Death Road Bike Tour Bolivia: Cycling the World’s Most Dangerous Road

Thinking about doing a Death Road bike tour in Bolivia? You’re not alone. This iconic route in South America is infamous amongst adrenaline seekers the world over.

Known as the world’s most dangerous road, some would say that a trip to Bolivia isn’t complete without your guaranteed brush with death and insane views only offered in this unique location. If you’re planning your route, don’t miss this guide to exploring Bolivia.

The route passes through the Amazon rainforest to reach dizzying heights in the Andes Mountain Range. This distinctive blend of nature attracts not only those searching for exhilaration, but is also known for its history, scenery and superb views.

Read on below for all you need to know about this remarkable cycling destination, from its modest beginnings to extreme tourist epicentre.

Buckle up: As this is quite the read! By the end of this you should be an expert in all things Death Road. For those in a hurry or wanting to know specific parts, I’ve included a handy Contents Table below.

Let’s dive in!

1. The history of Death Road

Why was it built?

Built in the 1930s by Paraguayan convicts during the Chaco War, Yungas Road was meant as an important corridor through Bolivia’s rough terrain. The construction of this 61 km route was no easy feat, requiring carving through large sections of dense mountainous land with the overall aim of connecting La Paz to Bolivia’s northern towns.

With many narrow sections and vertical drops, the road remained unsurfaced for decades. This in turn contributing to its growing reputation for danger.

Notorious & Tragic History

Soon being called “El Camino de la Muerte” or “The Road of Death”, the path earned its perilous name due to the many deaths recorded along its winding paths.

It has been estimated that 300 people were dying yearly, that’s right – almost 1 person a day, before a safer bypass option was created in 2006. The combination of single lanes, vertiginous altitude and absence of barriers along the road edge made accidents a tragically common occurrence.

Modern Usage

The route is officially called “Yungas Road” (a name not mentioned once during my whole experience by the way), this narrow, rolling path connects one of the two Bolivian capitals – La Paz to a small town called Coroico. Want a feel for everyday life? Here’s what it’s actually like to live in Bolivia.

Squeezing in a fun fact here with some trivia on Bolivia – Naturally! (the other capital is Sucre FYI). Here’s why Bolivia has two capitals.

After the construction of a bypass in 2006, Bolivia’s Death Road was no longer a necessity for the everyday commuters, queue the collective sighs of relief. I mean, bit of a no-brainer which one to choose of the two! As is often the case with us humans however, it quickly transformed into one of the most sought-after adventure activities in Bolivia.

Today, adrenaline junkies from all over the world can ride the infamous road on specially planned biking tours. These are guided by experienced professionals who prepare the cyclists for the dangerous journey, paying extra-special heed to the narrow turns and steep descents.

The Top Gear crew also made an episode on traversing it, highlighting some of the most dangerous spots along it’s paths.

2. What Makes the Death Road Bike Tour in Bolivia So Famous?

Riding the World’s Deadliest Road is not just an adventure in navigating its risky course, the surrounding ecology and biodiversity also make the journey worthwhile. If you dare to take a peek while attempting to manage your speed down some of the rapid declines, the reward is truly something special! Here’s what to expect:

Biking Along the Road

You’ve probably got a pretty good idea now that it’s an exhilarating journey across a steep, hilly descent of 61km. This begins with the high-altitude plains near La Paz, before you end up amongst the tropical landscapes of the Yungas region. Highlights along the way include:

Single Lane Segments
Many parts are only 3.2m wide, and some of these are very close to sharp turns & cliff drops. Your guide will usually warn you ahead of time when one’s coming up, but it pays to stay alert the whole way down.

Erratic Weather
Fog & rain are common on the road, so extra care’s needed when cycling on one of those days. My advice? Trust & listen to your guide. When I was cycling, I remember a fine sheet of water building up on my clothes from all the moisture in the air. Annoying, yes. But dangerous? Not really.

Safety Arrangements
The tour operator you go with will provide all the safety gear you need for the ride. You’ll also get a full briefing before setting off, so you know exactly what to expect & when – they cover all the mad bits & what to do when they hit.

I went with the local company ‘Barro Bikes’ and had some small issues, more on choosing who to tour with further below!

More Comments on Landscapes (they’re just that damn good!)

If you haven’t heard enough about it already, one of the incredible things about the Death Road of Bolivia is the breathtaking views. Quick bit of trivia is that the maximum altitude is 4650m, you will start from an elevation around this and descend to about 1200m, and experience along the way:

Foggy forests
Moody, mist-filled stretches that give the ride a proper eerie vibe – like you’re pedalling through a horror film but with better scenery.

Mystical mountain passes
Wide open views, jagged ridges, & the occasional Andean wildlife sighting if you’re lucky (I clocked a condor overhead at one point – not a flex, just facts).

Rugged rainforests
Dense green drops, waterfalls crashing just off the edge, & more exotic plant life than you could ever name – unless you’re into ferns, in which case, respect.

Did I overdo it on the alliteration? Maybe. Did I enjoyed writing it though, hell yeeee! But real talk, the forests, mountains and rainforests do give the whole experience an aura of unmatched surrealness. More on the weather below!

Weather Challenges

As a result of the range in altitude, Death Road is faced with unpredictable weather changes. Here’s what the climate in Bolivia looks like depending on where you are, and Death Road can experience:

• At higher levels – fog and rain routinely cause low visibility.

• When descending into the rainforest region – there can be bouts of sun and humidity changes.

Local Myths & Legends

While many tourists cower at the prospect of traversing Death Road for the physical danger, there’s a mystical element also to be aware of, with some believing that spirits guard the route.

On your journey down, memorials can be spotted where people lost their lives, this combined with local stories about ghostly happenings adds a paranormal twist to an already intriguing experience. 

‘Death Road’ Travellers Over the Years

So I’m a big Graphs guy, I just think it gives an extra added dimension to looking at figures. I could simply throw a load of figures at you but I think it summarised in a nice little bar chart can’t be beaten.

Below are some figures I compiled on the Number of Travellers crossing Death Road each year. (For you morbid folks, no – I’m not creating a graph of the deaths by year, so don’t even ask!) The data here is far from exact but I did the best I could with the sources I could find. Enjoy!

For those wondering about the dips, the 2006 inclusion is when the new alternative road was created, and the 2020 dip is thanks to our old enemy Covid.

3. Death Road Biodiversity

Beyond the cycling adventure, Death Road presents an exceptional way of appreciating Bolivia’s flora and fauna (this remind anyone else of the Mattafix – Big City Life song? Ok just me huh).

Vegetation and Animal Life

The Yungas Road runs through what many consider to be one of the most biologically rich regions of Bolivia. Tourists can often see:

•Endemic bird species such as the Andean condor and colourful toucans.

•Tropical plants such as orchids and ferns, common in wet rainforests.

• Mammals such as the Andean Bear, aka Spectacled Bear (yes, the one that looks like it’s wearing cute lil glasses). Of the 8 total bear species this is the only one native to South America! You can also spot capuchins and if incredibly lucky, even jaguars too.

4. Tour Operators, Safety Measures and Other Essential Information

Biking Death Road isn’t for the faint-hearted, if you’re considering a Death Road bike tour in Bolivia, choosing a reputable company makes all the difference. But with the right measures in place it can be a fun-filled and safe affair. Read more on how safe Bolivia is for tourists.

Tour Companies

There are a number of tour operators that offer safe trips along Death Road. If you’re in La Paz I would recommend shopping around, comparing prices and what they offer. My key advice is that this is definitely not a time to put price as a deal-breaker however.

As mentioned before, me and my travel buddy went with ‘Barro Bikes’. However, this was after talking to 3 other businesses and negotiating things such as additional pictures, videos etc.

It’s also a great idea to check out the gear offered, and of course reviews beforehand. A picture is provided below from the Barro Bikes poster which has a very useful list of things to bring!

If you check on Google Maps you can find a bunch of places offering tours in the same vicinity and just a few minutes’ walk away from each other. Feel free to use ‘Barro Bikes’ as a starting point, address is: “Sagarnaga 256, La Paz, Bolivia.”

To address the small issues I referenced above, there was nothing majorly wrong with our experience. The set-up of the Bolivia Death Road makes it almost impossible not to have an amazing time!

My main complaint was that the protective equipment me and my friend had were very much on the ‘used and abused’ side. Not an issue with style of course, but with the worry that if you actually did fall off on the path (quite a common occurrence), the ill-fitting knee pads and helmets would only do so much in protecting you.

This was specifically a problem for me with the helmet, where there was limited choices on the day – and no my head isn’t some weird dimensions, it’s very normal-sized thanks. This unfortunately meant it would often slip down, causing me to have to stop and fix it. At times negatively impacting my insatiable need for speed.

Lastly, our drivers seemed to run some personal errands on the way back to La Paz. Again, not a problem as we weren’t in a hurry, but maybe not the optimal time for this!

If you’re more of a plan ahead type of person, I met some travellers in the Wild Rover hostel in La Paz (great party hostel FYI), they booked with the Get Your Guide tour, and had zero complaints.

I’ve also broken down which Bolivia tours are worth booking ahead of time if you’re currently planning your trip.

Safety Checks

Away from the equipment side of things, there are a couple more things the tours will make you aware of:

• Detailed briefs before some of the crazier descents.

• Experienced guides giving you directions and support at the checkpoints along the way.

• Regular breaks. There should be a guide at the front and the back at all times. This enables them to easily tell you when to stop, and of course where best to have some snacks with a great view.

When we did the tour they also had another team member following in a car with extra water, a couple spare bikes, first aid kit etc.

Personal Preparation

My recommendations for how best to prepare:

• Wear the right clothing – lightweight but protective at the same time.

• Keep hydrated – the altitude & physical exertion can quickly lead to dehydration. I had dry-mouth for a good part of the journey, a bottle of water in the holder was a lifesaver! And just so you know, you can’t drink the tap water in Bolivia.

