Left-Driving Bolivia: A Unique Roadside Attraction

Bolivia is unique in many ways: it has 37 official languages, is landlocked, and is the fifth-largest country in South America. But one of its most notable quirks is that it's one of the few countries in Latin America where people drive on the left. This is only the case in the region of Yungas, however, where vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road so that the driver is on the outer edge, allowing them to more safely manoeuvre close to the cliff edge or mountain wall when passing another vehicle.

Yungas Road is an exception to driving on the right in Bolivia

Yungas Road, popularly known as Death Road, is an exception to driving on the right in Bolivia. This 64-kilometre (40-mile) road connects the Bolivian capital of La Paz with the low-lying region of Yungas in the Amazonian rainforest. It was built in the 1930s by Paraguayan prisoners during the Chaco War. The road traverses the mighty Cordillera Oriental mountain chain, climbing to 4,650 meters at La Cumbre Pass before descending to the town of Coroico at an altitude of only 1,200 meters. This makes it one of the longest continuous downhill roads in the world.

The road is extremely dangerous due to its steep slopes, lack of guardrails, and narrow width, with some sections being less than 3.5 meters wide and unpaved. The weather conditions further add to the danger, with heavy rains, fog, mudslides, and tumbling rocks affecting visibility and traction. It has gained a reputation as one of the world's most dangerous roads, with an estimated 200 to 300 people dying annually in the 1990s.

To improve safety, Yungas Road has some special rules. Unlike the rest of Bolivia, vehicles on Yungas Road drive on the left. This gives drivers a better view of the edge of the road and helps them gauge the distance between their vehicles and the edge. Additionally, descending vehicles do not have the right of way and must move to the outer edge of the road, allowing faster vehicles to pass safely.

The Bolivian government has constructed a new, safer two-lane motorway that bypasses the most dangerous sections of the original road. Today, the original Yungas Road is primarily used for bicycles and walking, attracting adventure tourists and extreme sports enthusiasts.

Driving on the left on Yungas Road allows drivers to better see the edge of the road

Yungas Road, also known as "Death Road", is a 23-mile (37 km) stretch of dirt road in the mountains west of La Paz, Bolivia. It is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the world due to its narrow width, steep drops, and hazardous conditions. The road connects the capital city of La Paz with the Yungas region in the Amazonian rainforest, traversing the Cordillera Oriental mountain range.

The left-hand driving rule on Yungas Road is an exception to the rest of Bolivia, where vehicles typically drive on the right-hand side of the road. This unique arrangement on Yungas Road prioritises driver safety and helps to prevent accidents, particularly when navigating the road's sharp curves and blind corners.

In addition to the left-hand driving rule, other precautions have been implemented to improve safety on Yungas Road. The road now features guardrails, and a new paved highway built in 2007 has reduced the number of vehicles using the old Death Road. While it is no longer a primary thoroughfare, Yungas Road continues to attract thrill-seekers and adventure tourists looking to experience one of the world's most infamous roads.

Yungas Road is one of the world's most dangerous routes

Yungas Road, popularly known as "Death Road", is a 64-kilometre (40-mile) route that connects the Bolivian capital city of La Paz with the Yungas region. The road was conceived in the 1930s to connect La Paz with the Amazon Rainforest in the north. It is characterised by steep slopes, lack of guardrails, and a narrow width of just 3 metres in some places. The presence of rain, fog, landslides, cascades, and cliffs that drop more than 610 meters further adds to the danger.

The road's extreme conditions have earned it a reputation as one of the world's most dangerous routes. During the 1990s, the Inter-American Development Bank dubbed it "the world's most dangerous road" due to the high number of accidents and deaths. In 1995 alone, there were an estimated 209 accidents and 96 deaths. The road's danger is highlighted by the fact that drivers often whisper a quick prayer before embarking on the treacherous journey.

The road was built by Paraguayan prisoners during the Chaco War in the 1930s, and unlike the rest of the country, it follows left-hand traffic rules. This allows drivers to better gauge the distance between their vehicles and the edge of the road.

Despite the dangers, the road has become a popular destination for adventure tourism, particularly mountain biking, attracting about 25,000 tourists per year. However, it is important to note that since 1998, at least 18 cyclists have died on this road.

In 2006, a new alternative route, now part of Route 3, was built to bypass the most hazardous sections of the original road. As a result, the North Yungas Road is now primarily used for bicycles and walking.

Bolivia's government is trying to improve road safety

To improve safety, the government has taken several measures:

• Construction of an Alternative Route: The northernmost section of the original Death Road has been replaced by a modern, two-lane motorway. This new route provides a safer alternative for vehicles, significantly reducing traffic on the old road.
• Guard Rails and Maintenance: The Death Road now has guard rails installed, and during one traveller's visit, they reported that the road was in very good condition. This suggests ongoing maintenance efforts to enhance safety.
• Reducing Vehicle Traffic: The construction of a new paved highway to Cocoiro in 2007 has diverted most vehicle traffic, including buses, away from the Death Road. Today, it is primarily used by adventure-seekers on guided downhill bike tours.
• Special Rules for the Death Road: Yungas Road has unique regulations. Vehicles drive on the left, giving drivers a better view of the road's edge. Descending vehicles must yield to those ascending, allowing for safer passing.
• Police Checks and Enforcement: Police presence is common in Bolivia, and they actively enforce traffic rules. Drivers are expected to carry necessary documentation, including licenses and registration, at all times.
• Improving Overall Road Infrastructure: While the focus has been on the Death Road, Bolivia is also working to improve its overall road network. The country has a highway system connecting major urban areas, and speed limits are strictly enforced to prevent accidents due to poor road conditions.

The country's other roads have various rules and conditions

Bolivia is one of only three countries in the Americas—and the only nation in South America—where drivers use the left lane. The country's unusual left-hand-driving tradition dates back to its post-independence leader, Marshal Andrés de Santa Cruz, who was impressed by the British military and adopted various British customs, including driving on the left.

While Bolivia's major roads are generally in good condition and well-maintained, the same cannot be said for all of the country's road network. The country's diverse geography, ranging from high mountains to dense forests, presents unique challenges for road construction and maintenance. As such, the condition of Bolivian roads varies significantly, and drivers need to be prepared for a variety of scenarios.

In many rural areas, roads are often unpaved and consist of dirt or gravel tracks. These roads can be heavily affected by weather conditions, with rain causing muddy and slippery conditions, and dry weather leading to dusty and uneven surfaces. It is not uncommon for rural roads to be impassable during the rainy season, and even during the dry season, four-wheel drive vehicles are often necessary to navigate the rough and unpredictable terrain.

Mountainous regions present their own set of challenges, with steep inclines, tight curves, and narrow passages common features. Drivers need to be cautious and well-prepared when navigating these roads, ensuring their vehicles are in good condition and equipped with the necessary tools and supplies in case of emergencies. Road conditions in these areas can be unpredictable, with rockslides and landslides occasionally blocking passages or creating hazardous conditions.

In contrast, some roads in Bolivia are well-maintained and modern, particularly those that form part of the country's major transport routes. These roads often feature multiple lanes and are typically paved and marked to a high standard. However, even on these roads, drivers need to be vigilant, as the behavior of other road users can be unpredictable, with pedestrians, cyclists, and animals often sharing the road space.

Additionally, Bolivia's road rules can differ from those in other countries, and even within the country, there can be variations. For example, while the national speed limit outside urban areas is generally 90 km/h, this can vary depending on the region and road conditions. It is important for drivers to stay informed about local regulations and be respectful of local customs and practices to ensure a safe and smooth journey.

Frequently asked questions