Where is Death Road?
In Bolivia, about an hour and a half drive from La Paz lies a terrifying road that connects the Andes Mountains to the Amazon rainforest. This is called Death Road, or Yungas Road. And it is known as “the most dangerous road in the world.”
Some Death Road Facts and Things to Know Before You Go
For decades, this intense gravel road built into the side of a cliff saw thousands of fatal accidents. Years ago, this was the only route into this region of the Bolivian Amazon. In 2006, a newly paved road opened for vehicle traffic and has since become a mountain biking bucket-list item for thrill-seeking international travelers visiting Bolivia.
Death Road is 40 miles (64 km), takes about four to five hours to complete from start to finish, and is 4,650 meters above sea level with vertical drops of more than 1,500 feet (457m). With limited visibility due to clouds and fog, loose gravel, waterfalls, and rivers, there are many challenges in avoiding disasters. Barely more than a car’s width across, with tons of sharp turns, and no guardrails, this road takes you through virtually every climate zone of South America offering the most breathtaking views one could imagine.
What Should I Bring?
Keep it simple. If you have a rain jacket, bring it. Sunscreen and bug spray are absolute must-haves for this trip. Sunglasses will help save your eyes from the sun, as well as keep dust and dirt from blinding you during your ride. Chapstick was a necessity for me, as well as my large filtered water bottle I bring with me pretty much everywhere.
What Should I Wear?
In short, layers. The morning starts early in the cold Altiplano terrain. Even with all of the gear your company will provide, it is still very chilly, and you will be more than happy to have dressed prepared with multiple overlapped garments. As you make your way downhill into the rainforest, the weather quickly becomes very hot and humid. Having the ability to remove your cold-weather clothing is something you will be grateful for.
When Should I Go?
Although tours run year-round, the ideal time to go is in the dry season (May to August). During the rainy season, it is wetter, muddier, and cloudier, so the ride can be a bit more difficult.
Why to Bike Down Death Road
Why not? No, seriously, if you are an adrenaline junkie like us, this road is made for you. It’s a unique experience, and open to all levels of bikers. The guides are helpful and patient, and they don’t push you to go any faster than you’re comfortable with. Ride On provides a tour guide in the front of the group, and then a safety bus in the back to ensure all group members are comfortable and okay.
Booking Our Death Road Tour
There are dozens of biking tours that operate on Death Road, and most can be booked at any of the tourist offices in La Paz. Research your tour company thoroughly as health and safety regulations in Bolivia are very lax. We personally booked our tour through Loki Hostel where we were staying, and opted to go with Ride On Bolivia Biking, and are so glad we did.
Biking Death Road with Ride On Bolivia
We were more than pleased with our choice of Ride On Bolivia Biking. Their service was very personal, and they have over a decade of experience. We were picked up from Loki Hostel, enjoyed breakfast, snacks, and a late lunch was provided with all necessary well-maintained equipment such as front suspension mountain bikes with tight brakes, helmets, shin pads, elbow pads, gloves, jacket, pants, etc. Tour guide Willy, and our driver, Santos, were amazing and treated us like family. Our group was small (4 of us total), and we ended the day with “Death Road Survivor” t-shirts and tons of pictures and videos.
Surviving Death Road
Standing on the edge of a cliff with a drop of well over 1,000 meters, it finally hits me… “What in the world am I doing here?” As an adventure traveler, I have this weird pleasure in experiencing dangerous, adrenaline-triggering activities. I quite literally “jump” at the opportunity to jump out of planes, off bridges, off cliffs, etc. These things are all exciting, unconventional, and a major part of my traveling. THIS is why we left our comfortable jobs, quit our mundane 9-5 routine, and choose a different path. Some do it for the sheer adrenaline rush, others just to say they did it, and even still, others for the perfect social media shot. Whatever the motivation is, one thing is for certain, thousands of travelers arrive in La Paz yearly with one main goal, to bike Death Road.
After surviving the Death Road Bolivia Tour, I have put together this guide including everything you need to know about biking Death Road Bolivia before you go!
Early Morning Start
The morning starts early. Our group of 4 met in the Loki Hostel lobby around 7 AM. We hopped in a large-sized van and we were on our way to the freezing high plains of La Cumbre reaching about 15,000 feet in no time. During the ride, we engaged in some brief introductions of ourselves, and our guide explained what to expect throughout the day. We made a few stops for some food and necessary equipment, and before we knew it, we had arrived at our starting point.
Starting Point and Beginning the Cycle
Once we arrived at Cotapata National Park, we had a light breakfast of Coca Tea, cream cheese danish bread, a sweet chocolate bread option, and fresh bananas. We then received our bikes which we adjusted to our size, our biking pants, jacket, helmets, and other safety gear. Before beginning our biking journey, we took part in a Bolivian ritual, had a nice swig of pure alcohol, and said a prayer to Pachamama (Mother Earth) for a safe ride.
The Paved Road
The initial section of the ride is on the new 20km long perfectly paved, smooth road through the incredible scenery of the Andes mountain ranges and the Cordillera Real. Although you share the space with cars and trucks, it is an easy start. The guides regularly start and stop the group to explain each section of the road during this initial phase. After about an hour of downhill riding on this smooth asphalt, you stop for a short rest and have the option to purchase snacks and other refreshments before jumping in the van for a ten-minute drive uphill to the official starting point of Death Road.
Death Road at Last
We are greeted with a steep, narrow, rocky, single-lane gravel road. There are no guardrails within sight, and we’re reminded of the serious dangers of this road with the frequent gravestones lining the route. Although driving in Bolivia is just like the United States, and on the right side, Death Road has a unique rule that mandates drivers uses the left side of the road. Surprised to learn we would be cycling on the edge of the cliffside of the road, off we went. Hugging the brakes through many tight corners, blind curves, and slick roads, we make it to an iconic fern-covered cliff that offers a perfect photo op for us.
After snapping some amazing photos of the group dangling off the edge of this picturesque cliff, we continue onward and pedaled across rivers, through local Bolivian villages, and even underneath waterfalls. The further we descended, the warmer it became. We were able to stop multiple times along the trail to shed layers, gather as a group, and take pictures.
Arriving in the Village of Yolosa
Thankfully, our entire group survives unscathed. By the time we pedal into the village of Yolosa, in the rainforest at about 3,500 feet — the lowest point we’ve experienced during our time in Bolivia — my body aches in places I didn’t know it could, but there is the biggest smile across my face.
We celebrate the successful ride with a relaxing lounge at the pool, a late buffet-style lunch, and an ice-cold Bolivian Cerveza. Ultimately, our Death Road experience was coming to an end, and before long, it was time to rinse off and begin the long, 3-hour van ride back to La Paz. But prior to hopping in the van to make our way back to town, we all put on our obligatory “I survived Death Road” T-shirt for some final pictures.
Ride On Bolivia Biking Death Road Guides
One aspect we really liked about Ride On Bolivia Biking was our guides. For such an intense experience, there should be a mixture of both safety and fun. We felt that Ride On Bolivia Biking’s guides on Death Road created the perfect balance between the two. Willy, our main tour guide spoke perfect English and professionally communicated every safety measure we should be aware of.
They kept a good eye on us, were properly trained in rescue, and seemed ready to jump into action if need be. Willy kept the vibe lighthearted throughout the day and educated us with multiple fascinating stories as we journeyed down this insane road!
Ride On Bolivia Biking Death Road Price and Costs
Currently, the cost for the entire Death Road trip through Ride on Bolivia Biking is 499 Bolivianos, or about $70 USD which is inclusive of bikes, gear, guide, transportation, Death Road access fee, breakfast, snack, buffet meal at the end of the trip, photos throughout the day, and an “I Survived Death Road” t-shirt. Optional extra expenses you may encounter throughout the day are additional snacks or drinks, tips for the driver and/or guide, beers at the end of the day, and a zip-line in the town of Coroico towards the end of Death Road.
Final Thoughts
Feeling both terrified, yet totally amazing, we strongly urge you to make this a part of your itinerary on your travels to Bolivia. If you’re into adrenaline-rushing activities, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and something you will never forget. We hope this Death Road Bolivia review of Ride On Bolivia Biking, the video, and helpful tips will be useful in planning your own crazy adventure while in La Paz.
Have you survived Death Road Bolivia? If so, how was your experience? Is biking Death Road on your bucket list? We’d love to know, so drop us a comment below or let us know if you have any questions about this crazy experience. Also, check out our video including the highlights of our adventure! :)
Thank you Ride on Bolivia Biking for making our Death Road Experience a great one!
Ride On Bolivia Biking
499 BOB or ~ 72 USD
Highlights
- Well Maintained Mountain Bicycles
- Optimal Equipment
- Ease of Pick-Up and Drop-Off from Hostel
- Great Sandwich Snack Mid-Day
- Cost Compared with Equal Companies
Challenges
- Late Lunch Buffett was Picked Over Upon Our Arrival
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