Bolivian Death Road: Still Open For Thrill-Seekers?

Bolivia's Death Road, also known as the Yungas Road, is a 40-mile (64 km) route that connects the city of La Paz with the Yungas region of Bolivia. The road is infamous for its extreme danger, having earned the nickname Death Road from the hundreds of people who have died on it every year. However, in recent years, a new road has been constructed, reducing traffic on Death Road and making it safer. So, is Death Road still open?

The Death Road's history

The Death Road, officially known as Yungas Road, is a 64-kilometre (40-mile) route that connects the Bolivian city of La Paz with the country's Yungas region. The road was conceived in the 1930s by the Bolivian government to connect La Paz with parts of the Amazon forest in the north. It was built by Paraguayan prisoners during the Chaco War.

The road is characterised by steep slopes, hairpin turns, and a narrow width of less than 3 meters or 10 feet in some sections. The presence of rain, fog, landslides, cascades, and cliffs that drop more than 2000 feet further adds to the danger. These conditions have led to numerous accidents and deaths, earning its nickname as "The Death Road".

In July 1983, a bus fell from the Yungas Road into a canyon, resulting in the deaths of more than one hundred passengers in one of Bolivia's worst road accidents. Until the mid-1990s, it is estimated that 200 to 300 drivers fell off the cliffs per year, with an average of 209 accidents and 96 deaths annually. In 1995, the Inter-American Development Bank dubbed it "the most dangerous road in the world".

In 2006, a new alternative route, now part of Route 3, was built to bypass the most hazardous sections of the original road. This new road features two lanes, asphalt paving, guardrails, and drainage systems. As a result, the original North Yungas Road is now primarily used for bicycles and walking. The modernisation of the road has significantly reduced the number of accidents and fatalities, and it is no longer considered the "World's Most Dangerous Road".

Why it's so dangerous

The North Yungas Road in Bolivia, popularly known as the "Death Road", is a 64-kilometre (40-mile) route that connects the city of La Paz with the Yungas region of Bolivia. It is considered extremely dangerous due to several factors, which include:

• Road Characteristics: The road is extremely narrow, with sections less than 3 metres or 10 feet wide. This makes it challenging for vehicles to navigate, especially larger ones such as trucks and buses. The road also features hairpin turns, steep slopes, and cliffs with drops of more than 2000 feet (610 meters). The lack of guardrails along these cliffs further adds to the danger.
• Weather Conditions: The area experiences frequent rain, fog, and landslides, which can reduce visibility and make the road slippery and muddy. These conditions increase the risk of accidents, especially when combined with the narrow width and steep drops of the road.
• Traffic: Before the construction of a new road in 2009, the North Yungas Road was the only route between Coroico and La Paz. This led to a high volume of traffic, including large vehicles such as trucks and buses, navigating the already dangerous narrow road.
• Lack of Safety Measures: In the past, the road lacked safety features such as guardrails and effective drainage systems, which contributed to its reputation as the "Death Road".
• Human Error: Drivers and cyclists may make minor miscalculations or errors in judgement due to the challenging conditions, which can have severe consequences given the road's inherent dangers.
• Overloaded Vehicles: In the past, trucks and buses travelling on the road were often overloaded with people, increasing the number of casualties in the event of an accident.

The road's busiest users

The North Yungas Road, or the 'Death Road', is a 40-mile (64km) route that connects Bolivia's capital, La Paz, with the town of Coroico, on the edge of the Bolivian Amazon Rainforest. It is one of the country's biggest tourist attractions, with hundreds of visitors journeying from La Paz to experience its perilous twists and turns along lush mountainsides. The road is also still used by locals, particularly local workers and backpackers.

The road is most famous for its mountain biking tours, which have become a popular form of adventure tourism. Tour operators lead thousands of cyclists along the road each year, with around 25,000 thrill-seekers visiting the road annually. The tours are a staple activity in La Paz and are considered a bucket-list activity for many tourists.

The road is also still used by cars, although most traffic has been redirected to a newer road built in 2006. The new road features two lanes, drainage systems, and guardrails, making it a much safer route than the Death Road. However, some people who live along the Death Road still use it, and tour companies may also use it.

The Death Road was originally the only route between La Paz and Coroico, and it was navigated by trucks and buses. It was built in the 1930s by Paraguayan prisoners during the Chaco War and was one of the few routes that connected the Amazon jungle in the north with La Paz. The road is very narrow, with large parts less than 3m (10ft) wide, and it has steep slopes, sharp twists and turns, and cliffs that drop over 2000ft (610m). These factors, combined with challenging climate conditions, such as frequent rain and fog, make it an extremely dangerous route.

The Death Road claimed around 200-300 lives each year until 2003. Since then, upgrades to the road, additional guardrails, and decreased use have made it safer. However, it is still estimated to cost nearly a dozen lives every year, including tourists on biking tours.

The new road

The Bolivian Death Road, also known as the North Yungas Road, is no longer the only route between La Paz and Coroico. In 2009, the Bolivian government constructed a new road along an adjacent mountain range. This new road is a two-lane highway with guardrails, drainage systems, and pavement, making it a much safer option than the Death Road.

The construction of the new road involved enlarging the carriageway from one to two lanes, adding asphalt paving, bridges, drainage, and guardrails. A new section was also built between Chusquipata and Yolosa, bypassing the most dangerous sections of the original Death Road.

While the Death Road still holds the reputation of being one of the most dangerous roads in the world, the construction of the new road has made it a less treacherous option for travellers. The new road provides a safer and more modern alternative, reducing the risks associated with travelling along the Death Road.

How to stay safe

The North Yungas Road in Bolivia, popularly known as the Death Road, is a dangerous route that has claimed hundreds of lives. The road is a 64km-long stretch connecting the city of La Paz with the Yungas region of Bolivia. It is characterised by steep slopes, hairpin turns, and a lack of guardrails along cliff edges with drops of up to 2,000 feet. The road is also prone to landslides, cascades, and fog, making it even more treacherous.

• Choose a reputable tour company: Opt for a company with a strong focus on safety, such as Gravity Assisted Mountain Biking. While it may be more expensive, your safety is worth much more than the money you'd save by going with a cheaper, less reputable company.
• Check your equipment: Ensure that your bicycle, helmet, and all other equipment are in proper working condition. This includes checking your bicycle's brakes, pedals, chainrings, and saddle height.
• Ride within your limits: If you are not a professional downhill mountain biker, do not attempt to ride like one. Ride at a comfortable pace, use both brakes effectively, and avoid racing.
• Approach blind corners on the left: Due to the left-hand traffic rule on the Death Road, always approach blind corners on the left (cliff) side to avoid a potential head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle.
• Stay sober: Avoid consuming alcohol the night before your ride. It is crucial to be well-rested and energised for the challenging descent.
• Be weather-wise: Check the weather conditions before embarking on your journey. It is advisable to avoid the Death Road in bad weather, as it requires special skills to navigate safely.
• Dress appropriately: Wear flexible and comfortable clothing suitable for varying weather conditions. Bring layers for the chilly and rainy sections, as well as sunglasses, sunscreen, and a rain jacket.
• Stay vigilant: Always be alert and look in all directions while cycling. Be extra cautious when navigating the hairpin turns, as trucks and other vehicles may still use this road.

Frequently asked questions