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The Death Road in Bolivia, also known as the Yungas Road, is a 64-kilometre (40-mile) cycle route that has gained notoriety as the world's most dangerous road. Connecting the city of La Paz with the Yungas region of Bolivia, the road features hairpin turns, steep slopes, cliffs, and narrow passages. With an estimated 200 to 300 people dying on it each year, it struck fear into travellers and merchants alike. However, a new road was opened in 2009, and now the Death Road is mainly used for downhill mountain biking, attracting thrill-seekers and adventure tourists. So, if you're brave enough, here's how to do the Death Road in Bolivia.
What You'll Learn
How to get to La Paz
La Paz is a city in Bolivia, but there is also a La Paz in Mexico. I will outline how to get to both.
Getting to La Paz, Bolivia:
There are several ways to get to La Paz, Bolivia, the starting point of the Death Road. You can fly to the city, which sits at 3,600 meters (11,810 feet) above sea level, or take a bus.
If you are flying, you can use the airline Latam. The city's international airport is small, calm, and efficient, but it does not offer international flights. Previously, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines offered flights to La Paz from the US. The closest airport with international flights is in Loreto, around a three-and-a-half-hour drive away.
Getting to La Paz, Mexico:
La Paz, Mexico, is located in Baja California Sur. There are two main ways to get there: flying into San José del Cabo and commuting two hours north, or flying from Mexico City into La Paz.
If you are flying into San José del Cabo, you can take a public bus, the Eco Baja Shuttle, rent a car, or use a private transfer service to get to La Paz. Taking the bus will add some time to your trip. Many people opt for a private transfer so they can stop at Costco in Cabo to stock up on groceries before heading to La Paz.
If you are flying from within Mexico, you can reach La Paz by flying into the Marquez de Leon International Airport from Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Tijuana. Alternatively, you can fly into Los Cabos International Airport and drive north on Highway 19. The drive takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.
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What to expect on the Death Road
The Death Road in Bolivia, also known as the Yungas Road, is a 64-kilometre (40-mile) cycle route that connects the city of La Paz with the Yungas region of Bolivia. Here is what you can expect on this infamous road:
The Journey
The Death Road begins at "La Cumbre", which is 4,657 metres above sea level. From this point, the road descends to the area of Los Yungas, where the small town of Yolosa sits at an altitude of 1,229 metres above sea level. The entire route covers a difference in altitude of 3,428 metres. The first 32 kilometres are paved, and cyclists can reach speeds of 50 to 80 kilometres per hour or more. After this section, the route enters the "Camino de la Muerte" (Road of Death), where the road becomes rocky and slippery, and the descent continues for another 31 kilometres to Yolosa.
The Scenery
The Death Road is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Cyclists will encounter deep precipices, dense vegetation, and drizzle. Along the way, you will pass through rivers, waterfalls, and a wide variety of flora and fauna. The road winds through the Cordillera Oriental mountain chain, eventually leading to the Amazon rainforest.
The Dangers
The Death Road earned its name due to its extreme danger. The road is very narrow, with a width of less than 4 metres, and has steep slopes, cliffs that drop more than 600 metres, and sharp curves. The lack of guardrails, limited visibility due to fog and rain, and the slippery and rocky road conditions all contribute to the hazardous nature of this route. It is estimated that 200 to 300 people died on this road every year, with an average of more than 200 accidents annually. Even today, with a safer alternative route available, there are still reports of fatalities on the Death Road, particularly among local workers, backpackers, and cyclists.
The Experience
Cycling the Death Road is not for the faint of heart. It offers an adrenaline-pumping experience for thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts. The journey typically takes about 5 to 6 hours, and it is important to be very careful while navigating the treacherous conditions. It is recommended to use the services of a reputable tour company, and they will provide necessary equipment, guidance, and support vehicles.
Practical Considerations
The Death Road is approximately 2 hours away from La Paz. Tour companies offer all-inclusive packages, including equipment and meals. The cost of these tours can range from $50 to $100 or more, depending on the operator. It is important to bring a change of clothes, closed-toe shoes, a raincoat during the wet season, sunglasses, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and bathing clothes. Additionally, the Municipality of Coroico has introduced a charge of 50 Bolivianos for bikers riding the Death Road.
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Choosing a tour company
Firstly, it is important to choose an established operator with a proven track record of safety-oriented service. Tour companies come and go in Bolivia due to stiff competition and a lack of government control, so it is safer to opt for a company that has been operating for years. Travel forums are an excellent place to research companies, although it is important to be aware of the prevalence of fake reviews. Seeking advice from fellow travellers is another great way to obtain up-to-date and unbiased information.
When selecting a company, it is worth keeping in mind that, generally, you get what you pay for. While prices can vary tremendously, from $50 to over $100, more expensive companies tend to have sturdier, higher-quality bikes that are less prone to mechanical failures. They also typically employ guides with extensive first-aid training, who may carry rescue gear such as winches. Cheaper companies, on the other hand, often provide poorly maintained bikes and inadequately trained guides.
