Death Road Tours

Officially called Yungas Road, this 61-km route connects La Paz to Coroico, cutting through the mountains with steep drops and narrow paths. It was named the world’s most dangerous road in 1995, with an estimated 200 to 300 deaths per year before safety measures were put in place.

Today, things have changed. Death Road is now a major tourist attraction, drawing cyclists from around the world. The challenge? A thrilling downhill ride from the cold mountain peaks into the warm rainforest below. Many do it for the adrenaline. Others just want the “I Survived Death Road” t-shirt.

Is Death Road Safe?

Yes—if you go with a trusted tour company. While the road itself is still steep and narrow, most of it is closed to traffic, making it much safer for bikers. The real risk comes from tour operators who cut corners. Some offer cheap bikes with worn-out brakes, which can make the ride dangerous.

For a safe and smooth ride, we at Bolivia Hop only recommend tour companies that prioritize safety. Two of the most trusted operators for Death Road tours are:

• Gravity Biking
• Altitude Biking

They provide:

• Well-maintained bikes with reliable brakes
• Experienced guides who know the road well
• Safety gear to keep you protected
• Support vehicles in case of emergencies

As a Bolivia Hop passenger, you get an exclusive discount on Death Road tours. Just ask your onboard guide or visit our La Paz office to book at a special price.

If you’re looking for a thrilling ride with incredible views, Death Road is an unforgettable experience—but only if you do it with the right company. Ride safe, have fun, and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

History of the Death Road

A road with a name like Death Road has to have a dark past. And this one does. Built under harsh conditions and claiming countless lives over the decades, it became one of the most infamous roads in the world. But before it turned into a popular cycling route, it was a lifeline for Bolivia’s trade and transportation—at a deadly cost.

The Origins of the Road

Death Road, officially known as Yungas Road, was built in the 1930s by Paraguayan prisoners during the Chaco War between Bolivia and Paraguay. It was carved directly into the steep slopes of the Cordillera Oriental Mountain chain, creating a narrow, single-lane path that connected La Paz to the Yungas region and the northern parts of Bolivia.

Originally, the road was meant to facilitate trade, allowing goods and agricultural products to move between the highlands and lowlands. But it came at a price. The treacherous route forced drivers to navigate:

• Hairpin turns and steep inclines
• Sheer drops of up to 600 meters (2,000 feet) with no guardrails
• An average width of just 3.2 meters (10.5 feet)—barely enough for two vehicles to pass
• Frequent heavy rains, leading to landslides and slippery conditions
• A left-side driving rule, placing downhill vehicles dangerously close to the edge

For decades, trucks, buses, and cars struggled along this path, often with tragic results. The combination of poor visibility, unstable terrain, and reckless overtaking led to hundreds of fatalities every year. In 1995, the Inter-American Development Bank officially labeled it the “world’s most dangerous road.”

Despite its deadly reputation, Death Road remained a critical connection until the mid-2000s, when a new, safer highway was built. With most traffic diverted, the old route found new life—as an adventure destination for thrill-seekers from around the world.

Development of Mountain Biking in the Region

What was once a deadly transportation route is now one of the most thrilling mountain biking destinations in the world. The transformation of Death Road, Bolivia, began in the late 1990s, when its dangerous reputation started attracting a different kind of traveler—adventure seekers looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush.

The first organized mountain biking tours started around 1998, with Gravity Bolivia leading the way. These early tours were simple—basic bikes, minimal safety gear, and little regulation. But as more people discovered the thrill of descending Death Road, the industry quickly evolved.

Several key changes made it a world-famous biking route:

• A new highway (2006): The construction of a modern alternative route between La Paz and Coroico meant fewer trucks and buses on the old Death Road, making it safer for cyclists.
• Global exposure: Travel documentaries, adventure blogs, and even BBC’s Top Gear showcased the insane beauty and thrill of biking Death Road, putting it on the map for adventure tourists.
• Better safety standards: As tourism grew, bike tour operators invested in high-quality bikes, protective gear, and trained guides, making the experience both safer and more professional.
• Economic boost for local communities: Villages along Death Road benefited from tourism, creating rest stops, photo points, and accommodations for cyclists.

Today, thousands of riders take on Death Road every year, bringing significant tourism revenue to the La Paz region. What was once Bolivia’s most feared road is now a bucket-list adventure, offering cyclists a mix of history, breathtaking landscapes, and pure adrenaline.

