11 Dangerous Tourist Attractions That Aren’t Worth the Risk

You travel for the adventure, for the unforgettable places, and to create lasting memories, but sometimes the risks can outweigh the rewards. While some dangerous tourist spots promise adrenaline-packed experiences, a fair warning: not all of them are as much fun as you’d hope. No one wants their vacation photos to have a side of danger just to prove they’ve been somewhere risky.

Here are some tourist attractions that you might think look interesting but when you consider the risks, you’ll probably end up with more stress than satisfaction.

Death Valley, USA

The ominous-sounding Death Valley in California is a popular travel stop. However, with summer temperatures reaching beyond 120°F (49°C), it’s no surprise that it’s called “Death” Valley. It can be brutally hot, and even seasoned hikers and adventurers have been caught off guard. Going too far without enough water or preparation can turn an attempt at getting an Instagram-worthy desert photo op into a dangerous situation. The views are unique, but sometimes it’s better to take them in from a safe distance—or in the cooler months.

Mount Everest, Nepal

Climbing Mount Everest is, unsurprisingly, not for the faint-hearted, but… the ultimate symbol of adventure. Tourists pay big bucks each year to get to the top, but the risks are huge: extreme weather, no oxygen, treacherous terrain, and lives are claimed regularly. Conditions have only gotten more dangerous, and with overcrowding on the mountain becoming a prevalent issue, it’s become an increasingly dangerous place. If you’re not a highly experienced climber, it’s probably best to admire Everest from a cozy base camp.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk, USA

The Skywalk, a glass bridge that hangs over the Grand Canyon’s edge, is a wonder in itself, but the Grand Canyon itself is a natural wonder. Standing on this glass floor more than 4,000 feet above the Colorado River might be a thrill, but the structure has raised safety concerns over the years. It’s sturdy but nerve-wracking. If heights make your stomach queasy, you’re better off enjoying the view from below.

Caminito del Rey, Spain

Spain’s Caminito del Rey is a narrow path, pinned to the cliffs above a deep gorge, once known as the world’s most dangerous walkway. Renovations have made it safer in recent years, but it’s still a heart-stopping journey for anyone with a fear of heights. The walkway is now reinforced, but the experience is dizzyingly high and nerve wracking. The original walkway was a decaying wood walkway with gaping holes.

The Devil’s Pool, Zambia

Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world and the Devil’s Pool is a natural rock pool right on the edge of it. Brave tourists can swim to the edge, inches from a 355-foot drop, during certain times of the year, but a daring selfie could be the last. A slip or an unexpected surge of water can turn your adventure on its head… and you with it. The pool’s risks can’t be ignored and while the guides do their best to keep visitors safe, there are risks.

Snake Island, Brazil

Ilha da Queimada Grande, or Snake Island, is off limits to tourists, and for good reason. One of the world’s deadliest snakes, the golden lancehead pit viper, calls this Brazilian island home, where it lives with thousands of its kind. The local authorities even put restrictions on access, so unless you have a weird obsession with venomous snakes, this place shouldn’t be on your itinerary at all.

Yosemite National Park, USA, Half Dome

Half Dome is a popular hike, but it’s also one of the most dangerous in Yosemite. The last ascent requires hikers to cling to cables bolted into the granite face, while balancing on steep rock and praying for good weather. The rock can be slippery when it rains and a misstep could lead to a serious fall. For anyone considering the trek, remember: Safety doesn’t have to mean sacrificing breathtaking views.

Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

It’s the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest, and most inhospitable places on Earth, with temperatures often topping 118 degrees (48 degrees C). It’s in northern Ethiopia, and famous for its alien landscape of colorful sulfur pools and bubbling lava lakes. It’s a geologist’s dream, but it’s also dangerous: toxic gases, scalding temperatures, and little in the way of nearby resources. If you can’t resist the lure of a ‘Martian’ landscape, be careful.

Mount Hua Shan, China

Some of the world’s most terrifying hiking paths are on China’s Mount Hua Shan. Only a harness and a grip keep hikers from plunging down when they balance on narrow wooden planks bolted into the side of a cliff. Safety is a back seat, and with huge crowds flocking here daily, it’s no surprise. Unless you’re an adrenaline junkie with nerves of steel, there are safer mountains with stunning views that won’t kill you.

Acapulco Cliff Diving, Mexico

Cliff diving in Acapulco is mesmerizing to watch, but it’s a whole other level of risk when you try it yourself. Divers here plunge from cliffs up to 135 feet high into choppy water while timing their jumps to coincide with incoming waves. It’s no easy feat to do safely unless you’re a seasoned pro. This thrill is best enjoyed from a distance.

North Yungas Road, Bolivia

Over the years this stretch of narrow, winding dirt road was known as “Death Road,” and has taken countless lives. The road is carved by a mountain, with sheer drops and few guard rails, it can also be hair-raising — especially when fog or rain cuts down visibility. It’s a gamble on wheels and popular with thrill-seeking cyclists, but for most, the adrenaline rush isn’t worth the potential consequences.

Sagada, Philippines: Hanging Coffins

Hanging coffins suspended on cliffs are part of an ancient burial tradition in Sagada. They’re fascinating to see, but they’re also often reached through precarious climbs on steep, rocky paths. In some seasons the area is slippery and the climb can be difficult for inexperienced hikers. Instead, appreciate the noticeable cultural practice from a safer ground.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights

Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights

How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro

How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro

10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience

Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.

But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.

10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience