit?

Although Egypt is a relatively safe tourist destination, there is still a chance that something negative could happen if you're not 100% careful. The U.S. government recommends tourists to Egypt exhibit caution due to the embassy's limited ability to aid in the case of an attack.

Which country's visa is the most powerful?

Japan is known for holding an extremely powerful visa. This visa allows entry to 193 countries around the world.

What is the most dangerous street in the world?

North Yungas Road in Bolivia is notorious for being the most dangerous road in South America, if not the world. It literally translates to "Death Road" since this narrow road traverses the Cordillera Oriental Mountains.

What is a golden passport?

Wealthy foreigners may get citizenship or residence by investing a particular sum of money in a nation via "golden passports," also known as citizenship by investment (CBI) schemes. There are schemes for immigrant investors in more than a dozen nations, including the US.

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The 15 Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions in the World

most dangerous tourist sites

In a world brimming with breathtaking landscapes, ancient wonders, and adrenaline-pumping adventures, some tourist attractions beckon the daredevils, the thrill-seekers, and the intrepid explorers.

These are the destinations where the line between excitement and danger blurs, where the allure of nature’s majesty is matched only by the risks it presents.

Most dangerous tourist attractions

From towering peaks and treacherous roads to the depths of the ocean and the heart of dense jungles, these are the most dangerous tourist attractions in the world. Each one holds a unique peril, demanding respect for the forces of nature and a keen sense of adventure.

In this article, we delve into the heart of danger, exploring the main risks that define these captivating destinations, reminding us that while the world is vast and beautiful, it can also be unforgiving and relentless.

1. Mount Everest, Nepal/Tibet

Mount Everest, the pinnacle of adventure for mountaineers worldwide, conceals its deadliest secret in plain sight: the main danger here is the unforgiving interplay of extreme altitude and brutal weather conditions.

Mount Everest

Standing at a staggering 29,032 feet (8,849 meters) above sea level, climbers brave the treacherous ascent through the “Death Zone” where oxygen is scarce, and the human body deteriorates rapidly. Altitude sickness, the most prevalent threat, can manifest as nausea, dizziness, and, in severe cases, death.

The risk is further compounded by the looming specter of avalanches, which can strike without warning, and the bone-chilling frostbite that lurks in the frigid cold. Scaling Everest is an epic struggle against the elements, where the consequences of nature’s fury are gravely real.

2. Death Road, Bolivia

Bolivia’s Yungas Road (one of the most dangerous in the world ), colloquially known as Death Road, offers a spine-tingling adventure through the picturesque Andes. Yet, beneath its scenic beauty lies an ominous peril.

North Yungas Road Bolivia

The main danger is the road itself—a serpentine pathway, barely wide enough for one vehicle, that winds perilously along steep cliffs. With drops of up to 2,000 feet (600 meters), the margin for error is razor-thin.

Accidents are frequent, and fatalities are not uncommon. Cyclists, thrill-seekers who tackle this treacherous route, must grapple with the constant threat of veering off the edge. In this high-stakes game of brinkmanship, Death Road tests nerve, skill, and the laws of gravity.

3. The Devil’s Pool, Zambia

Victoria Falls , a roaring natural wonder between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is home to The Devil’s Pool—an alluring but precarious attraction. Here, the main danger is the omnipresent risk of being swept over the precipice by the formidable currents of the Zambezi River.

Victoria Falls

The Pool lures brave souls who seek to peer into the abyss from the very edge of the falls. But this heart-pounding encounter with nature’s force demands the utmost caution. Visitors must navigate slippery rocks and powerful currents to access the pool.

A single misstep could spell disaster, making it a destination where thrill-seekers must tread carefully and respect the raw, untamed power of Victoria Falls.

4. El Caminito del Rey, Spain

El Caminito del Rey, situated in the heart of Spain ‘s Andalusian mountains, offers breathtaking views that come at a perilous price. The main danger here lies in the high, narrow walkway that clings precariously to steep cliffs. This pathway, which was once in a state of disrepair, gained notoriety for its harrowing accidents.

Spain Andalusia

Although it has since undergone extensive renovations to enhance safety, it remains a destination where the specter of vertiginous drops and dizzying heights is ever-present.

Visitors must summon their courage to traverse this dizzying trail, where one false step could result in a fatal plunge into the abyss.

5. Crocodile Farm, Australia

Australia ‘s Crocodile Farm may be a magnet for thrill-seekers, but the main danger lurks just beneath the surface. Here, the proximity to saltwater crocodiles, known for their aggression and lethality, poses an imminent threat.

Crocodile Farm

These apex predators are notorious for their lightning-fast strikes, capable of overpowering even the most vigilant of visitors. To get up close and personal with these reptilian giants is an adrenaline-pumping experience, but it’s a dance on the edge of danger.

Maintaining a respectful distance and adhering to stringent safety protocols are paramount when venturing into the crocodile’s lair.

6. Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine

The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, a haunting relic of the world’s worst nuclear disaster, offers a sobering experience fraught with danger. The main peril here is not immediate, but long-lasting: exposure to radiation. Decades after the catastrophic explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, the area remains contaminated, and visitors risk harmful radiation exposure.

A radioactive sign at Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Ukraine

Although guided tours have strict safety measures, the specter of a silent, invisible menace looms. The very ground, air, and structures retain traces of radiation, making this journey a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear accidents.

It’s a destination that demands caution, respect for the environment, and adherence to all safety guidelines to mitigate the inherent risks.

7. Volcano Boarding, Nicaragua

Nicaragua’s Volcano Boarding is an exhilarating adventure sport that comes with an adrenaline-pumping peril. The main danger here is the high-speed descent down steep volcanic slopes. Armed with a wooden board, daredevils hurtle down active volcanoes, reaching speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.

Volcan Cerro Negro Nicaragua

While the thrill is undeniable, the risk of injury looms large. Volcanic terrain is unpredictable, and a sudden rock or uneven surface can lead to accidents. Protective gear is essential, but even with it, participants are not immune to the inherent dangers of this fiery ride.

Volcano boarding is a daring pursuit, where the line between thrill and danger blurs, and where each descent carries the potential for an unforgettable experience or a risky tumble.

8. Running of the Bulls, Spain

Spain’s iconic Running of the Bulls, part of the San Fermín festival in Pamplona, is a heart-pounding event synonymous with danger. The main peril lies in the potential for runners to be gored or trampled by the charging bulls. Participants sprint through narrow streets, attempting to stay ahead of the stampeding animals.

Pamplona Spain

The bulls are massive, powerful, and disoriented by the chaos of the event. Injuries and even fatalities are not uncommon. Despite the rush of adrenaline and the allure of tradition, running is a high-stakes gamble with the potential for grave consequences.

It’s an age-old tradition that has fascinated the world, but it’s also one that demands unwavering respect for the inherent dangers it presents.

9. Cliff Diving in Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Locations

Cliff diving in Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series locations is a breathtaking spectacle that tests the limits of human courage. The main danger in this awe-inspiring sport is the risk of hitting rocks or miscalculating a dive from extreme heights.

Competitors dive from heights of up to 27 meters (88 feet) into the open ocean, executing acrobatic feats before plunging into the water.

Red Bull Cliff Diving

The precision required is staggering, and the margin for error is minuscule. One misjudgment in timing or positioning can result in painful and sometimes life-threatening injuries.

The thrill of conquering gravity draws athletes and thrill-seekers alike, but the sport’s unforgiving nature reminds participants that, in the world of cliff diving, danger is ever-present, and respect for its power is paramount.

10. Cage Diving with Great White Sharks, South Africa

Cage diving with Great White Sharks in South Africa is a heart-pounding adventure that brings you face-to-face with one of the ocean’s most fearsome predators. The main danger here is the proximity to these massive, predatory sharks, even when you’re safely ensconced in a cage.

Cage Diving

While the cage provides a barrier between you and the sharks, it’s a heart-stopping experience as these apex predators circle, attracted by bait. Though fatalities are rare, the unpredictability of these creatures and the inherent risks of being in the open ocean with them make this a truly dangerous attraction.

It’s a thrilling venture that tests your nerves and leaves you with an unforgettable adrenaline rush.

11. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, the awe-inspiring Inca citadel nestled high in the Andes mountains of Peru , holds a hidden danger that often surprises visitors. The main peril here is the risk of altitude sickness. Sitting at an elevation of around 7,970 feet (2,430 meters), the thin air can wreak havoc on the unacclimated.

Machu Picchu Pueblo Peru

Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, and headaches, and in severe cases, it can lead to more serious health issues. To fully appreciate the beauty and history of Machu Picchu, visitors must be aware of the altitude’s potential impact and take measures to acclimate or seek medical attention if necessary.

It’s a destination where the breathtaking views are complemented by the need for caution in the high-altitude environment.

12. Mount Huashan, China

Mount Huashan in China is renowned for its treacherous ascents and death-defying plank paths. The main danger here is the precarious cliffside plank path, which clings to the mountain’s steep cliffs. With sheer drops on one side and challenging weather conditions, including strong winds and rain, navigating this path can be a harrowing experience.

Huashan Mountain Huayin Weinan China

The plank walk involves shuffling along wooden planks secured to the rock face, holding onto chains for dear life. While there have been safety improvements in recent years, it remains a destination where thrill-seekers test their courage and balance, knowing that even a momentary lapse in concentration can have dire consequences.

Mount Huashan’s allure lies in its perilous beauty, making it an attraction where danger is an integral part of the journey.

13. Madidi National Park, Bolivia

Madidi National Park in Bolivia offers an immersive adventure into the heart of the Amazon rainforest. However, the main danger here is the formidable presence of venomous snakes, spiders, and other wildlife that call this dense jungle home.

Madidi National Park

As you trek through the lush foliage and winding rivers, the hidden threats become apparent. Encounters with deadly snakes like the bushmaster and venomous spiders like the wandering spider can quickly turn a nature expedition into a perilous encounter.

While guided tours can mitigate some risks, the wild and untamed nature of this rainforest ensures that danger lurks in the shadows. Madidi National Park is a testament to the beauty and ferocity of nature, where every step brings both wonder and caution.

14. Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia is one of the most inhospitable places on Earth. The main danger here is twofold: extreme heat and the relentless fury of volcanic activity . Temperatures regularly soar to unbearable heights, making dehydration and heatstroke real threats.

Hot springs in the Danakil Depression

Amid this geological inferno lies lava lakes, sulfur springs, and scorching geysers. The volatile landscape poses risks of eruptions and toxic gas releases. To venture into Danakil is to tread on the edge of Earth’s violent forces, where survival demands meticulous preparation, protective gear, and a deep respect for the unforgiving environment.

The allure of witnessing this geological spectacle is undeniable, but it’s a destination that commands the utmost caution.

15. Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland

Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps, offers a mesmerizing vista of icy majesty. However, the main danger here is the deceptively tranquil surface concealing treacherous crevasses. Hikers and climbers who traverse this glacier risk falling into hidden chasms.

Aletsch Glacier Switzerland

The shifting ice can create unpredictable conditions, and even experienced mountaineers are not immune to the hazards. A fall into a crevasse can be deadly or result in serious injury. Proper equipment, training, and guides are essential for those who wish to explore this icy wonderland.

Aletsch Glacier serves as a reminder that nature’s beauty often conceals formidable challenges, and those who venture into its depths must do so with the utmost care and preparedness.

Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions Summary

As we conclude our journey through the world’s most dangerous tourist attractions, we are left with a profound appreciation for the audacity of the human spirit. These destinations, marked by their perils and the courage of those who explore them, serve as reminders of the boundless wonders our planet holds and the responsibility we bear as visitors.

Whether you’re drawn to the dizzying heights of mountains, the depths of the oceans, or the heart of dense jungles, these attractions challenge you to venture beyond your comfort zones. They remind us that the pursuit of adventure, of the extraordinary, often comes with inherent risks.

While we embrace the thrill, let us also remember the importance of safety, respect for the environment, and responsible tourism. In the world’s most dangerous places, the line between awe and peril is fine, and it’s up to each traveler to navigate it with care and reverence.

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The Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions In The World

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While many spend their lives trying to avoid danger and tragedy, millions of people travel around the world to spend their vacations in some of the most perilous places on the planet — and pay for the privilege.

"Adventure tourism," refers to traveling to exciting destinations to participate in difficult or risky activities — usually outdoors — and experience something that you couldn't do at home. As described in R. Buckley's book , adventure tourism is sometimes about the activity and sometimes about the location. Often, it's both. Famous feats, like climbing Mount Everest , have become increasingly popular — to the point of overcrowding. Other destinations, like North Korea , are only available to a small number of people and are strictly controlled. Some spots are only destinations for tourists with specific hobbies and specialized skills, like deep sea caves or the sites of potential storms.

While this type of tourism can be thrilling, it can also be deadly. Some attractions require immense preparation and training to attempt, which some tourists may not be aware of before they arrive. Others are inherently risky, violent, or unpredictable, and can pose a genuine threat to any who attempt to visit. These are the most dangerous tourist attractions in the world.

Nuclear tourism

The sites of some of humanity's most horrific nuclear tragedies have become tourist hotspots. Companies offering tours have sprung up around locations like Chernobyl — but visitors may not be safe from radiation.

As described by the New York Times , Chernobyl was once the site of the worst nuclear disaster in history. Today, portions of it have returned to nature. In the 30 years it has been abandoned, the remains of human homes have become overgrown. Entering these abandoned buildings is dangerous, not due to radiation but because of the threat of collapse.

Journeys into the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone have become popular, not in spite of the suffering that occurred there, but because of it. The Washington Post credits the rise in tourism to Chernobyl to the video game "S.T.A.L.K.E.R.," a first-person shooter set at Chernobyl, and the HBO miniseries "Chernobyl" which depicted the events surrounding the disaster. Since the airing, various companies offering guided tours of the Exclusion Zone have reported 30-40% increases in tourists.

Radiation is still a threat at Chernobyl, but the amount of exposure depends on where in the Exclusion Zone tourists go, and how long they stay. The forest around Chernobyl was not part of the cleanup, and the plant life there is radioactive. Tourists are advised to spend as little time there as possible, wear a mask and gloves, and throw away the clothes they wore.

There are always risks when it comes to the extreme sport of mountaineering , but not all mountains are equal. The Pakistani mountain K2 is the second tallest, second only to Mount Everest. As reported by National Geographic , Everest may be taller, but K2 is considered the most difficult mountain to climb.

Less than 400 people have ever successfully reached the top of K2. While K2 is called by its alphanumeric designation that it was given during a 19th-century surveying project, it has come to be known as "Savage Mountain." As described by NASA , this nickname comes from the extreme risk to climbers due to frequent avalanches and extreme weather conditions. Only one mountaineering team has summited In winter, when it can reach a low of -58°F, and in 2012, the mountain was believed to have a fatality rate of 29%.

The trip to K2 can also prove hazardous for tourists. In February of 2022, the U.S. government recommended that Americans "reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and sectarian violence."

Death Valley

Death Valley National Park receives approximately 1 million tourists every year. As described in "Death Valley,"  tourists have been visiting Death Valley since there were roads to get there. In the 1920s, the first resort was built to accommodate the many visitors. But the extreme conditions that make it enticing to tourists can also put them at risk.

The extreme conditions there have given rise to a variety of ominous names beyond "Death Valley," including "Coffin Canyon," "Chaos Ridge," and "Dripping Blood Cliffs." It is one of the hottest and driest places on the planet. In 1913, Death Valley was 134°F – the hottest temperature ever recorded. In 2001, the temperature was over 100°F for 154 days straight. There have been a number of fatalities in Death Valley because of the extreme heat. Because of this, the NPS encourages tourists visiting Death Valley in the summer not to hike after 10 a.m., stay in the mountains, and always pack items necessary for survival in case of emergency.