• Altitude adjustment: A lot of tour operators will suggest acclimatisation in La Paz before attempting the experience. If you have never experienced altitude above 4000m before I would recommend erring on the side of caution with this one. You have no idea how your body may react.

5. Death Road Bike Tour on the Actual Day

Tour Duration & Starting Point

The overall experience usually takes about 5 hours. Depending on where your tour starts (some offer hotel pickup), there’s about an hour’s journey to the starting point, known as La Cumbre.

Briefing & Breakfast

Our guides used this time to run through what to expect & answer any questions. There was even the option for a light breakfast – perfect for the morning people… and sociopaths with no fear.

Gear Check & Bike Testing

You’ll then suit up: kneepads, elbow pads, jacket, gloves, helmet (photo incoming). Then you’ll test your bikes for the first time – suspension matters. This is not the time to stay quiet, so speak up if something feels off.

Warm-Up Ride

To ease you in, the first part is a smooth downhill ride on asphalt. It’s not much different from your average motorway in Europe or freeway in North America. This is where your cycling ability & preferred speed will be gauged.

The Real Ride Begins

After cycling for around an hour, you’ll be led to the official start of the Road. If you’re wondering when to go, here’s the best time to visit Bolivia.

Snacks, Small Talk & Setting Off

We had a quick snack break, made small talk with other groups, then set off on the treacherous gravel path. It’s about two hours of almost constant downhill action on very similar, bumpy terrain – brace your thighs.

Waterfalls Along the Way

Yup – there are actual waterfalls flowing onto the path. You can ride through them or dodge around them (both are allowed). It’s optional, but I say go for it.

Checkpoint Stops

Most tours include a handful of checkpoints. Ours had snacks, water, & the kind of views that make you forget your legs hurt. Perfect time for photos & a breather.

Reaching the Bottom

Eventually, you’ll roll into the final stop. You’ll be knackered but buzzing – a weird combo of adrenaline, pride & maybe a slight existential crisis depending on how close you got to the edge.

Refuelling Like a Champ

Once the nerves settle, hunger hits. Most tours include a big meal at the end. Ours took us to a local spot that absolutely hit the spot – here’s what to eat in Bolivia if you need inspo.

Bonus Q: Is There a Tunnel?

I’ve been asked this a couple of times before. Short answer: no. There’s no tunnel section on the tour. It’s all open-air, full-view madness from start to finish.

Things to Watch Out For

• Especially loose gravel surfaces that can cause skidding. There is also a part on the trail called ‘Punto del Diablo’ (Devil’s point). This is a particularly sharp turn where it is very easy to fall off – just ask my lightly-bruised friend!

• Altitude sickness. If you’ve never had it before, key things to look out for are drops in your energy levels and especially important with this experience – changes with your coordination.

• Huge drops. Some of the Bolivia Death Road cliffs feature vertical drops over 600 metres! So stay focused, and don’t feel any shame in pummeling the brakes (I definitely did).

6. Should you take on Bolivia’s mighty Death Road?

Understanding Your Boundaries and Comfort Zone

The Bolivian Death Road is the ideal playground for thrill-seekers with a high-level of confidence in their cycling ability. This goes hand-in-hand with a steady nerve and comfort with heights. This is not to say that your average person should miss out on the experience however.

Follow the advice above and choose a good tour operator, I have every confidence you will have an amazing experience! There are other ways to prepare such as renting a mountain bike beforehand to get especially familiar with one, or explaining to the tour guide any reservations you may have.

We had a few slow people in our group also and it took nothing away from the experience. We just had more time to relax at the checkpoints and enjoy the spectacular views!

Alternative Options to the Death Road bike our

This wouldn’t be an all-in-one Guide without offering some alternatives if you feel it really isn’t for you. People wanting to visit the Yungas region in a safer way have the following options:

• Hiking Trails – It’s possible to walk along alternative trails to take pictures of the spectacular landscape without the risk of the perilous Death Road cliffs.

• Eco-lodges – Travellers can stay in a neighbouring lodge and enjoy the rainforest offerings at a slower pace.

• Other Guided Tours – Ideal for groups who may have a group split in deciding to tackle Death Road or not. Ask around at tour guides in La Paz, I saw some advertised which would be ideal for nature-lovers and history buffs.

Or you could explore some of Bolivia’s holidays & traditions instead.

Death Road – A Journey of Thrills & Contemplation

Bolivia’s Death Road has rightfully earned its place as one of the most adventure-packed travel destinations on the globe, but it’s so much more than a quick adrenaline hit. A Death Road bike tour Bolivia gives you more than just an adrenaline rush – it’s a real immersion into the country’s raw landscape & history.

This is also just one of the incredible places to see as part of my wider Bolivia backpacking trip. If you’re planning your route through Bolivia then make sure to check out that too!

This passage through the history of Bolivia is a route lined with memorials and a corridor through one of the most biodiverse regions of the country.

Those who dare take on the Death Road come back home with more than just a tale of survival, they return with a deeper understanding of the landscapes, history and spirit of Bolivia itself.

Do you think you’d take on the challenge? Or have you already successfully traversed it’s paths?

Please let me know in the comment section below!

Happy Travels!