La Ventosa (Mexico 185) is One of the Most Dangerous Roads in Mexico
La Ventosa (English: The Windy) is a small town in the Oaxaca state of Mexico. It lends its name to Mexico Highway 185 due to the high-speed winds that blow across the area almost year-round.
Is La Ventosa (Mexico 185) Heavily Used?
This highway is the only "fast" route connecting the Pacific Ocean with the Gulf of Mexico, particularly for cargo transport between the port of Salina Cruz on the Pacific coast and the port of Coatzacoalcos on the Gulf. It serves as a key alternative to the Panama Canal, with a maximum elevation of just 230 meters (755 feet) above sea level.
Why is La Ventosa (Mexico 185) So Dangerous?
The road is notorious for its high-speed winds, heavy cargo traffic, poor road conditions, small towns with numerous speed bumps, and reckless driving. One of the most common causes of accidents on this road is the wind itself, which can push vehicles—especially trucks and cars—into oncoming traffic or off the road entirely. In some cases, the wind is powerful enough to overturn trucks.
Is La Ventosa (Mexico 185) Worth the Drive?
The road does not offer stunning views or scenic landscapes, aside from the hundreds of windmills dotting the valley and occasional glimpses of the tropical jungle biome.
Road suggested by: Eblem Torres