According to the NPS , there are concerns beyond the high temperatures. As is expected for a national park, many creatures make their home there, and some can be dangerous to humans, including scorpions, rattlesnakes, and poisonous spiders. Flash flooding may occur in the canyons during storms. There have even been illegal pot fields found within the park. If visitors stumble into them, they are advised to "run, walk, crawl or hide" and leave as quickly and quietly as possible.

Glass bridges, walkways, and slides have become popular around the world, but especially in China. There are around 2,300 glass bridges in China alone. They have become a part of many tourist attractions because they blend in and don't detract from the attraction itself. As described by The New York Times , the longest is more than 1,700 feet, and stretches across a gorge 650 feet below. For some, the dizzying appearance of being able to see the ground far below is part of the appeal. One was designed to sway, while another looks and sounds like it is cracking when it is walked on. Unfortunately, sometimes these walkways genuinely break, with devastating consequences.

As reported by the BBC , in 2021, a tourist was left hanging onto the side of a bridge after the glass bottom broke. He was ultimately rescued by the fire department, but not all visitors have survived. In 2019, one tourist was killed and others were injured falling off of a glass slide.

While skywalks are extremely popular in China, the tourist attractions in the United States have also had to rethink them for safety reasons. The Grand Canyon has a horseshoe-shaped skywalk, which had to be re-evaluated for safety after a death in 2019.

Storm chasing

Storm chasing is exactly what it sounds like: following potential storms for a chance to see incredible storms in action. As described by The Washington Post , it requires years of experience and a thorough understanding of weather. Chasers try to predict how storms, especially tornadoes , will develop so that they can witness them at their strongest. They have to be close enough to see the storm, but far enough away that they aren't in danger.

As described in " When Severe Weather Becomes a Tourist Attraction: Understanding the Relationship with Nature in Storm-Chasing Tourism ," some tourism companies charge for tours which promise the chance to witness incredible storms, but cannot guarantee that the storms will happen. Storm chasing requires predicting the weather — something which is extremely difficult. The morning of the storm, chasers have to look at multiple weather models and create a forecast that they believe the storm will follow, and get into position. Often, even experienced chasers guess wrong and miss the chance to see a storm they've been tracking for days.

While missing the storm is the most likely result of a miscalculation, it is possible to end up in the storm's path instead. As explained by storm chaser and meteorologist Charles Doswell (via USA Today ) there are extreme chasers who are willing to do "virtually anything" to see a storm in action. It can even be dangerous for experienced chasers. In 2013, three veteran chasers died attempting to see a devastating mile-wide tornado.

Mount Everest

Mount Everest is renowned as the tallest mountain on land, and climbing it has become a bucket list item for many. Even though some of those people have never climbed a mountain before. Everest has become a tourist hotspot and as reported by NPR , hundreds of people climb the mountain every year — paying around $11,000 each for the privilege. While summiting this mountain is a dream for many, climbers die in the attempt every year.

A climber who summitted Everest in 2019 told The New York Times that when he reached the top, he found 15-20 people on the tiny area at the top of the mountain. He witnessed climbers shoving each other and jostling for the best positions to take photos. At one point, he had to step over the body of one of his fellow climbers who had died on the mountain.

Tourism companies are encouraging more climbers to come, even ones who have no experience. Nepal, one of the nations with access to Everest, relies on the money coming in from tourism, so they do not limit the number of climbers. This leads to situations with severe overcrowding. Sometimes climbers have to wait for hours in long lines while in areas with very little oxygen while depleting their personal supply. An investigation into the practices on Everest found that some of those oxygen systems were faulty in the first place and could leak or even explode, leaving the climbers without air.

Underwater cave diving

Divers descend into underwater cave systems to explore, study, and experience their mysterious depths. As described by National Geographic , Florida's Eagle's Nest Sinkhole looks like an ordinary pond from above, but below is a complex cave system with maze-like twists and turns, fascinating geological features, and translucent marine life — but it is also among the most dangerous dives in the world. More than 10 divers, some with training, have died at Eagle's Nest.

Research has shown that the number of cave diving accidents leading to deaths has decreased over time, but it is still a risky endeavor, especially without proper training. A study of cave diving fatalities found that the majority of deaths were drownings, caused by running out of cylinders of gas. Eagle's Nest is extremely deep and maze-like, which increases the risk.

Still, the journey down from the surface is an incredible one. First, the diver passes through a limestone tube and enters a massive open space. Deeper, divers can find a place known as the "Super Room" where the walls are banded in blue, white, and gray. There are creatures that live their entire lives in the cave, including a species of translucent crayfish. According to cave diving expert Jill Heinerth (via National Geographic) these creatures can live 200 years in the darkness of the caves. Scientists study the unique habitats found in underwater caves for clues about what life may be like on other planets.

Volcano tourism

Millions of tourists travel around the world every year to see one of nature's most striking features — volcanoes. As detailed in " Fiery eruptions: travel health risks of volcano tourism ," these trips can be unpredictable and dangerous.

There are three different designations that a volcano can have, determining its position in its "lifecycle." There are active volcanoes, or ones that erupt regularly. There are dormant volcanoes, which have not erupted for a very long time, but may erupt again someday. There are extinct volcanoes that haven't erupted in all of human history. While it would seem logical that people would avoid those that aren't dormant or extinct, many of the most popular ones are active, such as Mount Agung in Bali, Mount Etna in Sicily, and Eyjafjallajökull and Katla in Iceland.

While many eruptions are predicted, some occur with no warning at all. This means tourists may be visiting a volcano when it erupts. They risk burns from currents of hot gas and debris and exposure to toxic gas. As reported by National Geographic , avalanches are also a risk. Mount Shirane in Japan erupted and triggered an avalanche which killed one person and injured several others.

Mont Blanc is the tallest peak in the Swiss Alps, but it isn't the most difficult to climb. The majority can be walked (though some parts do require climbing equipment like ice axes). Despite this, around 100 climbers are killed there every year — far more than K2 or Everest . The main causes of death are slipping, being struck by a falling rock, or getting lost in bad weather.

As described in The Atlantic , one reason for the incredibly high number of deaths is actually because it's easier than other mountains. Tourism companies promote climbing Mont Blanc as extremely easy, and doable for people who have never climbed a mountain before. 84% of people who required emergency medical attention on the mountain were amateurs.

As stated by the New York Times , more than 20,000 people try to climb Mont Blanc every year. The way up the mountain that the majority of climbers use has steep steps, falling rocks, and a narrow ridge which is only a few feet across. The mountain is overcrowded, which makes the climb more dangerous. Some groups are forced to wait while other climbers use narrow areas, increasing the dangers of the cold, weather, and high-altitude. The alternative is for groups to pass one another in narrow spots, increasing the risk of falling. It is only becoming more dangerous as the climate crisis gets worse. The routes up the mountain have become steeper and more slippery, and falling rocks are more common than ever.

Running of the Bulls

The Running of the Bulls is an internationally famous tradition (made even more well-known by Ernest Hemmingway's " The Sun Also Rises " in 1926). Every year it attracts thousands of tourists to Pamplona to watch, or even participate in, the bloody spectacle.

Bull runs take place all over the world, but none are as famous as the massive Running of the Bulls in Pamplona. As described by Time , the festival was originally a religious event honoring a martyred bishop. The Running of the Bulls is believed to have started in the 13th century, as nothing more than a way of getting bulls into position. Over time, it became known as a way for average citizens to prove bravery. Every summer, 12 bulls (or, more accurately, six bulls and six mostly harmless steers) are released from a pen and herded down narrow cobblestone streets into bullfighting rings, where they are typically all killed. A "running course" is used to ensure the bulls cannot escape.

Participants run through the streets ahead of the bulls. As reported by The Guardian , participants are sometimes gored or trampled by the terrified animals. Occasionally, an onlooker is also killed.

The Poison Garden

The Alnwick Garden is an extremely popular attraction, boasting more than 600,000 tourists every year. Visually, it is an inviting garden full of beautiful flowers. The Alnwick Garden is more than pretty, however. It can be deadly. As detailed by Smithsonian , every plant in the garden is poisonous. "I thought, 'This is a way to interest children,'" Duchess Jane Percy explained. "Children don't care that aspirin comes from a bark of a tree. What's really interesting is to know how a plant kills you ... and what you feel like before you die."

The garden is located at Alnwick Castle. In 1995, it was inherited by a new Duke of Northumberland. He encouraged his wife, Jane Percy, to take over the gardens (which were at the time used only for growing Christmas trees). Percy had another idea. She sought out an acclaimed landscape architect, Jacques Wirtz, to design a new deadly garden.

The garden is under constant surveillance because of the plants that grow there. As described in Atlas Obscura , some plants are kept in cages. Even with all the precautions at the garden , visitors occasionally feel faint from the fumes.There are 100 varieties of plants, most of which are deadly, as well as plants associated with drugs such as hallucinogenic mushrooms and opium poppies. Visitors can go on educational tours and even picnic in the Alnwick Garden, but they are warned never to touch or smell the plants.

North Korea

In 2015, 21-year-old Otto Warmbier went on what was supposed to be a three-day tour of North Korea . According to a propaganda video (reported on by the BBC ), Warmbier tried to take a sign from his hotel home with him. He was held in captivity for 17 months, was returned to the United States in a coma, and ultimately died. What exactly happened to him is still unknown. The United States government advises people not to visit North Korea, due to "the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention."

Despite this, it is possible for some tourists to visit every year. As described by CNN , the trips are very strictly controlled. Visitors are not allowed to actually explore the country; instead, guides from North Korea's Ministry of Tourism take tourists to specific approved spots. Tourism companies based in China fly tourists to Pyongyang, North Korea's capital city. Sometimes these tours are open to American citizens, though they were not between 2002 and 2005. According to several American tourists who visited, cell phones are confiscated and there is no access to the internet

The tours are designed to show North Korea in the most positive way possible. This can include massive performances, the mausoleum where Kim II Sung and Kim Jong II's bodies lie in state, and the border between North and South Korea.

14 of the most dangerous attractions around the world that tourists keep flocking to

  • Two tourists have died at Diamond Bay Reserve in Australia in the past six months.
  • About 12 people die at the Grand Canyon each year .
  • Over 300 people have died while climbing Mount Everest, which has its own " Death Zone ."
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Insider Today

Life is short. The desire to make the most out of one's life and live it to the fullest is what motivates many people to travel in the first place.

Some people expand their horizons by visiting pristine beaches or sightseeing in a city with stunning architecture . Then there are those who find that dangling thousands of feet above the ground lets them know that they're alive.

From narrow roads on the edges of cliffs to deep cave dives, here are 14 dangerous attractions that daring travelers flock to.

Diamond Bay Reserve — Vaucluse, Australia

most dangerous tourist sites

The precarious cliffs and staircases at Diamond Bay Reserve are a popular selfie spot, but the steep drop can be deadly.

Two tourists have recently died while sightseeing on the cliffs. A 27-year-old woman died in August after she fell while attempting to take a selfie. Five months later, another woman has been found dead after falling from the edge. The woman has yet to be formally identified, but friends and family have named her as 21-year-old British model Madalyn Davis .

Mount Everest — Tibet and Nepal

most dangerous tourist sites

The world's highest mountain is no easy climb. Mount Everest's "death zone" above 26,000 feet is particularly dangerous for its low levels of oxygen and low atmospheric pressure. Altitude sickness can be deadly, but the most common causes of death on the mountain are avalanches and falls.

Over 300 people have died while climbing Mount Everest . In May, overcrowding on the mountain resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people in one week .

Hawksbill Crag — Newton County, Arkansas

most dangerous tourist sites

Newton County Sheriff Glenn Wheeler told KY3 that the sheriff's office gets five to 10 calls a year about people falling or otherwise injuring themselves while hiking at Hawksbill Crag in Arkansas.

On Saturday, 20-year-old Andrea Norton fell 100 feet and died while taking a photo on the cliffside . 

Precipice Trail — Acadia National Park, Maine

most dangerous tourist sites

The National Park Service reported that approximately 160 people die in national parks every year. This means the parks are generally very safe — statistically, that's 0.57 deaths per 1 million visits — but accidents can and do happen on treacherous trails and steep cliffs.

Precipice Trail in Maine's Acadia National Park is one such hike that involves climbing rungs on the face of sheer cliffs. A woman fell to her death while climbing in 2012 , the first fatality on the trail since 1985.

Grand Canyon National Park — Arizona

most dangerous tourist sites

Around 12 people die at the Grand Canyon every year. Two people died there in March 2019.

National Park Service rangers responded to a fatality near the South Rim on March 26,  the details of which have not been released, according to CNN.

Then, two days later, a tourist from Hong Kong fell off an overlook at the Eagle Point observation area at Grand Canyon West.

A park spokesperson told My Grand Canyon Park that about 12 people die at the Grand Canyon every year . On average, two or three of these deaths are falls. Other causes of death include medical problems, heat, drowning, traffic accidents, and suicide.

Yungas "Death" Road — Bolivia

most dangerous tourist sites

The shoulders of "Death Road" are lined with crosses and memorials for people who have died while traveling it.

The road was more dangerous when cyclists and automobiles shared it — an estimated 200 to 300 drivers died every year,  earning the title of " The World's Most Dangerous Road " from Inter American Development Bank. 

When cars and trucks were diverted to a new, less perilous road, the death toll decreased, but daring bikers still ride it. An estimated 22 cyclists have died on the road since 1998.

Colorado Rivers — Colorado

most dangerous tourist sites

Whitewater rafting is a popular tourist attraction in Colorado —  550,861 people took the plunge in 2016 . But when temperatures rise, more snow melts from the mountains and results in dangerously swift river currents.

11 people died on Colorado waterways in 2016 , nine people in 2015, and 14 people in 2014, according to Fox 31 Denver.

Eagle's Nest Cave — Weeki Wachee, Florida

most dangerous tourist sites

Eagle's Nest Cave is known as the "Mount Everest" of underwater cave diving  for its difficulty and the level of required expertise to navigate it at depths of 300 feet. Twelve people have died while diving in the cave since 1981.

Mont Blanc — Chamonix, France

most dangerous tourist sites

The Atlantic called Mont Blanc " one of the world's deadliest mountains " in 2012 and reported that 100 people die on the mountain every year . One of the reasons given for this high number of fatalities is the abundance of guided tours. The ventures can contribute to a "production line mentality" wherein getting up and down the mountain efficiently to get to the next group can cause guides to disregard potential dangers.

The Maze — Canyonlands National Park, Utah

most dangerous tourist sites

Temperatures in The Maze can reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit , and it's so remote that it would take three days for any help to reach a lost, injured, or dehydrated hiker.

No one has died while hiking in The Maze, likely because of warnings urging only experienced hikers to visit. Still, 2,000 people hike through it every year.

Mount Huashan — Shaanxi, China

most dangerous tourist sites

In this death-defying hike on Mount Huashan, visitors walk across thin planks bolted to the side of the mountain held together with staples at 7,000 feet . Many refer to it as " the world's most dangerous hike ," but others say that it's actually the safest place on the mountain because it's the only place where harnesses are required . The  rumored death toll of 100 people per year has never been substantiated.

Volusia County — Florida

most dangerous tourist sites

Florida has some of the best beaches in the world , but swimmers should watch out for sharks.

In 2017, Volusia County had nine incidents of shark attacks out of the 88 total reported worldwide. That's  more shark bites in one place than anywhere else in the world , according to the University of Florida's International Shark Attack File as reported by the Miami Herald. None of the attacks in Volusia County was fatal, and it was six less than 2018, when Volusia County also topped the list.

Angel's Landing – Zion National Park, Utah

most dangerous tourist sites

Angel's Landing is an extremely narrow hiking path with a 1,000-foot drop on either side .  Six people have died on the trail since 2004.

Half Dome — Yosemite National Park, California

most dangerous tourist sites

Climbing to the summit of Half Dome involves scaling a steep cliff using cables. Between eight and  20 people have died since the cables were installed around 100 years ago, and even more have died on the trail leading to it. The National Park Service instituted a permit system in 2010 to limit the number of climbers to 300 a day to avoid hazardous bottleneck.

The travel site Yosemite Hikes calls the Half Dome " the one you can't die without doing, and the one you're most likely to die while doing ."

  • A travel-blogger couple fell to their deaths trying to take a picture from a cliff in Yosemite National Park
  • 259 people have died while taking photos of themselves — and scientists warn that we need 'no-selfie zones' in tourist hotspots
  • The 10 most dangerous roads in America
  • The 21 most dangerous foods in the world

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The Most Dangerous Places In The World To Visit

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The 6 Deadliest Tourist Attractions in the World

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See recent posts by Jane Reynolds

Some of us prefer vacations spent lying on the beach. But others don't consider travel a treat unless adventure is involved. For this latter group, we've come up with plenty of lists of destinations and activities that will get your heart racing . But we haven't yet covered ones that will make your heart stop -- at least, not until now. Of course, this new list of six of the deadliest tourists attractions in the world includes feats that many a traveler has successfully conquered, and lived to tell the tale. But each of these sites is known to be particularly dangerous; inexperienced and experienced adrenaline junkies alike have died at these six locales, so -- while we encourage you to follow your adventuring dreams -- be sure to do so with the upmost caution. 

Take a look at six of the world's deadliest tourist attractions, then let us know in the comments -- have you been to any of them?

Hotels in this story

1. New Smyrna Beach, Florida

most dangerous tourist sites

The 1,450-mile-long Colorado River snakes through Colorado, California, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona — even making its way through the Grand Canyon , so it’s no surprise that locals and vacationers in many destinations in the country’s southwest head to its banks for recreation (activities include white-water rafting, tubing, and swimming). However, oftentimes people don’t consider how dangerous the waters can be, especially after heavy rains and an increase in melted snow. In fact, 2014 had a record high of 15 deaths in the first seven months due to such conditions, and four died this past summer. Drowning deaths are often the result of rough waters, sometimes paired with a lack of proper safety education and/or equipment.

If you’re brave enough to stay, Sorrel River Ranch Resort  is located on the Colorado River with a backdrop of red-rock mesas.

6. Mont Blanc, Chamonix

View of the Alps from Hôtel l'Héliopic

Part of the stunning Alps mountain range, Mont Blanc (“White Mountain”) is the highest mountain in the range, and — rising nearly 16,000 feet above sea level — the tallest peak in Europe. It also holds the record as the deadliest, with about 100 deaths reported annually. This high number, however, isn’t as staggering when considering how many people (30,000) attempt the climb each year . Compare these stats to those of Mount Everest: Only about 200 total have ever died at Mount Everest, but only about 4,000 have made the attempt in the past 60 years . Still, Mont Blanc is a deadly climb, and factors such as weather, avalanches, and inexperience have all contributed to the deathly toll.

If you’re brave enough to stay,  you’ll be swept away by the majesty of the mountains at  Hôtel l’Héliopic ,  an upscale Chamonix property that eschews the rustic aesthetic found in so many neighboring hotels for an impeccable combination of Swedish minimalism, retro, and contemporary comforts.

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The world’s most dangerous tourist destinations, half dome, yosemite national park, usa.

Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, USA

The 1500-metre climb to the top of Half Dome is the most strenuous of Yosemite Valley’s day hikes, and it’s the last 120 metres that are the most dangerous. It’s a near-vertical climb, and while there are ladder-like metal cables to help you reach the summit without rock climbing equipment, falling off them could be deadly. And let’s not forget that Half Dome is basically a huge lightning rod, and in 1985, lightning struck five friends on the park’s tallest granite peak, killing two and injuring three.

Check out these under-the-radar places to visit in 2022.

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

With breathtaking views of the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, the Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions. However, it’s also one of the most dangerous, and one misstep at the edge could result in a 213-metre tumble into the Atlantic. The safest way to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the cliffs is from the official path or one of three viewing platforms.

Here are some magical reasons to visit Ireland.

Running of the Bulls, Pamplona, Spain

Running of the Bulls, Pamplona, Spain

Thousands of thrill-seekers make the journey to Pamplona each year to run with the bulls. Amazingly, only 16 people have been fatally gored at the Spanish festival since 1910, according to the Running of the Bulls’ site. Injuries by goring or being trampled by other runners are more likely but, luckily, still slim. To put that into perspective, FiveThirtyEight  reports that you have the same chance of having an unproduced screenplay turned into a feature film as getting injured while running with the bulls.

Check out some of the weirdest animals around the world.

Mount Everest, Nepal

Mount Everest, Nepal

Visiting Mount Everest might not be on your bucket list, but the tallest mountain in the world attracts around 1200 climbers each year. However, only about half ever reach the summit, and a few will die trying, according to the New York Times. As of 2022, there have been 304 deaths, according to alanarnette.com . Causes of death on Everest include everything from subfreezing temperatures and the high altitude to falls and other health problems.

Read on for the places that have been ruined by tourism.

Devil’s Pool, Zambia

Devil’s Pool, Zambia

During the drier months of the year, the Zambezi River’s levels drop substantially to reveal the ultimate infinity pool at the edge of Victoria Falls, the world’s highest waterfall. However, you should only dare to take a dip in Devil’s Pool from mid-August to mid-January. Outside of those months, Zambia tourism warns “anyone foolish enough to enter the waters would be instantly swept to their deaths.”

Check out these lesser-known natural wonders that will take your breath away.

Trift Bridge, Switzerland

Trift Bridge, Switzerland

Believe it or not, the Trift Bridge in the Swiss Alps is much safer than it looks. This modern bridge, modelled after Nepalese three-rope bridges, was built in 2009 with sturdy steel and wood. Still, acrophobes will likely want to avoid it. At 90 metres high and 170 metres long, the Trift Bridge is one of the longest and highest pedestrian suspension bridges in the Alps, requiring three cable car rides to reach it.

New Smyrna Beach, USA

New Smyrna Beach, USA

New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County, Florida, USA, attracts hundreds of surfers every day, and the more people in the water, the greater the chance of shark attacks. That’s why Florida is known as the shark attack capital of the world, with 73 reported shark attacks in 2021, according to Researchers at Florida Museum’s International Shark Attack File.

Still, you’re up to 75 times more likely to die from a lightning strike than by a shark attack, at least in the coastal United States, so there’s no reason to skip out on some amazing surfing.

Read on for everything you need to know about sharks.

Villarrica Volcano, Chile

Villarrica Volcano, Chile

Visiting an active volcano always involves a little risk. Just ask the tourists who had just reached the top of Villarrica volcano in Chile when it began spewing flames and lava in 2017. Luckily, the eruption was small and nobody was hurt, so you can still visit. For those interested in getting up close and personal with Villarrica, an adventure company offers the opportunity to bungee jump from a helicopter into the crater of the volcano, which definitely qualifies as one of the most extreme travel adventures in the world.

Yellowstone National Park, USA

Yellowstone National Park, USA

The National Park Service warns that you should prepare for bear encounters whether you’re hiking, camping, or visiting other attractions in Yellowstone. (After all, you are in their habitat.) Very rarely, however, do encounters with grizzly bears involve conflict. Inside the park, the average is just one bear attack per year. Considering over 100 million people have visited Yellowstone since 1980, your chances of being injured by a grizzly are 1 in 2.7 million.

Here are some scary facts behind the world’s most adorable animals.

Death Valley, USA

Death Valley, USA

Dehydration is always a risk when exploring Death Valley, the hottest, driest and lowest National Park in the US. Precautions, like drinking at least three litres of water per day, not hiking in the heat and staying on paved roads, are recommended year round and not just in summer, when temperatures can exceed 40°C. Despite conditions primed for heat exposure, there are more deaths from single-car accidents in Death Valley than heat-related causes. According to park management, only one or two people die of heat exposure every year.

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25 Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions main image

25 Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions

Not all vacations are about lounging by the side of the pool. Some travelers enjoy the thrill that comes from staring death in the face and walking away untouched. Confused? So are we! We don't get it either. But for this reason, there are many famous tourist attractions that are super dangerous but people want to visit them anyway. Who would do that unless they're crazy? But, to be honest, we're just as curious as they are. 

While there are plenty of ways to safely get a rush, what's the fun in that? Why not seek thrills and put your life in danger at the same time? There are plenty of reasons, but that doesn't seem to scare away tourists hell-bent on putting their lives on the line. And we have to admit — some of these places do almost look cool enough to take on the risks... Almost. 

Whether it's the aggressive wildlife,  dangerous geography, or just good, old-fashioned nuclear radiation, these spots should be saved for the brave only. Here are the 25 most dangerous tourist destinations on earth! 

If you like to read lists like this one, check out the one we picked just for you at the end!

The Alnwick Garden

The Alnwick Garden

Despite its harmless-sounding name, this is not your grandmother’s garden. The Duchess of Northumberland — Jane Percy — decided to collect some of the rarest plants in the world to include in this garden, even including some deadly ones into the mix. Although visitors are kept at a distance from the dangerous plants, anyone who would sneak into the Poison Garden would be making their last mistake. The garden's website claims that "The Garden is peaceful and tranquil" where "families and children can run freely throughout." Um, what!? 

While The Poison Garden is only one of many gardens in Alnwick, it's definitely the most popular. Tourists are separated from the nearly 100 toxic plants by terrifying black iron gates that only tour guides are able to open. Visitors are prohibited from touching or ingesting any of these plants, obviously, yet that doesn't stop some visitors from "occasionally faint[ing] from inhaling toxic fume while walking in the garden." Sound like the opposite of tranquil!

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai'i's many volcanoes are known for their beauty and power around the world. At Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, the most adventurous tourists travel to the mouth of an active volcano and ride bicycles down its slope. This attraction has been temporarily shut down more than once due to multiple accidental deaths.

The active volcanoes of Hawai'i have been known to erupt frequently, resulting in serious burns to some of the visitors unfortunate enough to be in their vicinity. Kilauea and Mauna Loa are the most famous active volcanoes on the "Big Island" and the Chain of Craters Road runs over actual lava through the park. Sounds more like a movie set than a tourist attraction!

Christmas Island

Christmas Island

Christmas Island is an idyllic Australian destination home to exciting wildlife species like the coconut crab. They sound cute and tropical, right? Wrong! These monsters can grow up to three feet and are found, not just on beaches, but in the trees as well. Sounds more like a horrific sci-fi film than Christmas! 

There are plenty of other safe activities for tourists to enjoy on Christmas Island but seeing the crabs travel during their annual migration to the coast is the main event. It's no mere bird migration. Over 40 million of these crabs used to live on the island! So it's quite the exodus for the crabs. Unfortunately for them, travelers often crush the crabs while driving, so Christmas Island had to install barriers, bridges, and underpasses for the crabs to funnel through. 

Valley of Death

Valley of Death

Despite what you may think, this landform is not  the same as California's Death Valley. Not content to let America have all the fun, Russia has its own Valley of Death at the Valley of Geysers in the Kamchatka Peninsula that's arguably deadlier than its American counterpart. However, the danger here lies in the toxic gas released by the volcano — it’s killed all plant and animal life in the valley, and humans notice adverse symptoms immediately upon entering the area. 

The mile area at the foot of the stratovolcano Kikhpinych is the "Valley of Death" itself where volcanic gases kill anything that enters. In the late 1900s, researchers determined that the trap is created by a toxic mix of hydrogen sulfide, carbon and sulfur dioxide, and carbon disulfide. You don't have to be a chemist to realize that it isn't a friendly mix...

The Beaches of Acapulco

The Beaches of Acapulco

While its beaches may be lovely, the crime rate of Acapulco is nearly 30 times that of the average American city. Once a favored vacation spot for Hollywood's biggest stars during the 1950s, the city is now overrun with gang violence. A large number of these murders are drug-related, but unfortunately, tourists sometimes get caught in the middle.

Even if you did your best to avoid the country's rampant crime, the beaches are incredibly polluted with styrofoam cups and various types of litter. Not only is there a risk of being kidnapped over in Guerrero, but you'll cut your foot on broken glass that litters the sand without the proper footwear. Say goodbye to barefoot walks along the shore! 

Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael

The views from the top of the small, craggy island of Skellig Michael AKA the "Great Skellig" in Ireland are unbeatable — but the trip itself is unbearable. Most visitors come to see the ancient monastery on the island, which inconveniently happens to be located at the top of a precarious path of 600 steps that are more than 1,000 years old.

Several people have died over the years because of this dangerous trek, and there was even a safety review board that determined a fatality is likely to occur once every five to fifty years. And due to rising sea levels creating its steep landscape, the island is inhospitable for humans. 

Bikini Atoll

Bikini Atoll

Marshall Islands

We don't know about you, but the name Bikini Atoll sounds super similar to Spongebob 's Bikini Bottom. Unfortunately, this "bikini" location part of the Marshall Islands is much deadlier than the cuddly underwater  Spongebob town. Bikini Atoll may look like a paradise untouched by humans, but that’s definitely not the case.

The area served as a nuclear testing site in the 1940s and '50s — meaning the land is still teeming with harmful radiation. Visits to Bikini Atoll itself have been restricted for some time now but you can still take boat tours around it... As long as you’re not worried about growing a third arm, we say go for it!

El Caminito Del Rey

El Caminito Del Rey

Caminito Del Rey is a man-made walkway along the side of a mountain that claimed the lives of enough people to have it closed off from the public, but that didn't stop people from trespassing onto its deadly path. In 2015, the path reopened after many years of renovations made to restore the deteriorated concrete and exposed rusted metal supports.

Also known as "The King's Little Path," it's difficult to imagine people actually using this walkway for travel. The forest can't possibly be as bad as traveling on a wooden path 330 feet over the river below. After five people died from 1999 to 2000, the route was dubbed the "world's most dangerous walkway."

Barcelona

Barcelona probably looks like the weirdest travel destination to include on this list because plenty of people visit and live in the bustling Spanish city. While there’s nothing particularly deadly about a visit to Barcelona, it is home to some of the most “talented” pickpockets in the entire world.

Not all tourist attractions have to be deadly to be considered dangerous. Here in Barcelona, you might not lose a limb to a killer whale or fall from the top of a steep cliff, but being stranded in a foreign country without your wallet or passport sounds pretty dangerous to us. 

The Kokoda and Black Cat Trails

The Kokoda and Black Cat Trails

Papua New Guinea

This trail — a 60-mile stretch of Papua New Guinea jungle — is one of the most dangerous on the planet. Between the unforgiving heat, dangerous wildlife, and armed locals, there are many people each year who do not make it out alive despite their best efforts.

The Black Cat Track is a trail only recommended to "very fit and experienced trekkers" but a sudden attack in September 2013 that killed three people caused even the professionals to reschedule their visit. During the attack, bandits called the "Rascals" killed three people. Also, many foxholes and weaponry left over from World War II are still lying around, which can lead to serious injury on their own.

North Korea

North Korea

While tourism is technically allowed in North Korea, it’s highly regulated by the government — less than 10,000 Westerners are permitted to enter each year. But that raises the question of why you would want to visit a place that doesn't want you there in the first place. While the majority of their human rights violations fall upon the citizens of North Korea, the hermit kingdom has been known to imprison and torture visitors for “disrespecting” the country, too.