Before booking, it is advisable to test your gear and thoroughly examine it for potential defects. Some companies keep a bike in the shopfront for tourists to try before they buy, and it is important to rigorously discuss what kind of safety gear is included.
Two companies that come highly recommended are Gravity Bolivia and Altitude. Gravity is known for its strict safety standards, while Altitude boasts first-rate equipment and a professional crew. Both companies offer single or double suspension bikes, with a considerable price difference between the two. Dual suspension makes for a smoother ride, which is especially beneficial given the course and rocky terrain of Death Road. It also makes the bike easier to control and lowers the likelihood of accidents.
Another recommended company is Barracuda Biking, which offers high safety standards, well-maintained bikes, clear and informative guides, and excellent reviews, all at a more affordable price point than Gravity.
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What to bring
The Death Road in Bolivia is not for the faint of heart. This 43-mile-long stretch of road is known as the World's Deadliest Road, and it is important to be well-prepared before embarking on this adventure. Here is a list of things to bring to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience:
Clothing:
- Sports clothes, preferably sports shorts and a top that can withstand sweating.
- Closed-toe shoes are a must; no flip-flops.
- A raincoat is essential, especially during the wet season from December to February.
- A change of clothes, as you will get dirty and sweaty.
- A towel, swimwear, and flip-flops for the pool at the end of the ride.
Accessories:
- Sunglasses, preferably cheap ones as the road can get dusty.
- Sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's rays.
- Mosquito repellent to keep the bugs at bay.
Other essentials:
- A camera to capture the incredible scenery and your adventure.
- Some extra cash, as there is a charge for bikers riding the Death Road. The money is used for infrastructure projects such as road maintenance and safety facilities.
- Snacks and water, although some are provided, you may want to bring extra.
It is also important to choose a reputable tour company that provides well-maintained equipment and has a good safety record. The companies Gravity and Altitude are recommended for their focus on safety.
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The history of the Death Road
Officially known as The North Yungas Road, the Death Road in Bolivia is a 64-kilometre (40-mile) cycle route that connects the city of La Paz with the Yungas region. The road was conceived in the 1930s by the Bolivian government to connect the main city of La Paz with parts of the Amazon rainforest in the north of the country.
The Death Road was built by Paraguayan prisoners during the Chaco War in the 1930s. It is one of the few routes that connect the Amazon rainforest region of northern Bolivia to the capital city of La Paz. The road is surrounded by mountainous terrain and stretches far enough to connect the Amazon rainforest to the capital. This made it a popular route for merchants transporting goods such as wood and crops to the city.
The road is extremely dangerous due to its narrow width, steep slopes, lack of guardrails, and weather conditions. The road is often affected by rain and fog, which reduce visibility, and landslides, cascades, and loose stones that can impair traction. These conditions have made it challenging for vehicles to navigate, resulting in numerous accidents and fatalities over the years.
The Death Road gained infamy in the 1990s when several accidents occurred on a recurring basis. Cars and buses plummeted down its cliffs, which are up to 600 meters (2,000 feet) high, resulting in numerous deaths. It is estimated that 200 to 300 people died on this road each year before 1994. The Inter-American Development Bank dubbed it "the most dangerous road in the world" in 1995.
One of the worst accidents occurred in July 1983 when a bus fell from the Yungas Road into a canyon, killing more than 100 passengers in one of Bolivia's worst road accidents. Another notable accident happened in December 1999 when eight Israeli travellers were killed in a jeep accident on the Death Road.
In response to the dangers of the Death Road, a new road, Ruta Nacional 3, was constructed nearby, which has diverted most traffic away from the original route. The new road features two lanes, asphalt paving, bridges, drainage, and guardrails, making it considerably safer. Today, the original North Yungas Road is primarily used for bicycles and walking, attracting thrill-seekers and adventure tourists looking to experience the road's adrenaline-pumping reputation.
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Frequently asked questions
Death Road, or Yungas Road, is around 60km long, stretching from La Paz to Yolosa or Coroico in the Yungas region of Bolivia.
The road is less than 4 metres wide in most parts, with some sections being as narrow as 3 metres or 10 feet.
Death Road was once considered the most dangerous road in the world, with an average of over 200 accidents and 96 deaths per year. In recent years, a new paved road has been built, making the route much safer for vehicles. Today, Death Road is mainly used for downhill mountain biking tourism, with around 25,000 thrill-seekers visiting each year.
During the 1990s, an average of 300 people died on Death Road annually. Since 1998, at least 18 cyclists have died on the road. The worst accident occurred in the 1980s when a bus fell about 300 metres, killing more than 100 people.
Death Road is approximately 2 hours from La Paz. It is recommended to use a tour company that provides all-inclusive packages, including equipment and meals. Tours typically depart in groups of 5 to 10 people, with a support vehicle following the cyclists.
