10 of the world's most dangerous places to take a selfie
Did you know that the average person is four times more likely to die from taking a selfie than they are to be killed in a shark attack?
Between 2008 and 2021, there were 379 selfie-related deaths worldwide, according to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Travel Medicine. During that same time period, there were 90 deaths associated with unprovoked shark attacks.
How did selfie-taking get to be so extreme? The National Institute of Health says that while taking a photo of oneself isn't necessarily a dangerous activity on its own, the competition for social media views adds pressure to pursue potentially perilous backdrops.
'Selfie takers may seek out potentially dangerous locations, involving risky activities or behaviors, in order to capture a more visually enticing selfie,' the NIH said.
Most of the selfie-related injuries and deaths that have been reported in the media have happened in India, the U.S. and Russia, according to the NIH. About 44% of those incidents are falls, 21% are drownings, and 16% are train-related, according to a database from the Swiftest, a publication that focuses their 'data analytics expertise on important societal and environmental issues.'
Here are 10 of the most dangerous spots around the world to take a selfie (in alphabetical order):
1. Grand Canyon National Park, Ariz.
2. Horseshoe Bend, Ariz.
3. India railways
4. Machu Picchu, Peru
5. Mount Hua, China
6. Mount Vesuvius, Italy
7. Pamplona, Spain
8. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
9. Trolltunga Rock, Norway
10. Yosemite National Park, Calif.
The park averages about 17 deaths per year, with cardiac arrest being the most common cause.
According to the National Park Service's incident reports dating back to 1989, there have been eight falling fatalities at the Grand Canyon related to people taking photos or posing for photos over the last 36 years.
In late March 2019, a 50-year-old tourist from Hong Kong fell to his death while trying to take photos at Eagle Point, an area close to the Grand Canyon's Skywalk attraction. Then, in July 2020, an Arizona woman fell to her death at Mather Point. She accidentally stepped off the edge of the canyon rim as she was taking photos with her family.
It's one of northern Arizona's most photographed sites, attracting 2 million visitors a year. Within the last six years, there have been three fatal falls at Horseshoe Bend. In February 2022, a 29-year-old man fell to his death at the overlook. Witnesses told police he was seen behind the safety railing. Two other accidental falls were in May and December 2018.
There have been at least 24 selfie-related train deaths across India from 2014 through 2024, according to a database from the Swiftest. Those incidents reportedly involved people either getting hit by a train, electrocuted while on top of a train or falling off a train while trying to take a photo.
The 15th century Incan citadel in southern Peru is located on a mountain ridge and is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. In the morning, the site can be shrouded in fog and clouds. The steps and rocks can be dangerous as they are often wet. In 2016, a 51-year-old German tourist was killed after he entered a restricted area trying to take a selfie and fell to his death.
Also known as Huashan Mountain, Mount Hua is known for its steep and narrow paths and is considered 'the world's most dangerous hike.' Planks are bolted into the mountain at 7,000 feet high, and tourists are required to wear a harness as they traverse along the mountain. While the exact number isn't known, there are reportedly as many as 100 fatal falls from Huashan every year. In 2019, a Chinese student fell to her death while taking a selfie.
The volcano is known for destroying the historic city of Pompeii in 79 A.D. While Mount Vesuvius is still an active volcano, the most recent eruption was in 1944, during World War II. In July 2022, a 23-year-old American tourist fell into Mount Vesuvius after he wandered onto an unauthorized path and attempted to take a selfie. He survived with a only few cuts and bruises.
The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is a tradition in Spain that dates back to the 13th century, originally as a way for cattle herders to easily transport their animals. Now it has become a thrill-seeking competition as people rush alongside the bulls, trying not to get trampled. However, in 2015 a Spanish man was gored to death by a bull while trying to film himself. Then in 2019, an American man was nearly killed when he was gored by a bull in his neck while trying to take a video of himself at the event.
Croatia's oldest and largest national park boasts beautiful waterfalls, lakes and natural scenery. In 2015, a 54-year-old Slovak tourist fell to her death while trying to take a photo of the scenery.
A year later in 2016, a Canadian tourist fell about 230 feet while trying to take a selfie and miraculously survived. After the incident, the Croatian Mountain Service said in a 2016 Twitter post, 'Dear tourists, we respect you. It's time for you to start respecting yourself. So, stop making stupid and dangerous selfies. Thank you.'
This picturesque cliff is visited by thousands of tourists every year, but has no safety rail. In September 2015, a 24-year-old Australian student fell to her death while she was posing for a photo, according to some media reports. But her family disputed that claim and said she was trying to step around people who were taking photos at the cliff when she lost her balance.
Yosemite was designated a World Heritage Site in 1984 and features granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoia trees and clear streams. In 2018, a total of three people fell to their death while trying to take selfies at Yosemite, including a couple from San Francisco and an Israeli teen.
The National Park Service reminds visitors to keep a safe distance from wildlife and to never put your life at risk for a picture.