According to  Travel Safe - Abroad , "North Korea has strict rules with potentially huge consequences for a serious breach of them, but if you stick to them, it's probably the safest country in the world for tourists. Any incidents are extremely rare and pretty much always result from someone choosing to break the rules in a serious way."   

The Colorado River System

The Colorado River System

Running across seven U.S. states and through the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River system is a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking through the canyons as well as to see engineering marvel the Hoover Dam. The River itself may look deceptively calm during certain times of the year, but melting snow and heavy rains will fill these waters to the brim.

This excess water causes the river system to have treacherous currents that have been known to suck people in and trap them under the water. Tourists would rather not see the river bottom when they're rafting! In 2007 alone, the river system logged 12 deaths and 176 near-fatal injuries. Whitewater raft at your own risk!

Middlemoor Water Park

Middlemoor Water Park

A water park trebuchet is one of the most self-evidently terrible ideas in human history. And yet, here we are. For the low, low price of $60, brave (re: stupid) riders could load themselves up and be launched into the air at 60 mph into the “safety” of a net.

The lucky riders who managed to survive being launched 75 feet across the park could be left with anything from a broken pelvis to mild concussions. Despite these numerous injuries, the trebuchet remained in service until 2002, when a rider — Oxford student Dino Yankov — missed the "safety" net and was killed.

Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher

With its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Irish countryside, it is no wonder why travelers are drawn to the Cliffs of Moher. However, the steep hills and rugged walkways have seen many people plummet to their deaths. For this reason, the area has the unfortunate distinction of being a popular suicide location.

For most of the destination's nine-mile length, the cliffs rise to an average of 390 feet tall. And, at their tallest, the cliffs reach just over 700 feet! Despite its notorious reputation, the Cliffs of Moher is one of the most visited sites in Ireland with over 1.5 million visitors every year. 

Mont Blanc

You might think Mount Everest is the deadliest climb in the world, but that (dis)honor actually goes to Mont Blanc — the tallest mountain in the Alps and the rest of Western Europe. While only about 200 people total have died climbing Everest, Mont Blanc sees about 100 fatalities a year.   

Mont Blanc AKA "White Mountain" stands between Italy and France where tourists enjoy various activities, including hiking, climbing, snowboarding, skiing, and sightseeing. Most climbers opt for the two-day journey up the Goûter Route. While the route is technically "simple," there are always risks related to climbing in the Alps from hypothermia and frostbite to altitude sickness. 

Trift Bridge

Trift Bridge

Switzerland

Structurally, Trift Bridge in Switzerland is incredibly secure — you’re not in any real danger. This famous suspension bridge was exclusively designed for pedestrian traffic to traverse 560 feet across the Swiss Alps over Lake Triftsee near the Trift Glacier. But try convincing yourself that it's perfectly safe as you stare into the 300-foot gulf below you! 

If you're afraid of heights then this attraction is already terrifying but getting to the bridge would be equally dire. Getting there requires a trip in a cable car, a gondola ride, and a difficult one-and-a-half-hour hike uphill to the base of the bridge. That's a big  no-no from us. 

Pamplona

A simple visit to Pamplona, Spain is probably not going to put you in much danger, depending on when you visit and where you stay. But many tourists travel to Pamplona for one reason and one reason only — to witness the infamous Running of the Bulls. The San Fermín festival, in which bulls chase participants down the streets of the city, is exactly as reckless as it sounds.

Every year, the festival results in around 50 to 100 injuries as it's not uncommon to be gored by the bull's horns. If you’re looking for a vacation spot of ultimate relaxation — one that guarantees you won't be impaled — you might want to plan around July 6 to July 14. 

Death Valley

Death Valley

Located in the Mojave Desert of Eastern California, Death Valley speaks for itself. With a name like Death Valley, what does anyone really expect from the place besides death ? And when you add in the fact that it’s also the hottest place in the United States (and one of the hottest in the world), its reputation for danger really begins to make sense.

While deaths from heat exhaustion are the main concern here, extreme weather conditions, like flash flooding, also pose a risk.  Death Valley isn't rife with toxic chemicals like Russia's Valley of Death, but its environment is equally punishing. Tell us, again, why this literal desert is considered a tourist attraction?!

Action Park

Action Park

When Action Park first opened in Vernon Township, New Jersey, in 1978, it was one of the first water parks of its kind. And that's not a good thing. At this point, most people today only remember it for the numerous injuries that occurred during its surprisingly long 18-year lifespan.  

As one of the first modern American water parks, guests were basically Action Park's guinea pigs. From 40-foot waves in the wave pool to a water slide with a loop and live electrical wires in the water, it’s a blessing for everyone that this place was shut down in 1996. 

Praia de Boa Viagem

Praia de Boa Viagem

While this Brazilian beach draws in countless tourists and plenty of revenue each year, it is also known for its history of shark attacks. Since 1992, there have been over 60 reported incidents of aggressive shark activity. This, however, isn’t enough to keep adventure seekers from swarming the beaches each year.

Tiger sharks are among the top aggressors along Boa Viagem's five-mile stretch of beach. Attacks from these sharks weren't common until the '90s when Pernambuco built Suape port. Experts theorize that the port messed with the sharks' natural behaviors, leading to hyper aggression among the tiger sharks, who are already notoriously aggressive. 

Danakil Desert

Danakil Desert

The Danakil desert located in northeast Ethiopia is a popular tourist spot because of its brightly colored terrain that's truly a unique sight that any person would love to see. Unfortunately, the desert is also home to volcanic activity, which means that toxic gases abound and breathable oxygen is in short supply. 

Similar to the Valley of Death in Russia, the air filling up the Danakil Desert is barely breathable as it is, so throwing a bunch of poisonous gases into the mix is a recipe for disaster. Even a brief visit to the desert can affect your health, some researchers claim, due to the high concentration of sulfur in the air.

Yosemite National Park’s Half Dome

Yosemite National Park’s Half Dome

This ascent is over 5,000 feet, much of which is nearly vertical. While it may sound like a rock climber’s dream, the Half Dome has taken about 60 lives in recent history. It is estimated that those who do make it to the top burn between 4,000 and 10,000 calories in doing so.

While the Half Dome is a great workout, it's one of the most dangerous features of Yosemite National Park. In fact, back in the 1870s, the California Geological Survey deemed the structure "perfectly inaccessible" until one traveler George G. Anderson reached the summit by using drills and iron eyebolts to climb. 

New Smyrna Beach

New Smyrna Beach

The hit movie Jaws made people more afraid of shark attacks than they should be. The chances of being killed by one are tiny — unless you’re visiting Florida's New Smyrna Beach, that is. With a tally of nearly 250 recorded incidents, it holds the record for most shark attacks per square mile. 

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, New Smyrna of Volusia Country is the "Shark Attack Capital of the World." Most of the time, breaking an official Guinness Book record is something to be celebrated, but this one is just plain scary! Long story short: Visit New Smyrna to tan on the beach and shop around as long as it's not swimming in the ocean!

SeaWorld

Whether you’re a human or an animal, you’re probably not safe at SeaWorld in San Diego, California. Over the years, trainers have sustained countless injuries from aggressive encounters with orcas. One male orca in particular — Tilikum AKA "Tilly" — was responsible for the untimely deaths of two trainers and one visitor!

SeaWorld has been a controversial attraction ever since the whale Kandu V broke her jaw after smashing another whale's head into a wall. Their reputation tanked in 2006 after killer what Kasatka drowned Ken Peters in the stadium and led to the release of the horrific 2013 documentary  Blackfish  after Tilikum killed Dawn Brancheau in 2010. 

Eagle's Nest Cave

Eagle's Nest Cave

Eagles Nest Cave —one of the most dangerous tourist destinations in the world — is located in Florida... Is anyone surprised? Referred to by some as the underwater version of Mount Everest, this sinkhole reaches depths of up to 300 feet and has claimed twelve lives since the '80s. 

Eagle's Nest is located inside the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area in Florida Springs and can be viewed from the safety of a wooden deck. However, there's not much to look at from up above besides gooey green algae, alligators, and mosquitoes. But diving into the sinkhole is even more dire, with some expert divers claiming there was zero visibility.

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Enjoy every step of the journey with us at Alot Travel. Whether you’re ready to hit the road or simply exploring the possibilities this world has to offer, we’ve got you covered. Find a breathtaking destination, learn how to travel on a budget, explore a local culture—we’re ready to help you do it all and much more at Alot Travel!

More From Forbes

These are the most dangerous travel sites in the world.

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The world's most popular travel sites have a dark and dangerous side, according to a new study. The timing of this warning, coming just before one of the biggest travel weekends of the year, couldn't be more appropriate -- or troubling.

The survey by DomainTools , a threat intelligence company, found that several airlines and online booking sites have a constellation of high-risk domains swirling around them. Fraudsters use techniques such as registering domain names with typographical errors or duplicate letters to lure customers away from the real sites. Their favorite tool is an old internet scam called phishing, where they pretend to be the real site and steal your passwords and credit card numbers.

Hackers "aren't taking time off"

About 38 million Americans will travel this Labor Day weekend , and some of them might fall victim to the most dangerous travel sites, according to DomainTools.

"Hackers aren't taking any time off this summer," says Tim Helming, DomainTools' director of product management. "It’s prime phishing season. You should be on high alert for travel-related scams."

Among the findings:

✓ Airlines had the largest number of high-risk domain names associated with their brand (American Airlines, for example, had 17 high-risk scams, with 12 of those being found on domain blacklists for malicious activity).

✓ Online travel agencies are the most frequently scammed, with just two sites exhibiting over 30 associated imitative domain names. DomainTools assigns each domain a risk score between 1 and 100. The higher the score, the higher the risk. Expedia and TripAdvisor had over 20 malicious domain names with risk scores of 100 associated with the brands.

✓ With both the airline and travel booking companies, scammers use common domain spoofing techniques, such as adding an extra "s" to the end of TripAdvisor.com or an extra "R" to unitedairlines.com.

The list of the most dangerous travel sites might surprise you. Although it includes a few online travel agencies, the airline industry dominates it. The research suggests that while there's no quick solution, travelers can take better steps to prevent it. Consumers can take precautions when shopping for travel online, while companies can do more to increase their own security, according to DomainTools.

These are the most dangerous travel sites

To be clear, DomainTools isn't calling any of these sites the most dangerous travel sites. It is saying that if you misspell one of the names, you could end up on a fraudulent site where criminals will try to rip you off. For obvious reasons, I'm not going to mention any of the high-risk domains by name or link to them from this story.

TripAdvisor

High-risk domains : 29

Why scammers like it : Because it's TripAdvisor. Travelers search this site for hotel reviews, often typing the domain name to access it -- but not always accurately. "Hackers are betting that consumers will be distracted," says Helming.

What to look for : Variations of TripAdvisor, such as separating "trip" and "advisor" with a dash, or using an unusual top-level domain, like ".ga," are common.

United Airlines

High-risk domains : 25

Why scammers like it : It's an airline, and easily misspelled. Consider Jeremy Cooperstock's long-running dispute with United over the domain Untied.com, a site so critical of the airline that it sued him to block it.

What to look for : Domains that contain United and "reservations" or "flight ticketing" are popular.

American Airlines

High-risk domains : 19

Why scammers like it : It's the world's largest airline.

What to look for : Criminals add terms like "voucher" and "cargo" to the domain name to make it more enticing.

Delta Air Lines

High-risk domains : 11

Why scammers like it : It's a major U.S. carrier.

What to look for : The bad guys add words like "vouchers" and "tracking" to the word "delta" to make it more attractive to search engines -- and victims.

High-risk domains : 8

Why scammers like it : It's big. "The largest companies are likely to be the most lucrative for scammers seeking to spoof domain names," says Helming.

What to look for : Common misspellings, like "Expediaa" and "xpedia," as well as exotic country top-level domains.

Southwest Airlines

High-risk domains : 7

Why scammers like it : Southwest has a reputation for generosity, from including a checked bag in its fares to reasonable fees (or none). That makes it a prime target.

What to look for : If the words "free" or "cheap" are in the domain, chances are it's a phishing site.

High-risk domains : 6

Why scammers like it : Priceline has long been a magnet for bargain-hunters. Scammers know that they might hook a few victims with a too-good-to-be-true deal.

What to look for : Creative variations on the Priceline name, including adding the words "home," "flights" and "car rental."

Alaska Airlines

High-risk domains : 4

Why scammers like it : Alaska is another popular airline for passengers who want a fair price without overpaying.

What to look for : Added words like "ticket" and "miles" set the fake domains apart from the real thing.

How to avoid the most dangerous travel sites

To understand how to avoid these sites, you need to take a deep dive into how DomainTools found the most dangerous travel sites. One of its applications, called PhishEye, flags high-risk domains. DomainTools also has a “proximity to known maliciousness” algorithm to ferret out scammy sites.

The process is fascinating. Once DomainTools identifies a potentially bad domain, it allows you to run sophisticated searches that can detect a single phishing operation across several sites. For example, DomainTools allows you to search by registrar name or IP address, to find out who's behind a ruse.

The conclusion is inescapable: A vast network of sophisticated scammers are preying on you while you're online, and particularly when you're trying to make travel plans.

"Keep your guard up," advises Helming. "Be aware that we are all potentially susceptible to phishing. You’ll enjoy that holiday a lot more when you know that you didn’t get taken in by a scam."

He says travelers should practice a "healthy" paranoia about where they go online. His recommendations:

✓ Go direct. When booking travel, consider making a reservation directly through the airline instead of a third-party site. "It's a safer alternative," he says.

✓ Educate yourself. Stay up-to-date on the latest scams that circulate through the web. For example: avoid high-pressure tactics: “Book now” or “Only three rooms left” or “Sale ends tonight,” he says.

✓ Stay alert. "Don’t let summer distract you from keeping an eye out for sketchy domains," says Helming. "Sign up for alerts from the company you booked through, so you’ll know when it’s legit."

✓ Maintain your own blacklist. Flag "phishy" emails and send those straight to your spam folder. "And think before you click," he says. "Hover your mouse over any suspicious domain names or links to find out if they’re who they say they are."

What companies should do about the most dangerous travel sites

Corporate America is all but powerless to stop these fraudulent and dangerous domains, thanks to the open nature of the internet. Helming told me corporations are concerned mostly about their employees clicking on the fraudulent links. The companies can alert local law enforcement when they find a suspicious pattern -- and they can work within the legal system to try to shut down the online criminals.

But it's a cat-and-mouse game, with the criminals seemingly one step ahead of everyone else. Companies can't protect their customers. And in my experience as a consumer advocate , when customers do fall victim to phishing attacks, corporate America often turns a blind eye to the victims. They tell their customers, "You should have known better."

And until they find a way to shut down this sophisticated domain-spoofing and phishing operation, there really is only one thing to do: Be careful out there.

Very careful.

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers consumers to solve their problems and helps those who can't. He's the author of numerous books on consumer advocacy and writes weekly columns for King Features Syndicate, USA Today, and the Washington Post. If you have a consumer problem you can't solve, contact him directly through his advocacy website . You can also follow him on Twitter , Facebook , and LinkedIn , or sign up for his daily newsletter .

Christopher Elliott

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24/7 Tempo

24 of the Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions on Earth

Posted: September 29, 2023 | Last updated: September 29, 2023

<p><span>Thousands of people enjoy thrilling vacation pastimes like white-water rafting, mountaineering, surfing, and scuba diving; and most of them make it home with a story and some great photographs. Unfortunately, however, some daring tourists lose their lives in tragic accidents at popular tourist attractions. </span></p> <p><span>In order to find the most dangerous tourist attractions on Earth, 24/7 Tempo consulted travel sites and other media sources. We focused on places that tourists could reasonably get to - not mountains that require expert climbing or survival skills - and where accidents have been reported in the past. We did not include environmental disaster sites like Chernobyl or so-called “death roads” like Yungas Road in Bolivia.</span></p> <p><span>Some of the most dangerous tourist attractions are beaches with an above average rate of shark attacks, or underwater caves where many cave divers are known to have drowned. Others are mountains with extreme weather or narrow paths and sheer drops where hikers have died due to hypothermia or falls. (</span><a href="https://247wallst.com/special-report/2023/02/13/americas-most-dangerous-beaches/?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=msn&utm_content=americas-most-dangerous-beaches&wsrlui=47194441"><span>These are America’s most dangerous beaches.</span></a><span>)</span></p> <p><span>Falls are also common as tourists attempt to take extreme selfies on cliff edges, and numerous attractions, including Hawksbill Crag in Arkansas and the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, are known as common sites of accidental selfie deaths. (</span><a href="https://247wallst.com/special-report/2021/08/16/the-most-preventable-selfie-deaths-around-the-world-2/?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=msn&utm_content=the-most-preventable-selfie-deaths-around-the-world-2&wsrlui=47194442"><span>Read about the most preventable selfie deaths around the world.</span></a><span>)</span></p>

Thousands of people enjoy thrilling vacation pastimes like white-water rafting, mountaineering, surfing, and scuba diving; and most of them make it home with a story and some great photographs. Unfortunately, however, some daring tourists lose their lives in tragic accidents at popular tourist attractions. 

In order to find the most dangerous tourist attractions on Earth, 24/7 Tempo consulted travel sites and other media sources. We focused on places that tourists could reasonably get to - not mountains that require expert climbing or survival skills - and where accidents have been reported in the past. We did not include environmental disaster sites like Chernobyl or so-called “death roads” like Yungas Road in Bolivia.

Some of the most dangerous tourist attractions are beaches with an above average rate of shark attacks, or underwater caves where many cave divers are known to have drowned. Others are mountains with extreme weather or narrow paths and sheer drops where hikers have died due to hypothermia or falls. ( These are America’s most dangerous beaches. )

Falls are also common as tourists attempt to take extreme selfies on cliff edges, and numerous attractions, including Hawksbill Crag in Arkansas and the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, are known as common sites of accidental selfie deaths. ( Read about the most preventable selfie deaths around the world. )

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona</p> <p>One of the most popular attractions in the U.S., the Grand Canyon is the site of about a dozen deaths every year. Surprisingly, only a few of those are due to falls. Other causes of death include dehydration and extreme heat, drowning, medical events, car accidents, and suicides.</p>

Grand Canyon

> Location: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

One of the most popular attractions in the U.S., the Grand Canyon is the site of about a dozen deaths every year. Surprisingly, only a few of those are due to falls. Other causes of death include dehydration and extreme heat, drowning, medical events, car accidents, and suicides.

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> Yosemite National Park, California</p> <p>A prominent item on many hikers' bucket lists, this Yosemite icon requires a 14-mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of 4,800 feet. In addition, the peak features a steep section of cable climbing. Over 20 people have died on Half Dome, with an additional 40 dying on the trail leading up to the mountain.</p> <p><span><strong><a href="https://247wallst.com/special-report/2023/02/13/americas-most-dangerous-beaches/?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=msn&utm_content=americas-most-dangerous-beaches&wsrlui=47194443">ALSO READ: America's Most Dangerous Beaches</a></strong></span></p>

> Location: Yosemite National Park, California

A prominent item on many hikers' bucket lists, this Yosemite icon requires a 14-mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of 4,800 feet. In addition, the peak features a steep section of cable climbing. Over 20 people have died on Half Dome, with an additional 40 dying on the trail leading up to the mountain.

ALSO READ: America's Most Dangerous Beaches

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> Coos County, New Hampshire</p> <p>The highest peak in the northeastern U.S., Mount Washington is known for having some of the most variable weather conditions and highest winds on earth - and for being one of the deadliest mountains in the country. Over 160 people have died on the 6,288-foot mountain since 1849, many from hypothermia.</p>

Mount Washington

> Location: Coos County, New Hampshire

The highest peak in the northeastern U.S., Mount Washington is known for having some of the most variable weather conditions and highest winds on earth - and for being one of the deadliest mountains in the country. Over 160 people have died on the 6,288-foot mountain since 1849, many from hypothermia.

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> New Smyrna, Florida</p> <p>Florida is known as the shark attack capital of the world, and New Smyrna Beach - a popular surfing destination - is the most dangerous beach in the state. Due to the abundance of prey fish in the area, surfers and swimmers there are 10 times more likely to be bitten by a shark there than anywhere else in the U.S.</p> <p><span><strong><a href="https://247wallst.com/special-report/2022/05/06/this-is-the-most-dangerous-volcano-on-the-planet-2/?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=msn&utm_content=this-is-the-most-dangerous-volcano-on-the-planet-2&wsrlui=47194444">ALSO READ: This Is the Most Dangerous Volcano on the Planet</a></strong></span></p>

New Smyrna Beach

> Location: New Smyrna, Florida

Florida is known as the shark attack capital of the world, and New Smyrna Beach - a popular surfing destination - is the most dangerous beach in the state. Due to the abundance of prey fish in the area, surfers and swimmers there are 10 times more likely to be bitten by a shark there than anywhere else in the U.S.

ALSO READ: This Is the Most Dangerous Volcano on the Planet

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> Colorado</p> <p>Some of the best - and most dangerous - white water rafting rivers in the U.S. are in Colorado. In fact, more people have died in Colorado's rivers than in any other state's, with the Arkansas River claiming the most lives since 1982.</p>

Colorado rivers

> Location: Colorado

Some of the best - and most dangerous - white water rafting rivers in the U.S. are in Colorado. In fact, more people have died in Colorado's rivers than in any other state's, with the Arkansas River claiming the most lives since 1982.

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> Weeki Wachee, Florida</p> <p>One of the deadliest cave diving sites in the world, this underwater system of tunnels can get murky, creating low visibility in the maze-like network of turns. It is easy to become lost in the tunnels, and a dozen explorers have died in the caves since 1981.</p> <p><span><strong><a href="https://247wallst.com/special-report/2022/10/01/states-where-youre-most-likely-to-be-killed-by-an-animal-or-bug/?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=msn&utm_content=states-where-youre-most-likely-to-be-killed-by-an-animal-or-bug&wsrlui=47194445">ALSO READ: States Where You’re Most Likely to be Killed by an Animal or a Bug</a></strong></span></p>

Eagle's Nest Sinkhole

> Location: Weeki Wachee, Florida

One of the deadliest cave diving sites in the world, this underwater system of tunnels can get murky, creating low visibility in the maze-like network of turns. It is easy to become lost in the tunnels, and a dozen explorers have died in the caves since 1981.

ALSO READ: States Where You’re Most Likely to be Killed by an Animal or a Bug

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> Newton County, Arkansas</p> <p>Also known as Whitaker Point, this picturesque overlook is easy to access with a 2.8-mile round-trip hike. The crag has no guard rails, however, and is a popular place for selfies and photographs. With a drop of several hundred feet, a fall off the overlook is generally fatal., and has claimed several lives.</p>

Hawksbill Crag

> Location: Newton County, Arkansas

Also known as Whitaker Point, this picturesque overlook is easy to access with a 2.8-mile round-trip hike. The crag has no guard rails, however, and is a popular place for selfies and photographs. With a drop of several hundred feet, a fall off the overlook is generally fatal., and has claimed several lives.

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> Zion National Park, Utah</p> <p>This iconic peak at Zion National Park is a popular hike for adrenaline junkies. With a narrow trail and drop-offs up to 1,000 feet on either side, deaths and injuries are not uncommon. At least 17 people are confirmed to have died on the trail - most of those from falls.</p> <p><span><strong><a href="https://247wallst.com/special-report/2023/04/13/the-most-mysterious-places-on-earth/?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=msn&utm_content=the-most-mysterious-places-on-earth&wsrlui=47194446">ALSO READ: The Most Mysterious Places in the World</a></strong></span></p>

Angel's Landing

> Location: Zion National Park, Utah

This iconic peak at Zion National Park is a popular hike for adrenaline junkies. With a narrow trail and drop-offs up to 1,000 feet on either side, deaths and injuries are not uncommon. At least 17 people are confirmed to have died on the trail - most of those from falls.

ALSO READ: The Most Mysterious Places in the World

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> Yucatan, Mexico</p> <p>The Yucat<span>á</span>n Peninsula has some of the longest underwater cave systems in the world, and most of them are unmapped. These flooded sinkholes are a destination for daring scuba divers, who face dangers including getting stuck in narrow crevices, becoming tangled in vegetation, and simply getting lost.</p>

Yucatán Cenotes

> Location: Yucatan, Mexico

The Yucat á n Peninsula has some of the longest underwater cave systems in the world, and most of them are unmapped. These flooded sinkholes are a destination for daring scuba divers, who face dangers including getting stuck in narrow crevices, becoming tangled in vegetation, and simply getting lost.

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> Recife, Brazil</p> <p>After the opening of a nearby port, which caused massive environmental shifts, this Brazilian beach went from having virtually no shark attacks to having over 56 in 20 years. It is now closed to surfers and is one of the most dangerous beaches in the world, with 37% of the attacks being fatal, compared to a worldwide average of 16%.</p> <p><span><strong><a href="https://247wallst.com/special-report/2022/05/20/50-natural-wonders-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-3/?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=msn&utm_content=50-natural-wonders-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-3&wsrlui=47194447">ALSO READ: 50 Natural Wonders Everyone Should See at Least Once</a></strong></span></p>

Recife Beach

> Location: Recife, Brazil

After the opening of a nearby port, which caused massive environmental shifts, this Brazilian beach went from having virtually no shark attacks to having over 56 in 20 years. It is now closed to surfers and is one of the most dangerous beaches in the world, with 37% of the attacks being fatal, compared to a worldwide average of 16%.

ALSO READ: 50 Natural Wonders Everyone Should See at Least Once

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> Southern Chile</p> <p>One of South America's most active volcanoes, Villarrica draws adventurous hikers, who navigate its steep slopes for the chance to peer into the steaming crater, as well as daredevil skiers. Falls and accidents are not uncommon on the steep slopes, and mudflows from eruptions have killed over 100 people.</p>

> Location: Southern Chile

One of South America's most active volcanoes, Villarrica draws adventurous hikers, who navigate its steep slopes for the chance to peer into the steaming crater, as well as daredevil skiers. Falls and accidents are not uncommon on the steep slopes, and mudflows from eruptions have killed over 100 people.

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Dominica</p> <p>At the end of a steep, strenuous hike into an area called the Valley of Desolation, a flooded fumarole boils with scalding hot water. Slippery rocks line the sides of the lake and precipitous drops abound. Despite the danger of the area, the last recorded deaths occurred in 1900, when a sudden release of volcanic gasses asphyxiated two hikers, who then fell to their deaths.</p> <p><span><strong><a href="https://247wallst.com/special-report/2023/02/13/americas-most-dangerous-beaches/?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=msn&utm_content=americas-most-dangerous-beaches&wsrlui=47194448">ALSO READ: America's Most Dangerous Beaches</a></strong></span></p>

Boiling Lake

> Location: Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Dominica

At the end of a steep, strenuous hike into an area called the Valley of Desolation, a flooded fumarole boils with scalding hot water. Slippery rocks line the sides of the lake and precipitous drops abound. Despite the danger of the area, the last recorded deaths occurred in 1900, when a sudden release of volcanic gasses asphyxiated two hikers, who then fell to their deaths.

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> Vaucluse, Australia</p> <p>These sheer cliffs and staircases over turquoise waters have been made popular by Instagram influencers, some of whom have fallen to their deaths attempting to take pictures on the ledges. Although there are fences in some areas, young people often climb the fences in order to get a perfect shot.</p>

Diamond Bay Reserve

> Location: Vaucluse, Australia

These sheer cliffs and staircases over turquoise waters have been made popular by Instagram influencers, some of whom have fallen to their deaths attempting to take pictures on the ledges. Although there are fences in some areas, young people often climb the fences in order to get a perfect shot.

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> North Queensland, Australia</p> <p>The stunning beaches at Cape Tribulation are rife with dangers including saltwater crocodiles, stinging trees, and wild boars - but the deadliest critters are the box jellyfish, who appear from October through June. Their venom attacks the cardiovascular system and is so potent that it can kill swimmers in minutes or cause them to drown before reaching shore.</p> <p><span><strong><a href="https://247wallst.com/special-report/2022/05/06/this-is-the-most-dangerous-volcano-on-the-planet-2/?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=msn&utm_content=this-is-the-most-dangerous-volcano-on-the-planet-2&wsrlui=47194449">ALSO READ: This Is the Most Dangerous Volcano on the Planet</a></strong></span></p>

Cape Tribulation

> Location: North Queensland, Australia

The stunning beaches at Cape Tribulation are rife with dangers including saltwater crocodiles, stinging trees, and wild boars - but the deadliest critters are the box jellyfish, who appear from October through June. Their venom attacks the cardiovascular system and is so potent that it can kill swimmers in minutes or cause them to drown before reaching shore.

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand</p> <p>This grueling 15-mile trek has the payoff of amazing alpine views, but the narrow and slippery trail has led to many falling deaths. Winter conditions are even more slippery and treacherous, and some have died of exposure as well as drowning while crossing swollen rivers.</p>

Cascade Saddle Route

> Location: Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand

This grueling 15-mile trek has the payoff of amazing alpine views, but the narrow and slippery trail has led to many falling deaths. Winter conditions are even more slippery and treacherous, and some have died of exposure as well as drowning while crossing swollen rivers.

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> Pamplona, Spain</p> <p>This yearly tradition every July attracts around 2,000 participants, who run through the streets ahead of a dozen bulls. Every year hundreds are injured by falls, trampling, and goring. While deaths are infrequent, 16 people have lost their lives in the event since 1910.</p> <p><span><strong><a href="https://247wallst.com/special-report/2022/10/01/states-where-youre-most-likely-to-be-killed-by-an-animal-or-bug/?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=msn&utm_content=states-where-youre-most-likely-to-be-killed-by-an-animal-or-bug&wsrlui=471944410">ALSO READ: States Where You’re Most Likely to be Killed by an Animal or a Bug</a></strong></span></p>

Running of the bulls

> Location: Pamplona, Spain

This yearly tradition every July attracts around 2,000 participants, who run through the streets ahead of a dozen bulls. Every year hundreds are injured by falls, trampling, and goring. While deaths are infrequent, 16 people have lost their lives in the event since 1910.

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> Chamonix, France</p> <p>Every year, over 30,000 people attempt to climb the highest mountain in Western Europe, which has claimed hundreds of lives and is the site of half of all mountaineering accidents in France. Most of those are along a particularly perilous stretch on the climb to Go<span>û</span>ter Hut, where climbers are prone to falling, being hit by falling rocks, or getting lost in poor weather conditions.</p>

> Location: Chamonix, France

Every year, over 30,000 people attempt to climb the highest mountain in Western Europe, which has claimed hundreds of lives and is the site of half of all mountaineering accidents in France. Most of those are along a particularly perilous stretch on the climb to Go û ter Hut, where climbers are prone to falling, being hit by falling rocks, or getting lost in poor weather conditions.

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> County Clare, Ireland</p> <p>With majestic views of the Aran Islands and Atlantic Ocean, these emerald green clifftops have no railings to keep intrepid tourists from tumbling over the edges. The sheer 700-foot drop from the cliffs has killed about nine people per year, some of whom have fallen while taking selfies.</p> <p><span><strong><a href="https://247wallst.com/special-report/2023/04/13/the-most-mysterious-places-on-earth/?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=msn&utm_content=the-most-mysterious-places-on-earth&wsrlui=471944411">ALSO READ: The Most Mysterious Places in the World</a></strong></span></p>

Cliffs of Moher

> Location: County Clare, Ireland

With majestic views of the Aran Islands and Atlantic Ocean, these emerald green clifftops have no railings to keep intrepid tourists from tumbling over the edges. The sheer 700-foot drop from the cliffs has killed about nine people per year, some of whom have fallen while taking selfies.

