Paso Florentino: Driving the steepest and most dangerous street in Mexico City
Paso Florentino is widely considered the most dangerous downhill stretch in Mexico City (CDMX) and perhaps one of the most treacherous urban roads in the world. Located in the La Mexicana neighborhood within the Álvaro Obregón borough, this residential street has gained international notoriety due to its extreme incline and the sequence of spectacular accidents that occur every time it rains.
The street is situated in a rugged ravine area, a sharp topographical contrast to the nearby modern skyscrapers of the Santa Fe business district. The origin of Paso Florentino lies in the rapid and often informal urban expansion of the city during the late 20th century. Houses were built on the steep slopes of the canyons without traditional urban planning, resulting in a street layout that defies modern engineering standards. The area is so feared by locals and delivery drivers that the most critical section has been dubbed "The Devil’s Corner" (El Rincón del Diablo) or simply "The Roller Coaster."
| Road facts: Paso Florentino | |
|---|---|
| Location | Álvaro Obregón, CDMX (Mexico) |
| Max Gradient | Approx. 45 degrees / 100% slope |
| Surface | Polished and Grooved Concrete |
| Hazard Level | Extreme (High accident rate) |
| Intersection | Corner with Paso Viejo |
Why is Paso Florentino a death trap for vehicles?
The primary danger of Paso Florentino is its staggering 45-degree incline. To put this in perspective, most "steep" mountain passes rarely exceed 15 or 20 degrees. When you add a polished concrete surface to this gradient, the laws of physics take over. During the rainy season in Mexico City, the street becomes a literal slide. The water creates a thin film over the concrete, reducing friction to near zero. Motorcycles, taxis, and even heavy emergency vehicles like police SUVs lose all braking capability, sliding uncontrollably down the hill regardless of the driver's skill.
The physics of the street are so brutal that tires often fail to grip even when the vehicle is stationary with the handbrake engaged. Once a skid starts at the top of the hill, there is no stopping until the vehicle hits an obstacle at the bottom. This has led to a constant stream of viral videos showing cars spinning like toys before crashing into the houses located at the corner of Paso Viejo.
Living on "The Devil's Corner": A neighborhood under siege
The residents of La Mexicana have had to adapt to living in a high-impact zone. The homes located at the base of the steepest section have suffered dozens of direct hits over the years. To protect their lives and property, homeowners have been forced to invest in heavy-duty steel barriers, reinforced concrete bollards, and even massive metal gates designed to withstand vehicle impacts. It is a common sight to see neighbors rushing out to help dazed drivers who have just plummeted down the street.
Despite numerous requests for government intervention, the solution is complex. Authorities have attempted to add transverse grooves to the concrete to increase grip, but these wear down quickly under heavy use. Some experts have suggested closing the street to vehicular traffic entirely, but as it serves as a vital (though terrifying) artery for the local community, it remains open, claiming new "victims" with every heavy downpour.
Crucial advice for driving in Álvaro Obregón
If your GPS routes you through Paso Florentino, especially during the afternoon rains common in CDMX, the best advice is to find an alternative route. Public transport drivers and local "taxistas" often refuse to enter the street when it’s wet, knowing that no amount of braking will stop a slide. If you are already on the slope and it starts to rain, try to park the vehicle safely on a flatter section before the main descent begins. Remember, on a 45-degree wet concrete slope, your car is no longer a vehicle; it is a projectile. Professional 4WD systems and high-end tires are often useless against the combination of gravity and wet concrete found here.
Road suggested by: jorge manuel gómez sánchez