Biking Experience Overview

Riding Death Road, Bolivia isn’t just another bike ride—it’s an adventure packed with breathtaking views, heart-pounding descents, and a mix of challenge and thrill. Whether you’re here for the adrenaline rush or the incredible landscapes, here’s what to expect from start to finish.

What to Expect on the Ride

Starting point: La Cumbre Pass. Your journey begins at La Cumbre Pass, a high-altitude starting point at 4,700 meters (15,400 feet) above sea level. The air is thin, and temperatures are often near freezing in the early morning, so expect a cold start. Most tour companies provide warm gear to keep you comfortable before you begin the descent.

The descent: From Andean Peaks to the Jungle. Over the course of 64 km (40 miles), you’ll drop nearly 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) in elevation, passing through multiple ecosystems in just a few hours. You’ll start in the icy Andean highlands, ride through misty cloud forests, and end in the warm, humid jungle of Coroico.

Terrain and Road Conditions

The ride is divided into two sections:

• Paved section (first 20 km): A smooth, paved road lets you get comfortable with your bike before hitting the more technical terrain.
• Unpaved Death Road section (remaining 44 km): This is where the real adventure begins. Expect:
  • Gravel and dirt surfaces, which can be dusty or muddy depending on the season.
  • Narrow paths, as tight as 3 meters (10 feet) wide.
  • Over 200 hairpin turns, many with sheer drops on one side.
  • Small streams crossing the road and occasional rockfalls.

Physical demands: Although gravity does most of the work, you’ll still need good balance and bike handling skills to navigate the curves, bumps, and changing conditions. The ride lasts 4 to 5 hours, and constant braking can be tiring on your hands and forearms. Staying mentally sharp is key.

Group ride experience: Most tours operate in groups of 8 to 15 riders, led by experienced guides who set a safe pace. You’ll stop regularly for rest breaks, photos, and interesting stories about Death Road’s history.

Safety Briefings

Before setting off, guides provide a detailed safety briefing, covering:

• How to handle your bike on steep descents
• Hand signals and communication during the ride
• Emergency procedures and what to do in tricky sections

With the right mindset and a reputable tour operator, biking Death Road is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s as safe as it is thrilling.

Stunning Views and Unique Landscapes

One of the most breathtaking aspects of Death Road, Bolivia is the dramatic shift in landscapes as you descend. In a single ride, you’ll pass through alpine highlands, misty cloud forests, and lush tropical jungles, making this one of the most visually stunning bike routes in the world.

• Alpine highlands: The adventure begins in the high Andean plateau, where snow-capped peaks and vast open landscapes stretch for miles. From La Cumbre Pass, you’ll have panoramic views of the rugged Bolivian highlands, with icy winds adding to the high-altitude atmosphere.
• Cloud forest transition: As you descend, the environment transforms dramatically. The dry, open highlands give way to dense, misty cloud forests, where thick vegetation clings to steep cliffs. Clouds drift through the landscape, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere.
• Subtropical Yungas: The final stretch of the ride takes you into the Yungas region, a lush, tropical landscape where the temperature rises by 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F) compared to the starting point. This area is known for:
  • Dense green vegetation covering the valley slopes
  • High humidity and abundant wildlife
  • Waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs beside the road

One of the most thrilling parts of the ride is the sheer cliff drops along the left side of the road. These plunges, some as deep as 600 meters (2,000 feet), offer jaw-dropping views of the vast canyons below. It’s both a thrill and a challenge, knowing that the only thing between you and the valley floor is your bike and a narrow strip of dirt road.

Popular photo stops along the route include:

• The “Death Road” sign, marking the start of the unpaved section
• La Senda Verde wildlife sanctuary, a hidden gem near the end of the route
• Multiple waterfalls, where streams flow directly across the road
• The infamous cliff edges, providing some of the most dramatic cycling shots
• The “survival” celebration point in Coroico, where riders gather to toast their adventure

This one-day journey from icy Andean peaks to warm jungle landscapes makes Death Road one of the most unique biking experiences in the world. The ever-changing scenery and rich biodiversity reflect why Bolivia is known as one of the most ecologically diverse countries on Earth—all of it visible from your mountain bike seat.