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Politico
02-06-2025
- Politico
Student visa rules threaten U.S. medical research
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Forbes
28-04-2025
- Forbes
Explore Peru's Inca Heritage At This Cuzco Hotel
Palacio del Inka is a stunning, history-filled hotel. Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel This is the second in a four-part journey exploring Peru's dramatic landscapes — from captivating cities to pristine coastlines to towering Andean peaks. (See part one, on the Ballestas Islands' wildlife haven, here.) If you want to learn about Peru's rich past, there's arguably no better place to do it than history-filled Cuzco, the former capital of the Inca empire. The cobblestone streets lead to ruins (like the imposing Sacsayhuamán fortress), museums (including the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art and Inca Museum) and attractions (like the ornate Cuzco cathedral and Plaza Mayor). The site that should top your Cuzco itinerary is Qorikancha ('Temple of the Sun'), the most famous and lavish temple in the Inca period. A good way to see the temple is by staying at Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Not only is the hotel just across the street, the 500-year-old colonial mansion was once a part of Qorikancha, and you can still see vestiges of its former life inside. According to local legend, the structure was initially a palace for Incan emperor Pachacuti — the ruler credited with creating Machu Picchu. It was later home to the Marquis Juan Salas y Valdez, a Spanish conqueror and Cuzco's mayor in the early 1570s. Then called La Casona de los Cuatro Bustos, the residence blended Incan architecture with Spanish details like arches and patios. In 1950, it served as the Viceroyal Museum of Cuzco, and today, it's part of a UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity site. Here's how you can experience Cuzco's storied past during your stay: As you sip your cocktail, take in the remarkable surroundings. Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel Get a taste of local culture with a pisco masterclass at Palacio del Inka's Rumi Bar. Sit at the U-shaped bar where the charismatic bartender Darwin entertains you with jokes as he demonstrates how to make a pisco sour, the best-known cocktail made from white brandy. As Darwin provides tips on crafting the sweet-tart libation (like the foamy top should be one finger width), you'll also learn that pisco, designated a Cultural Heritage of Peru, is an appellation of origin. There are three different types of pisco: puro, a single grape varietal; acholado, a blend; and mosto verde, the high-end version that's good for drinking straight. Like champagne or tequila, the spirit must come from a specific region in the country and follow certain production rules. As you sip your cocktail, take in your historic surroundings. Rumi means 'stone' in the indigenous Quechua language and refers to the 200 feet of the original 13th-century Incan stone wall from the ancient Qorikancha temple that envelopes the bar. Even the hallways are filled with standout pieces. Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel The concierge-led art tour takes you through Palacio del Inka's nearly 200-piece collection, spanning the pre-Inca, Inca, colonial and republican periods. It also contains 60 original paintings from the Cusqueña School, a movement that began in Cuzco in the 16th century with the arrival of Spanish artists who taught their techniques to indigenous artists. Your guide will highlight standout works like the gold-framed painting of the Virgin Mary's coronation behind the front desk. Mary is in the center, hands pressed together in prayer, and her dress with a mountain silhouette depicts her as Mother Earth (one of the Incan gods). Much of the art is on display in and around the bright, glass-ceilinged, periwinkle-hued lobby. The color is a nod to the nearby Andahuaylillas church San Pedro Apóstol, known as the 'Sistine Chapel of Americas' for its intricately painted ceiling. The tour also offers a glimpse into the Cuzco hotel's past. You'll step outside to view the original entrance with its ornate stone busts and crest, which now leads to Mantay Modern Art Gallery, a contemporary counterpoint to the historic collection. Mantay showcases Peruvian artists like sculptor Luis Mamanka Sifuentess (his exhibit 'Mythology' explores the relevance of myth in modern society). Other architectural details reveal the building's history, from the cross above Rumi Bar's entrance from its time as a church to the remarkable archaeological discoveries made on-site, including ancient mummies. The tour ends with an Incan ceremony in front of the eight-angle-stone wall, part of an imperial Incan wall used in important rituals. A performer in traditional garb and a gold feathered headdress played about a dozen ancestral instruments, ranging from a thumping drum to a chinchilla-shaped whistling vessel, while chanting in Quechua about the cosmic energies connecting the natural and spiritual realms. Inti, a baby alpaca, is the courtyard's main attraction. Jennifer Kester At the heart of this historic hotel lies a tranquil stone courtyard perhaps best experienced during lunch at Palacio del Inka's Inti Raymi restaurant. Dining alfresco under umbrellas, you'll savor Andean dishes like lomo saltado, tender chunks of stir-fried beef with tomatoes, onions, yellow chili, soy sauce, local potatoes and a side of rice studded with choclo (a local large-kernel corn). In the center of the spacious courtyard, a trickling fountain provides a soothing soundtrack amid pots of fuchsia and purple petunias and pale blue hydrangeas. A local artisan sells her vibrant woven blankets and other handicrafts. But the big attraction is Inti, a docile baby alpaca who sits next to the artisan, contentedly munching on leaves. The white fluffy animal charms most guests, who coo and snap photos. Try modern Andean dishes and authentic Peruvian delicacies. Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel In the morning, Inti Raymi hums with travelers in hiking gear and sneakers fueling up for a day exploring Cuzco or beyond. They congregate around the breakfast buffet, a spread that includes fresh juices, cheeses, eggs, meats, vegetables, panqueques (Peruvian pancakes), croissants and sweets like passion fruit cheesecake. At night, the restaurant offers a more formal atmosphere with white-linen-topped tables, an expert sommelier guiding diners through an excellent wine collection and an à la carte menu of modern Andean dishes. More adventurous diners can try Peruvian delicacies like guinea pig confit with Parmesan, corn, nutmeg, butter and cream, or the alpaca steak with Parmesan and baby carrots. But there's also a tasty sea bass in prawn sauce with paria (an Andean cheese), and a yellow chicken stew. Whichever you choose, you can expect meticulously sourced ingredients, artistic presentation and authentic regional flavors. Each room has thoughtful local touches in it. Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel Each of the hotel's 203 rooms has its own design. However, they share common elements like gilded antiques, hand-painted ceilings or wall details, elaborate beds with crisp Frette linens, rich jewel tones and marble bathrooms with Byredo toiletries. We appreciated our suite's thoughtful local touches, such as the textiles framed on the walls or the Peruvian pompoms lining the thick red curtains. The thick gold border around the navy headboard recalled the gold-framed artwork elsewhere in the hotel. While some suites overlook the courtyard, our balcony opened to the hulking stone Santo Domingo church and convent, which sits in Qorikancha, an ever-present reminder of both Incan ingenuity and the Spanish colonial influence.
Los Angeles Times
27-03-2025
- Los Angeles Times
A Luxurious Trip to the Clouds
In 1911, former U.S. senator and explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered what would become one the 'Seven Wonders of the Modern World,' a legendary ancient Incan citadel: Machu Picchu. Perched high on a lookout-like terrace 50 miles outside of Cusco, Peru, the 15th-century ruins are believed to be an ancient Incan religious site. And, while there are multiple ways to arrive at this unreal destination, those looking for a luxe and unique experience can take advantage of travel brand Belmond's experiences, which include luxurious hotel stays coupled with exclusive and unique train trips. A true 'hotel-to-rail' style of travel, Belmond's train through the Andes to Machu Picchu creates a truly spectacular experience. This odyssey begins in Lima, the beating heart and capital of Peru, where the modernity meshes seamlessly with the region's history. Landing in this sprawling metropolis (LATAM Airlines offers a daily nonstop from LAX), find sanctuary in Belmond's Miraflores Park Hotel, nestled in one of Lima's most upscale neighborhoods. Its oceanside locale is a perfect jumping-off point to explore the city's rich tapestry. From the historic El Parque Reserve to the grandeur of Plaza Mayor and its Presidential Palace to the eerie allure of the San Francisco Basilica's catacombs, Lima offers a grand variety of diversion for the first leg of this journey. A brief flight gets you to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incan Empire. Here, amid the peaks of the Andes and sitting at an astounding 11,000 feet of elevation, the Monasterio and the Palacio Nazarenas Belmond hotels await. The former, a 16th-century monastery transformed into a 5-star hotel, offers Baroque splendor and serene courtyards, while the latter, created as a nunnery, offers oxygen-enhanced suites to ease your acclimation to the high altitude. Cusco itself is a gateway to the past, and as you amble down cobblestone lanes taking in the mix of ancient and Classical styles, the city prepares you for the wonders that lie ahead. The journey to Machu Picchu is a spectacle in itself, aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham train, named in honor of the aforementioned explorer. This 1920's Pullman-style consist, featuring elegant vintage dining cars, bar car and outdoor observation deck as it transforms the journey into an event. The restored carriages allow travelers to 'time travel,' as riding these rails harkens to the most majestic era of train travel. The scenery helps as well – as you pass through the Peruvian countryside sipping on a Pisco Sour, unparalleled views create a full sensory feast. Having already been acclimated to the luxe experience, you'll find familiar Belmond luxury onboard, while the landscape's raw beauty serves as a prelude to the marvel that is Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to the Machu Picchu site, is mere moments away from the sanctuary you've journeyed so far to witness. To rest and prepare, stay at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel adjacent to the ruins. The hotel, featuring only 31 rooms, gives visitors exclusive pre- and after-hours access to the site, since other travelers must take a bus to the ruins. Imagine breakfast on your terrace with Machu Picchu as your backdrop, or a twilight champagne toast from the hot tub, as fellow travelers from across the globe share tales of adventure under the stars. The Sanctuary Lodge offers not just a place to rest, but an exclusive proximity to one of the world's most exceptional sites. Your journey doesn't have to end with Machu Picchu. You can extend your adventure to the Sacred Valley or explore other enchanting highlights within Peru. All the destinations (many of which can be organized as part of the trip) offer their own unique blend of luxury, history and breathtaking landscapes, ensuring that your Peruvian adventure matches your spirit of discovery.
