The Traveller's Magazine
Suffer from vertigo? Don’t look any further because what’s about to come are the world’s most dangerous staircases, impressive constructions really but far from passing the health and safety exam. Stairways to heaven? That’s not far off…
Pailon del Diablo – Ecuador
Warning: this stone staircase is extremely slippery! These stairs wind down into the canyon formed by one of the most spectacular waterfalls in South America. The mist here is intense! Don’t forget to pack your raincoat and a good pair of Wellies for the trip.
Chand Baori – India
To reach the bottom on this shaft you will need to go down 3,500 stairs on and endless staircase over 13 levels. It looks like something out of an Escher drawing! You’ll find this beauty in the state of Rajhastan, not far from Jaipur.
El Peñon de Guatapé – Colombia
Climbing to the top of this monolithic dome is not for the fair of heart. It rises 200m out of the ground with 635 stairs to the top. Prepare to give your legs a work out… not to mention the insufferable hot and humid climate. The view from the top however is worth the climb.
Taihang Mountain – China
Vertigo is guaranteed when you climb this spiral staircase between the Chinese provinces of Henan and Shanxi. Before you get too excited, anyone who climbs the stairs must sign a waiver stating you are less than 60 years old and that you have no heart or lung problems.
Machu Picchu – Peru
The mythical sanctuary of Machu Picchu deserves to be on this list, as does its cousin Wayna Picchu. There are hundreds after hundreds of steps to reach this UNESCO World Heritage Sight and the summit of the mountain. Some are eroded, making it difficult to find your footing at times and many other steps are destroyed from being used by hundreds everyday. Proceed at your own risk.
Have you already climbed one of these devilish staircases? Which one?
When I went on a Machu Picchu tour, the stairs were fine. I think they do restoration on them once a year.