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> El Chorro, M<span>á</span>laga, Spain</p> <p>Built in the early 20th century to allow construction workers to carry supplies to a nearby dam, this narrow walkway sits on a sheer cliff face 350 feet above a turquoise river. After several adventurous tourists died at the site in a two-year span, the walkway was closed and repaired with safety upgrades.</p>

El Caminito Del Rey

> Location: El Chorro, M á laga, Spain

Built in the early 20th century to allow construction workers to carry supplies to a nearby dam, this narrow walkway sits on a sheer cliff face 350 feet above a turquoise river. After several adventurous tourists died at the site in a two-year span, the walkway was closed and repaired with safety upgrades.

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> Southwestern coast of Ireland</p> <p>This steep twin-peaked crag contains the ruins of a 13th-century monastery, and can be accessed by a winding stone staircase. Featured in "Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens," the site has become a tourist hotspot. After multiple falling deaths, visitor numbers are now limited, and safety features including chains and handrails have been added.</p> <p><span><strong><a href="https://247wallst.com/special-report/2022/05/20/50-natural-wonders-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-3/?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=msn&utm_content=50-natural-wonders-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-3&wsrlui=471944412">ALSO READ: 50 Natural Wonders Everyone Should See at Least Once</a></strong></span></p>

Skellig Michael

> Location: Southwestern coast of Ireland

This steep twin-peaked crag contains the ruins of a 13th-century monastery, and can be accessed by a winding stone staircase. Featured in "Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens," the site has become a tourist hotspot. After multiple falling deaths, visitor numbers are now limited, and safety features including chains and handrails have been added.

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> Alnwick, Northumberland, England</p> <p>This enclosure of colorful flowers and ornamentals at Alnwick Castle is landscaped with solely toxic and deadly plants including henbane, castor plants, and strychnine trees. Visitors are warned not to touch or smell the plants, and some species are even kept in locked cages. </p>

Alnwick Poison Garden

> Location: Alnwick, Northumberland, England

This enclosure of colorful flowers and ornamentals at Alnwick Castle is landscaped with solely toxic and deadly plants including henbane, castor plants, and strychnine trees. Visitors are warned not to touch or smell the plants, and some species are even kept in locked cages.

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> Sinai, Egypt, on the coast of the Red Sea</p> <p>A 300-foot sinkhole that draws scuba divers and free divers, this notorious attraction has claimed an estimated 200 lives in recent years. A narrow tunnel called the Arch leads from the hole into open waters, and is the site of most of the accidents, as divers can become disoriented in the tunnel and drown.</p> <p><span><strong><a href="https://247wallst.com/special-report/2023/02/13/americas-most-dangerous-beaches/?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=msn&utm_content=americas-most-dangerous-beaches&wsrlui=471944413">ALSO READ: America's Most Dangerous Beaches</a></strong></span></p>

> Location: Sinai, Egypt, on the coast of the Red Sea

A 300-foot sinkhole that draws scuba divers and free divers, this notorious attraction has claimed an estimated 200 lives in recent years. A narrow tunnel called the Arch leads from the hole into open waters, and is the site of most of the accidents, as divers can become disoriented in the tunnel and drown.

<p><strong>> Location:</strong> French island in the Indian Ocean</p> <p>Over 50 shark attacks have been recorded on this island southwest of Mauritius since 1988, and at least 11 people have died in attacks since 2011. The beaches are so dangerous that swimming and surfing have been banned at any location without shark nets.</p>

Réunion Island

> Location: French island in the Indian Ocean

Over 50 shark attacks have been recorded on this island southwest of Mauritius since 1988, and at least 11 people have died in attacks since 2011. The beaches are so dangerous that swimming and surfing have been banned at any location without shark nets.

Mount Huashan

> Location: Shaanxi, China

This steep, 7,000-foot mountain in Shaanxi Province features a plank walk made of narrow wooden boards that leads to a small temple at the peak. Although there is no handrail in most places, hikers can harness themselves to a cable while they climb.

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Also known as the "Gates of Hell," this flaming pit was formed in the 1970s when geologists drilled into a cave for oil, causing its natural gas field to collapse. To burn off the toxic gas, they set it on fire. Decades later, it's still burning in the remote Karakum Desert.

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Death Valley in California lures visitors in with its surreal landscape of sand dunes, rock-salt spires, and salt flats. However, with a record temperature of 130°F (54.4°C), its extreme heat can be fatal. 

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A popular location for adventure hikers, Villarrica is one of South America’s most active volcanoes. It last erupted in 2015, spewing ash and lava up to 3,300 feet (1,000 m) in the air. 

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Located in China’s Shaanxi province, Mount Huashan has long been a place of pilgrimage thanks to its sacred five peaks and Taoist temples. It's also famous for its network of steep and dangerous trails that snake around the mountain.

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Filled with red gorges and emerald pools, this wild and beautiful national park is an Australian pearl. However, located in the remote part of Western Australia, it's prone to extreme weather conditions and rockfalls, which have led to fatalities.

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A dangerous place to access, the craggy isle off the coast of County Kerry was once home to monks. It has since been used as a filming location for 'Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens' (2015).

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Built between 1901 and 1905 for construction workers carrying goods, the risky path attracts adrenaline junkies from around the world. With several hikers having fallen to their deaths there over the years, the path today has new visitor restrictions, making it much safer than it once was.

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Climbing the world's tallest mountain is on the bucket list of many. At over 29,000 feet (8,850 m), Mount Everest attracts around 1,200 climbers each year. However, only about half ever reach the summit, and several others die trying. The main causes of death on Everest include subfreezing temperatures and changing altitudes. In 2019, 11 people died on the peak.

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During the drier months of the year, the Zambezi River gets low enough to reveal the ultimate infinity pool at the edge of the world's highest waterfall, Victoria Falls. Swimmers take the plunge at their own risk, as they could be swept down the waterfall.

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Located above Yosemite National Park in California, the 14-mile (22.5-km) round trip to the top takes hikers into the wilderness. It also has a reputation for dangerous and deadly conditions. After falling 500 feet (150 m) in 2019, one hiker was tragically killed.

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One of Ireland's most impressive sights, the Cliffs of Moher feature a dramatic scenery that unfolds for five miles (eight km), reaching more than 700 feet (over 210 m) at its highest point. However, it comes with great danger. More than 30 accidental deaths have occurred here since the early 1990s.

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A volcanic island, it had one of the deadliest eruptions in history when in 1883 around 36,000 people were killed. In 2018, a deadly tsunami triggered Anak Krakatau. Eruptions were also reported in 2020.

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The highest mountain in Europe, Mont Blanc reaches around 15,780 feet (over 4,800 m). With 30,000 visitors per year, it's considered one of the deadliest mountains in Europe. This is mainly due to fatal climbing accidents resulting from lack of preparation, as well as treacherous terrain and changing weather conditions.

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An overseas department and region of France located in the Indian Ocean, Réunion has exquisite and remarkably crowd-free beaches. However, it's unfortunately one of the most shark-infested spots in the world. Between 2011 and 2019, the island recorded 24 attacks and 11 fatalities.

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Passing through five states, the 1,450-mile-long (over 2,330 km) Colorado River is a popular swimming spot for vacationers. However, what people don't realize is how dangerous the waters can be, particularly after heavy rains and an increase in melted snow. In fact, 2014 had a record of 15 deaths in the first seven months due to these conditions.

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Set in an isolated point of the Reykjanes Peninsula, this active volcano has a 1,640-foot-long (500 m) opening. Unpredictable and hard to reach, the toxic gases and risk of eruption can be dangerous to visitors.

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This impressive rock formation has become a popular spot for selfie-taking hikers. At around 3,600 feet (nearly 1,100 m) above sea level, there have sadly been reports of hikers falling to their deaths.

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One of three active volcanoes in Hawaii, Kīlauea on the Big Island is the most dangerous one. In 2014 lava flew from it, reaching the town of Pahoa.

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One of the world's most dangerous roads, North Yungas Road has become a thrilling ride for mountain bikers. A bumpy and narrow 40 mile (about 65-km) road, one wrong move and it can prove fatal.

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One of the most scenic countries in the Caribbean, Dominica is also home to the intriguing, and potentially lethal, Boiling Lake. Flooded with fumarole, a crack on the Earth’s crust, it can spit up hot water and bubbles at its hottest. Best to keep a safe distance!

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Under the jungle of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula lie three of the longest underwater cave systems in the world. These unmapped cave systems have become a magnate for divers who want to explore the ways between the natural sinkholes, known as cenotes. However, the tight spaces, darkness, and disorientation can lead to fatal events.

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From avalanches and rockfalls to encounters with mountain lions, the Canadian Rockies are filled with danger. In 2019, three mountaineers were killed in an avalanche when attempting to scale a remote face of  Howse Peak.

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Mainly situated in Wyoming, the park spreads into parts of Montana and Idaho, too. On top of a volcanic hot spot, the real dangers for hikers and campers are the grizzly bears. However, on average we're talking just one bear attack per year.

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One of the highest jumping sites in the world, it became famous thanks to the 2002 film 'Goldeneye,' when James Bond took the plunge. At 720 feet (220 m), adrenaline junkies flock to the sight in order to have their 007 moment.

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The 10th-highest mountain on the planet, the Annapurna I is notoriously difficult to climb. Ranked as the world's most deadly peak for climbers, it has a high fatality rate due to its treacherous topography, inhospitable conditions, and high altitude.

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Located north of Dahab in Egypt’s Red Sea, the Blue Hole is a popular dive site for daredevils. A sinkhole that drops down to depths of around 300 feet (about 90 m), it also has a notorious horizontal tunnel known as the Arch. Unfortunately, most fatalities happened after divers attempted to go through the Arch, which leads from the sinkhole into open water.

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At 300 feet (90 m) high and 560 feet (170 m) long, the Trift Bridge in the Swiss Alps should be avoided by people with acrophobia (i.e fear of heights). One of the longest and highest pedestrian suspension bridges in the Alps, it takes three cable car rides to reach it.

27 / 29 Fotos

A hike for the adrenaline junkie with plenty of stamina, the 11-mile (18-km) route can be lethal. With adverse weather, multiple deaths have occurred from falls and exposure.

Sources: (Insider) (loveEXPLORING)

See more: The most dangerous cities in Africa

28 / 29 Fotos

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The most dangerous tourist attractions in the world

These sites are far from a relaxing vacation spot.

The most dangerous tourist attractions in the world

08/03/24 | StarsInsider

TRAVEL Dangerous destinations

W hile some prefer a vacation relaxing on the beach , others look for an adventure with a dangerous thrill to it. From boiling-hot lakes to high peaks and deadly dives, these locations will get your heart racing.

It's important to note, however, that both experienced and inexperienced adrenaline junkies have died at these sites. So beware of the risks if you dare to visit any.

Ready? Click on to discover the most dangerous tourist attractions in the world

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The 30 Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions In The World

THE 30 MOST DANGEROUS TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN THE WORLD Running of The Bulls, Pamplona El Caminito Del Ray, Málaga Skellig Michael, Kerry This incredibly dangerous tradition Also known as 'The King's Little Pathway', this I00 metre high and I metre wide pathway was built back in This picturesque island is just off the sees bulls released to run around the coast of Kerry in Ireland, but it is far crowded streets of Pamplona. Tens of thousands of people visit the town less peaceful than it looks. There are 600 ancient steps (with no safety 1905 and used by workers to every year to participate in the event, and try to outrun the bulls! There are thousands of injuries each year, and transport materials. Despite being railing) for people to make their way up the mountain. The steps are very closed to the public because of it's deteriorating condition, that doesn't uneven though, and many people have lost balance and fallen into the rocky there have even been a few deaths stop daredevils walking across the since the tradition first began. path each year, and many falling off! waters below them. Alnwick Garden, Mont Blanc, Chernobyl Tours, Pripyat Northumberland Haute-Savoie This garden is home the 'Poison Hiking a mountain of this magnitude This tourist atraction is the site of a Garden', which is a section full of over never going to be an easy task, but nuclear disaster from 1986. Although 100 different variations of poisonous that doesn't stop hikers attempting it the site is managed to ensure plants. Tourists are unable to actually all year round. The mountain reaches radiation in the area is too small to make contact with the plants, but the almost 5,000 metres high, and wind harm vistors' health, tourists are not toxic fumes have caused a number of speeds towards the top of the allowed to eat outdoors, touch any visitors to faint and pass out over the mountain can reach 95kmph. These onsite vegetation or even set camera years! conditions have sadly claimed many tripods on the ground, as physical lives, and over 50 hikers died in 2008 contact could still be extremely alone! dangerous. Yosemite National Park's Half Dome, Volcano Helicopter Tours, Hawaii Cliffs of Moher, County Clare California To climb the Half Dome means The steep pathway that leads up this cliff gets very dangerous towards the top, with high winds and heavy rainfall commonly making it easy to lose your Hawaii is home 3 active volcanoes (which explains why it's so hot!) Small explosions of lava can reach as high as a cubic mile, so you might get climbing over 5,000 feet, but it's the final 400 feet that get tricky! It is almost vertical and many climbers step! The natural beauty of the cliff incredibly unlucky when taking a have fallen - particularly in wet remains, but at a price, as it means no manmade handrails are anywhere to be found. A walker was sadly swept to helicopter tour over these volcanoes! conditions. In fact, the bottom of the 30 people died from just this in 1995, cliff is known as 'Death Slabs' as so and there have been a number of many people have had fatal falls onto her death in 2006. other deaths since. these rocks. Grand Canyon, New Smyrna Beach, Florida The Colorado River System, Colorado Arizona A sunny beach in Florida is always The water can be dangerously The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the going to attract tourists, but there are actually more sharks per square mile powerful here, especially since the snowpack from higher up the Colorado mountains started melting. world, but it can sometimes be one of here than any other beach in the the most dangerous. It's 227 miles world! In the past 30 years, there have Extreme white water rafting is long, and in some places 1,800 meters been over 200 shark attacks in the popular here, and there have been high, so it's no easy hike. many injuries and fatalities. In 2014 alone, there were 15 deaths and many last 30 years, and over 40 have been Approximately 700 people have died fatal. there over many years, due to factors more injuries, and this is common such as falling, dehydration, and even every year. plane crashes. Cerro Negro Volcano, Cordillera de los Maribios Bish Bash Falls, Hua Shan Plank *: Massachusetts Walk, Huayin Brave locals and tourists can enjoy Many tourists flock to these beautiful Hua Shan might not be the tallest of tobogganing across this volcano, falls to take stunning photographs. The the Five Mountains in China, but it's reaching speeds of up to 68kmph! peace and quiet can be ruined from certainly the most dangerous. The Tobogganing across such a rocky time to time however, as a number of mountain is famous for its path made terrain is dangerous in its own right, cliff jumpers have been injured or lost from 12 inch wide wooden planks, but the volcano is active which adds their lives here as the pools are much that sees people try to balance to the thrill! It last erupted in 1999, shallower than expected. There have (sometimes unsuccessfully) as they but you'd have to toboggan pretty also been cases of the ledges of the walk 7,000 feet in the air. quickly to escape the next eruption. cliff crumbling away, causing people to fall. Death Road, Miyake Island, Honshū Mount Everest, Himalayas La Paz Climbing to the top of the world's Miyake Island, known locally as The 43 mile long and 2,000 feet high North Yungas Road is also known as highest mountain is something all hikers dream of doing, and many 'Miyake-jima', is formed around the Mount Oyama volcano. This volcano 'Death Road'.There are no guard rails to be found, and cycling and motoring attempt it, but sadly only a select few accomplish it. For every 100 has erupted so many times that accidents are extremely common. The people weren't allowed to live on the island between 2000 and 2005! People road is covered in wooden crosses to expeditions, there are 4.3 fatalities. There are so many dangerous factors, have started to move back now, and remember the fatalities, which can reach anywhere up to 300 per year. many curious tourists have visited, but they still have to wear gas masks as and the 29,029 foot high mountain has claimed over 225 lives in the past 6 decades. the air is often too toxic to breathe in! Praia De Boa Ilha da Queimada Grande, São Paulo Villarrica Volcano, VIllarrica Viagem, Recife If bungee jumping is too mainstream These stunning beaches are extremely This island can be found off the coast for you, you can pay £6,500 to bungee popular with tourists, but the sea is of São Paulo, and it is more commonly jump from a helicopter... and into a equally as popular with sharks. There known as 'Snake Island'. The island is volcano! Daredevil tourists can fall have been over 50 shark attacks here full of thousands of Golden Lancehead within just over 200 metres above the since 1992, and over one third have Viper snakes - one of the most hot bubbling lava in the volcano below been fatal. venomous snakes in the world! For every square metre of the island, visitors will walk into approximately 5 them. You'd have to trust the cord not to snap! of these snakes! Northern Australia Adelaide River, Cage Of Death, Darwin Coastline, Northern Darwin Australia Visitors of the Crocosaurus Cove There are some beautiful birds for These stunning beaches are extremely theme park can get up, close and tourists to spot along the Adelaide popular with tourists, but the sea is personal with deadly 16 foot, 800 pound crocodiles! Visitors can climb into a 9 foot high transparent equally as popular with sharks. There River, with eagles and kites common in the area. It's home to dangerous have been over 50 shark attacks here wildlife too though, with the river full since 1992, and over one third have of deadly saltwater crocodiles. There container, and get lowered into a crocodile infested pool. Let's hope it been fatal. have been a number of crocodile never cracks! attacks in recent years, including serial offences from an albino crocodile known locally as 'Michael Jackson'! Kokoda Trail, Owen Stanley Range Boiling Lake, Morne Trois Pitons Mount Cook, Mount Cook National Park National Park This mountain is locally known as The Kokoda Trail is an exhausting The clue is in the name here, as the 'Aoraki' and, at 3,724 metres, is the treck. To walk the entire trail takes six water around the edges of this lake can reach temperatures of almost 100°C! The 250 by 200 feet lake is full highest mountain in Zew Zealand. As full days of hiking, climbing and even well as being a popular tourist destination, it is also popular amongst mountain climber - and this is what wimming! The real challenge is avoiding the mosquitos though, with of bubbling water with vapour clouds many carrying malaria. If that's not hovering above it at all times. An makes it dangerous. It is prone to accidental slip when viewing these dangerous enough, a local tribe actually attacked and killed hikers on incredibly bad conditions, and these scorching hot waters could be fatal. can often prevent rescuers from being the trail back in 2013! able to reach the troubled climbers. Juancho E Yrausquin Airport, Princess Juliana International Danakil Desert, Airport, Darwin Saba Eritrea This airport is located right next to a The island of Saba is a paradise, but Trekking along a desert is something beach and, due to the short runway, for tourists to visit it they must brave that has always been popular with departing planes only just clear the beaches fence during take off! Many the island's runway. It is just I,300 feet tourists, despite its challenges. The in length, and has steep drops into the Danakil Desert in Eritea is one of the daring tourists and visitors to the sea at each end! There is little room most challenging and cruelest in the beach like to hold on to the fence as for error at this airport, or the pilot world though. It's situated in a basin these planes fly over them - causing will have some very wet passengers. 100m below sea level, and daily them to be flung off the fence and temperatures often surpass a dangerous 50°C! often badly injuring themselves! Sources: www.foxnews.com www.viralnova.com www.dailymail.co.uk www.madten.com JUST THE FLIGHT www.thrillist.com www.infobarrel.com www.listverse.com

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Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions In The World – Revealed

Most dangerous tourist attractions in the world - featured image

Death isn’t exactly what most of us think about when we travel across the world to visit our dream tourist attractions.

Unfortunately though many people are unaware of the dangers posed by some of them.

That’s why we’ve conducted a study to determine the most dangerous tourist attractions around the world.

Using data from various sources, including official government statistics and news reports, we analyzed 125 popular tourist attractions across the globe to come up with this ultimate list.

Key Findings

  • The most dangerous tourist attraction in the world is Mont Blanc which is a mountain in the Alps. It sees approximately 500 deaths per 100,000 visitors.
  • In the USA, the most dangerous tourist attraction is North Cascades National Park which is a mountain range in Washington. It sees around 3 deaths per 100,000 visitors.
  • In the UK, the most dangerous attraction is Ben Nevis, a mountain in Scotland. Just over 4 climbers fall to their deaths per 100,000 climbers.
  • 60% of the attractions that made the list are mountains , with the most dangerous one being Mont Blanc.
  • 20% are water-based attractions including lakes, rivers and diving spots, with the most dangerous one being the Dead Sea in Israel.
  • The most dangerous attraction that isn’t a mountain is the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia where motor vehicle crashes are common.

World’s Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions

We’ve ranked the following tourist attractions based on the number of deaths per 100,000 visitors.

To come up with this figure, we divided the average annual deaths by the average number of annual visitors and multiplied it by 100,000.

We’ve also included the figure for the average number of deaths per year for each attraction.

1. Mont Blanc, France/Italy

Mont Blanc

  • Deaths per 100,000 Visitors: 500
  • Average Annual Visitors: 20,000
  • Average Annual Deaths: 100
  • Top Cause of Death: Falls

Right at the top of the list is Mont Blanc, a 4,809m mountain in the Alps. It’s located on the French-Italian border so it is claimed by both countries.

Only roughly 20,000 people attempt to climb Mont Blanc each year but shockingly, around 100 of them fall to their deaths, get crushed by avalanches or die in skiing accidents every year.

One man fell 1000 ft accidentally in September 2022, whilst another died by falling 300m when trying to rescue a stranded climber in July 2023.

2. Matterhorn, Switzerland

Matterhorn

  • Deaths per 100,000 Visitors: 342.9
  • Average Annual Visitors: 3,500
  • Average Annual Deaths: 12

Second on the list is another mountain located in the Alps but this time it’s the Matterhorn which is located near Zermatt, Switzerland.

Less people attempt to climb the Matterhorn each year compared to Mont Blanc (just 3,500) but on average, 12 of them die each year trying to do so.

In 2020, one man fell to his death when his abseiling rope broke mid-climb and another two climbers perished after falling 400m in July 2022.

3. North Yungas Road, Bolivia

North Yungas Road, Bolivia

  • Deaths per 100,000 Visitors: 168
  • Average Annual Visitors: 25,000
  • Average Annual Deaths: 42

Third on the list of most dangerous attractions is North Yungas Road in Bolivia which is a cycling route in the Andes mountains that is popular with mountain bikers. 

It’s one of the most popular attractions in Bolivia’s capital city, La Paz.

It’s essentially a dirt track road that runs along the side of a mountain in the Andes. The track itself is just 3-meters wide and there’s no railings.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, it was reported that between 200 and 300 people died every year on the road as it was the only route from La Paz to the Amazon Rainforest. 

Vehicles often slipped off the road, falling 1000m into the valley below. One of the worst tragedies was in 1983 when a bus carrying more than 100 passengers fell into the canyon below.

In 2009, an alternate road was opened so now only tourists and cyclists use North Yungas Road but it’s still pretty dangerous and 42 people still die each year on this treacherous road.

In April 2023, it was reported that a 27-year old cyclist had lost his life whilst cycling here.

4. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro

  • Deaths per 100,000 Visitors: 20
  • Average Annual Visitors: 50,000
  • Average Annual Deaths: 10

Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano that is 5,895m tall. 

It’s actually the world’s highest free-standing mountain and every year, around 50,000 people travel to Tanzania to try and climb it.

Unfortunately for every 100,000 people that attempt to climb it, 20 of them die whilst trying to do so.

In December 2022, a journalist fell to their death as they descended the mountain and in February 2021, a tourist died after his parachute failed to open when he jumped off the mountain.

5. Mount Everest, Nepal

Mount Everest

  • Average Annual Visitors: 35,000
  • Average Annual Deaths: 7
  • Top Cause of Death: Environmental

Mount Everest is the world’s highest mountain, standing at 8,849m tall in Nepal and China. 

Every year around 35,000 people attempt to climb it and, on average, 7 people perish each year trying to do so.

Worryingly, the rate of deaths is starting to increase as in May 2023, it was reported that 17 climbers were thought to have died that year trying to climb it. 

Nepal’s head of tourism said that climate change has led to variable weather on the mountain which is the likely cause of the increase in deaths.

Many of the deaths were environment related, such as when an ice tower collapsed and killed 3 Sherpa guides , or due to sickness, cold or exhaustion.

6. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

 Salar de Uyuni

  • Deaths per 100,000 Visitors: 6.2
  • Average Annual Visitors: 65,000
  • Average Annual Deaths: 4
  • Top Cause of Death: Motor Vehicle Crash

At number 6 is Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia which is the world’s largest salt flat.

It’s all that remains of a prehistoric lake that dried up leaving behind a desert-like salt pan that covers almost 11,000 sq km.

Shockingly, out of every 100,000 people that visit this salt flat, 6 of them die. The most common cause of death is a car crash.

Vehicles often flip over, sometimes killing those inside. Car crashes between multiple vehicles are also not uncommon. Many of the vehicles involved in the crashes are tour buses.

In 2019, two British teenagers were killed when their car flipped over whilst driving and in October 2022, 3 people died when their tour bus overturned on the salt flats.

7. Dead Sea, Israel

Dead Sea

  • Deaths per 100,000 Visitors: 5.6
  • Average Annual Visitors: 800,000
  • Average Annual Deaths: 45
  • Top Cause of Death: Drowning

Israel’s Dead Sea is actually not a sea but a large salt lake. It’s known to be one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water and it’s also the lowest point on Earth.

It’s an extremely popular tourist attraction due to its apparent healing properties. Over 800,000 people travel to swim in it each year.

One common myth is that it’s impossible to drown in the Dead Sea as, due to the extremely salty waters, you would just float up to the surface.

This rumor is however false as, on average, 45 people drown each year in the Dead Sea.

In May 2023, it was reported that a 70 year old woman had drowned here and just a few months later, a 75 year old man died in similar circumstances.

8. Ben Nevis, UK

Ben Nevis

  • Deaths per 100,000 Visitors: 4.6
  • Average Annual Visitors: 130,000
  • Average Annual Deaths: 6

Ben Nevis, which is located in Scotland, is the highest mountain in the United Kingdom at 1,345m tall.

Around 6 people die every year whilst trying to climb this mountain, making it the most dangerous tourist attraction in the UK.

Most deaths occur due to avalanches, bad weather or falling from a steep rock face.

In December 2022, a teacher died after accidentally triggering an avalanche whilst climbing the mountain. 

Earlier that year, an experienced climber who even ran a Ben Nevis tour company also died when he got caught up in an accident .

9. North Cascades National Park, USA

North Cascades National Park

  • Deaths per 100,000 Visitors: 3.3
  • Average Annual Visitors: 30,000
  • Average Annual Deaths: 1

The North Cascades National Park, located in Washington State, is the most dangerous tourist attraction in the USA.

This popular national park stretches over 500,000 acres and features over 300 glaciers, several mountain peaks, large valleys, waterfalls, lakes and more.

It’s earned the nickname ‘American Alps’ due to its mountainous peaks and green slopes.

Unfortunately it also has the highest death rate of all the national parks in the US. For every 100,000 people who visit the park, 3 die in an accident.

Most people visit the park for hiking, climbing, mountaineering and canyoneering. Due to the rugged terrain and wet weather, accidents occur often.

In 2017, a woman died after falling several hundred feet whilst hiking in the park and in 2022, a 26 year old mountaineering guide also fell to his death in the park.

10. Amazon Rainforest, Brazil

Amazon Rainforest

  • Deaths per 100,000 Visitors: 3.1
  • Top Cause of Death: Murder

At number 10 is the Amazon Rainforest which is the largest tropical rainforest in the world covering over 6.7 million km 2 .

Approximately 130,000 tourists travel to the Amazon every year to see its wonders but, unfortunately, not all of them return home.

Surprisingly, the main cause of death is actually due to criminal groups who have been known to kidnap and rob tourists, sometimes killing them in the process.

In 2017, a solo female traveler was robbed and murdered by pirates whilst kayaking on the Amazon River and in 2022, two men were murdered after trying to take photos of some locals.

Several tourists have also died after taking a drug used in a spiritual cleansing ceremony known as an ‘Ayahuasca ceremony’ that has become popular in recent years.

The Brazilian Amazon actually has the highest homicide rate in the country at 41.7 per 100,000 inhabitants. 

As a comparison, the US has a homicide rate of 6.8 and the UK has a rate of just 1.1.

This article has provided a list of the top 20 most dangerous tourist attractions in the world, based on average death figures per 100,000 visitors.

60% of the attractions are mountains with Mont Blanc in Italy/France being the most dangerous as it claims approximately 500 lives per 100,000 visitors.

Water-based attractions like lakes and rivers account for another 20% of the list with the Dead Sea in Israel being the most dangerous lake as it causes 5.6 deaths per 100,000 visitors.

Bolivia is the only country that has two tourist attractions in the top 10 (Salar de Uyuni and North Yungas Road).

Interestingly more than half (60%) of the attractions featured in the list are in developed countries.

This may be explained by lack of data / record keeping in lesser developed countries.

Methodology

We started by compiling a list of 125 popular tourist attractions around the world.

We then consulted government and organizational reports to determine the average number of deaths at each attraction per year as well as the average number of yearly visitors.

Where no official reports were available, we used local news reports and various publications to determine the average number of deaths.

In order to rank them fairly, we divided the average number of deaths per year with the average number of visitors per year.

We then multiplied this number by 100,000 to get the average number of deaths per 100,000 visitors.

Some tourist attractions were omitted from the study where data was not available or where statistics couldn’t be verified.

most dangerous tourist sites

Megan Jones is a travel expert and founder of Traveller's Elixir who has been travelling the world full time since 2021. Megan's travel tips been featured in numerous media outlets including Metro, Timeout, Thrillist and more.

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These are the most dangerous tourist attractions in the US

28 February 2023

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11 Most Dangerous Places In The World: Exploring Perilous Destinations

When it comes to travel, most people seek adventure, exploration, and the thrill of the unknown. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential dangers lurking in various parts of the world. In this article, we will delve into the Most Dangerous Places In The World ,

In today’s ever-connected world, travelers have access to a wealth of information about almost any destination they can imagine. From pristine beaches to bustling metropolises, the options seem endless.

However, for the more adventurous souls, there’s a dark and thrilling side to travel—the exploration of the most dangerous places on Earth.

We’ll explore war zones, natural disaster hotspots, crime-ridden cities, treacherous wildlife habitats, extreme climates, political flashpoints, and isolated islands that hide dark secrets.

List of 11 Most Dangerous Places In The World

  • Death Road Road
  • Snake Island
  • Lake Natron
  • Death Valley
  • Skeleton Coast
  • Danakil Desert
  • Gates Of Hell
  • North Sentinel island
  • Madidi National Park
  • Sumatra Island

1. Death Road Road, Bolivia

Death Road Road | Most Dangerous Places In The World

For all the real reasons you can think of, North Yungas Road is known as the “ Death Road “.

This 43-mile (69-kilometer) switchback is extremely dangerous to drive up or down because of the mist, landslides, waterfalls, and cliffs that drop 2,000 feet (610 meters) in each turn.

Up until 1994, there were about 300 traffic fatalities annually, which gave rise to its nickname and put it on the list of the world’s most dangerous tourist destinations.

The route extends far enough to connect the capital city’s steep surroundings with the Amazon rainforest. This suggests that traders crammed onto buses and vehicles frequently to trade their harvests and wood in the area.

However, the hairpin twists were too narrow for each wagon, which further caused numerous vehicles to crash, taking with them people and their pursuits.

2. Snake Island, Brazil

Snake Island, Brazil | Most Dangerous Places In The World

About 25 miles off the coast of Brazil is an island where locals would never venture to the promenade.

There are rumors that the last fisherman who ventured too close to his coasts was discovered days later drifting in his boat, dead in a pool of blood.

Ilha da Queimada Grande, the name of the strange island, is known. According to reports, visiting the place is so dangerous that no one is allowed to go there.

The golden lancehead snake, a kind of pit viper and one of the deadliest snakes on earth poses a threat to the island. Unquestionably, this is among the most hazardous locations on the planet.

3. Lake Natron, Tanzania

Lake Natron, Tanzania | Most Dangerous Places In The World

Let’s not fall for Lake Natron’s Edge’s ring of salt marshes’ deceit. It is common knowledge that this lake is among the most unfriendly places on Earth. Lake Natron in northern Tanzania has characteristics of a lake of fire and behaves similarly.

The lake’s waters, which can reach a pH level of over 12, are corrosive to human skin and eyes due to the high quantities of natron present in them.

The lake also contains red-colored microorganisms, which gives it its peculiar pink-red hues. Even though most species cannot survive in the 120°C lake water, cyanobacteria have settled in Natron and given the lake its recognizable red and orange hues.

Surprisingly, 2.5 million Lesser Flamingos call Lake Natron home, believing it to be one of their only nesting grounds, further emphasizing the importance of the lake’s preservation for the environment.

4. Oymyakon, Russia

Oymyakon, Russia | Most Dangerous Places In The World

A little Russian village named Oymyakon is located in the Oymyakon Sky region. Due to its harsh climate, this area is thought to be among the most deadly locations. It is challenging for life to persist in this region due to the severe temperature.

Since few people can survive temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius, visitors or travelers can’t pass through the region safely.

In addition to the heat, hardly one travels to this region because it is impossible to plant anything or access any veggies, making food scarcity another major issue. Only 500 or so people have been able to survive the extreme cold and live here.

5. Death Valley, California

Death Valley, California | Most Dangerous Places In The World

Death Region is a scorching desert valley that borders California and Nevada. It is regarded as one of the planet’s hottest places.

Only a few deserts in the Middle East and Africa have summertime high temperatures, making them competitors to Death Valley.

The hottest month on record for the planet’s hottest region was July 2018. The average temperature, which took into account overnight lows, was 108.1°F.

The highest listed temperature for four days in a row is 127F, which is the average high temperature.

Death Valley got its name as a result of a group of settlers that got lost there during the winters in the 1849–1850 time period.

As far as everyone knows, there was just one death here, yet everyone believed that this valley would serve as their final resting place.

One of the men turned to look back as they swept out of the valley and over the Panamint Mountains, exclaiming, “Goodbye, Death Valley,” cementing its place among the world’s most hazardous travel destinations.

6. Skeleton Coast, Namibia

 Skeleton Coast, Namibia | Most Dangerous Places In The World

The Skeleton Coast is dispersed from Namibia’s north to Angola’s south. From the Kunene River to the Swakop River, it extends.

The Skeleton Coast is among “the deadliest places on earth” due to its harsh climate, which offers virtually little chance of survival.

Tourists can’t visit this quiet region due to the temperature, high winds, and lack of food and drink.

In addition to the harsh climate, the area is overpopulated with animal bones, giving it a depressing appearance.

In addition to the local natural conditions, there are also human dangers that prevent visitors from exploring the area. It is without a doubt one of the most deadly places on Earth.

7. Danakil Desert, Ethiopia

Danakil Desert, Ethiopia | Most Dangerous Places In The World

The Danakil Desert in East Africa is one of the world’s least populated regions. The Danakil Desert is difficult for travelers to enter because of its frequently exceedingly hot temperatures and gas-emitting volcanoes and geysers.

Even a quick trip there can have a significant negative impact on your physical health. This is one of the strangest places on earth.

The area’s high concentration of polluting sulfur gas emissions has the most detrimental effects. Furthermore, the air temperature in the desert never drops below 50 degrees Celsius,

which heightens the hazard of this area’s volcanic activity. Consequently, the Danakil Desert is among the most hazardous places on Earth.

8. Gates Of Hell, Turkmenistan

Gates Of Hell, Turkmenistan | Most Dangerous Places In The World

The “Gates of Hell” are known as Turkmenistan’s Darvaza Gas Crater. It is a natural gas field inside a subterranean cave that geologists set on fire in 1971 to prevent methane gas from spreading.

It is located in the center of the Karakum Desert, about 260 kilometers north of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, close to the town of Derweze.

One of the naturally occurring gasses that is widely distributed throughout the world has been found in this area. Due to the eruption, simmering mud, and orange flames in the enormous hole, 70 meters (230 feet) in diameter, locals gave the area the nickname “Door to hell.”

The hot spots are dispersed over an area that is roughly 20 meters (66 feet) deep and 60 meters (200 feet) long.

9. North Sentinel Island, Andaman Islands

North Sentinel Island, Andaman Islands | Most Dangerous Places In The World

The Andaman Islands’ North Sentinel Island is one of the most hazardous locations in the world for tourists to visit.

The local native population has maintained their traditional practices and disregarded all practical avenues for interaction with the outside world.

Due to their lack of exposure to outsiders, the tribal inhabitants of this island view visitors as a threat and engage in violent customs when they land there.

This is one of the most unique islands on the planet, and travelers are enthralled by its tales. The security provided by the indigenous tribe is another reason why it is advised that people should not visit the location.

Because they are completely immune-deficient, travelers can spread some disease-causing pests and perhaps infect the entire population.

10. Madidi National Park, Bolivia

Madidi National Park, Bolivia | Most Dangerous Places In The World

Madidi National Park, which spans an area of around 19,000 square kilometers, is situated in Bolivia near the Amazon River. A variety of plants, some of which are poisonous and not edible, can be found in the national park, which is a dense rainforest.

Because there are predators back in the bush, visitors are advised against venturing into the park by themselves.

Due to the presence of extremely dangerous animals, birds, and plants, the jungle is one of the world’s largest protected areas and ranks among the most hazardous tourist destinations.

Our planet has many wild and dangerous places where it lives, frequently right next to well-known tourist attractions where we have often yearned to go on vacation.

We sincerely hope that this ranking of the world’s most hazardous travel destinations helps you better create your bucket list.

11. Sumatra Island, Indonesia

Sumatra Island, Indonesia | Most Dangerous Places In The World

Sumatra Island is a combination of Mother Nature’s extremes, endowed with stunning natural beauty as well as vulnerability to natural disasters.

This one of the planet’s richest ecosystems is frequently the subject of headline-grabbing volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides. It is one of the world’s riskiest locations to visit.

FAQs For Most Dangerous Places In The World

Some of the commonly asked questions related to dangerous places to travel in the world are answered below.

Q.1 What is an unsafe country to live in?

For a variety of factors, Sudan will rank among the most hazardous nations in the world in 2022. Years of war and violence have harmed the nation, and things are just getting worse. Since 1983, there has been civil conflict in the nation, which has resulted in the deaths of almost 2 million people.

Q.2 What country has no violence?

The world’s most tranquil nation as of 2022 is Iceland. Those who are familiar with the index shouldn’t be surprised because Iceland has topped it for 15 years running.

Q.3 Which country is No 1 in the world?

the United States. The world’s most powerful economic and military force is a North American country called the United States of America.

Q.4 Which country has the least crime?

The countries of Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Japan, and New Zealand have among the lowest rates of crime in the world. In addition to having some of the strictest gun prohibitions in the world, Denmark, Norway, and Japan all have excellent police enforcement systems.

Tell Us In The Comment As per You Which One is the Most Dangerous Place In The World.

Also, don’t forget to book your personalized holiday package with  Fiery Trippers . Let us make your vacation a romantic as well as a dreamy getaway.

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Rahul Siddharth

He is a dedicated travel writer with a wealth of 10 Years + experience that enriches his narratives. He holds a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from IHM Dehradun, which he couples with hands-on expertise in the field. Drawing from his diverse experiences, Rahul's writings offer readers a captivating glimpse into the world of travel. Embark on a journey of exploration and inspiration with Rahul as your guide. Read More

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Mar 10, 2024

8 most dangerous countries for travellers

Unsafe for travel.

Here, we will tell you about the world's eight most dangerous countries to travel, urging caution and preparedness for those venturing into these territories. Avoid, if possible.

Syria remains one of the most dangerous places to visit because of the presence of various armed groups and terrorist organisations.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan's security situation, marked by insurgency and terrorism, makes it a high-risk destination for travellers.

Political instability, violence, and a humanitarian crisis characterise Yemen's landscape. Pose significant threats to travellers.

Libya's political instability and lack of governance have resulted in a volatile security environment. Unsafe for travellers!

South Sudan

South Sudan grapples with ongoing political instability and ethnic violence. Civil unrest, intercommunal conflict, and sporadic fighting between armed groups pose significant risks to travellers.

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Somalia's status as a failed state and the presence of militant groups such as Al-Shabaab make it an extremely hazardous destination for travellers.

High levels of violent crime, including robbery, carjacking, and express kidnappings, make it one of the most dangerous countries in Latin America for travellers.

Iraq remains a high-risk destination for travellers due to ongoing sectarian violence and the presence of terrorist organisations. Kidnappings, bombings, and armed attacks are frequent.

Thanks For Reading!

Next: Exploring the world’s first UNESCO Heritage sites

Powerful blizzard dumps snow across Sierra Nevada with 145 mph wind gusts in biggest storm of the season

A powerful blizzard is underway in the Sierra Nevada and forecast to bring relentless snow over the next two days, with wind gusts already clocking 145 mph at the highest peaks in the Sierra and creating dangerous white-out conditions. 

This is the biggest snowstorm for the Sierra season, with blizzard warnings active for the Sierra Nevada and parts of eastern Nevada.

Heavy snow is falling, with areas forecast to pick up between five to 10 feet of snow, and localized areas up to 12 feet. 

Skiers in California

With snow falling two to four inches an hour, travel is life-threatening and impossible, and portions of the highly-traveled Interstate 80 will likely close for days. 

California Highway Patrol in Truckee , California, said Friday that “travel is highly discouraged,” noting that conditions over Donner Summit deteriorated Thursday night, causing “a traffic mess.” Trucks are now at maximum restrictions.

Adding to the wintry mix, winds are roaring. A 145 mph wind gust was reported on the high peaks west of Lake Tahoe. Strong winds gusting 50 to 100 mph will be possible this weekend for the Sierra chain and all elevated areas and mountains across California and into Utah. 

The snow and wind will taper off by Sunday. 

A worker clears snow

The UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab, based in Soda Springs, California, said Friday it received 19.1 inches of snow in the last day.

“Conditions have already deteriorated this morning with gusty winds and significantly reduced visibility. The next 24 hours will be the heaviest portion of the storm," the lab said.

Meanwhile, a backcountry avalanche watch is in effect through 5 p.m. local time Sunday for the central Sierra Nevada Mountains between Yuba Pass and Ebbetts Pass, including the Greater Lake Tahoe area with “high to extreme” avalanche danger and “large to very large avalanches expected.”

Yosemite National Park asked visitors to be out by Friday afternoon due to possibly dangerous conditions through at least noon Sunday. 

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has prepositioned fire personnel and equipment in multiple counties “to be able to respond if needed” due to the winter storm. 

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo said Friday: “This storm is expected to bring dangerous temperatures and conditions to our state, and it’s critical that Nevada families are prepared.”

He said that the state’s department of transportation, energy and emergency management are working “to maximize preventative measures and recovery efforts.” 

Several school districts, including Northern Nevada’s Washoe County School District and Storey County Schools, and California’s Tahoe Truckee Unified School District and Lake Tahoe Unified School District, were closed Friday due to the weather. 

Large snowstorms are common in March. Sierra snowfall usually reaches its peak snowpack on April 1 before the melt season begins. 

most dangerous tourist sites

Kathryn Prociv is a senior meteorologist and producer for NBC News. 

Breaking News Reporter

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    Here's a look at some of the most dangerous tourist destinations on the planet. Top 22 Most Dangerous Vacation Spots on Earth Death Valley, California. Main danger: car accidents. Death Valley is the hottest place on the planet; temperatures at Furnace Creek have reached 134 °F. The extreme temperatures have taken the lives of many people ...

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    2. Death Road, Bolivia. Bolivia's Yungas Road (one of the most dangerous in the world ), colloquially known as Death Road, offers a spine-tingling adventure through the picturesque Andes. Yet, beneath its scenic beauty lies an ominous peril. North Yungas Road, Bolivia.

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    Even though some of those people have never climbed a mountain before. Everest has become a tourist hotspot and as reported by NPR, hundreds of people climb the mountain every year — paying around $11,000 each for the privilege. While summiting this mountain is a dream for many, climbers die in the attempt every year.

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    Yosemite Half Dome, California, USA. The hike to the granite rock of Half Dome is the longest, most dangerous, and most exciting trail in Yosemite National Park. Its peak, 1,450 meters high, was considered inaccessible for a long time. Its first conqueror in 1875 was George G. Anderson.

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    Alps. You might think Mount Everest is the deadliest climb in the world, but that (dis)honor actually goes to Mont Blanc — the tallest mountain in the Alps and the rest of Western Europe. While only about 200 people total have died climbing Everest, Mont Blanc sees about 100 fatalities a year.

  13. These Are The Most Dangerous Travel Sites In The World

    The world's most popular travel sites have a dark and dangerous side, according to a new study. The timing of this warning, coming just before one of the biggest travel weekends of the year ...

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    lha da Queimada Grande (Snake Island), Brazil. Snake Island, Brazil is home to the largest concentrated number of snakes in the world The Bothrop Snake is the most venomous snake in the world. Found off the coast of Brazil, this island is known as being one of the most dangerous places on Earth because it contains the largest concentrated ...

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    Generally, the world is a safe place to explore. There are countless fascinating countries to visit, exciting attractions to see, unique cultures to experience, and impressive histories to learn ...

  16. 24 of the Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions on Earth

    In order to find the most dangerous tourist attractions on Earth, 24/7 Tempo consulted travel sites and other media sources. We focused on places that tourists could reasonably get to - not ...

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    5 The Colorado River System. White-water rafting can be fun for the whole family, but the Colorado River system has been plagued with accidents, injuries, and fatalities. In 2014, part of the problem has been due in large part to an increase in the melting snowpack from higher up in Colorado's mountain ranges.

  19. The 30 Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions In The World

    The 30 Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions In The World. THE 30 MOST DANGEROUS TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN THE WORLD Running of The Bulls, Pamplona El Caminito Del Ray, Málaga Skellig Michael, Kerry This incredibly dangerous tradition Also known as 'The King's Little Pathway', this I00 metre high and I metre wide pathway was built back in This picturesque island is just off the sees bulls released ...

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  26. Powerful blizzard dumps snow across Sierra Nevada with 145 mph wind

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