This winding stretch of gravel, teetering on the edge of a mountainside in Bolivia, is not for the faint of heart.
Biking down Bolivia’s Death Road—an infamous alpine pass with sheer drops on one side and waterfalls spilling onto the other side from the rocks above—is an activity that is both epic and utterly terrifying.
If you think this is overhyped, let me tell you—it’s not. Our mountain biking trip down Death Road required us to get uncomfortably close to the edge of a vertical drop just meters away, all while trying to keep our handlebars steady as they vibrated against the rough terrain beneath our tires.
My hands ached from gripping the brakes, my heart pounded at every corner, and at one point, I had to hop in the support van because my fingers physically couldn’t hold on any longer. But would I do it again? Absolutely. It was experience that I’ll never forget.
If you’re up for an adrenaline rush and want to bike one of the most legendary roads on the planet, stick with me—I’m about to tell you exactly why you should take on Death Road in Bolivia.
Where is Death Road?
Yungas Road–better known as Death Road by travellers in South America–is located in the Andes Mountains of Bolivia. It starts near La Paz, the country’s high-altitude capital, and descends to the lush, tropical town of Coroico in the Yungas region.
To get there, most travellers book a tour from La Paz which includes transport to the starting point at La Cumbre Pass (about an hour’s drive from the city).
Why is it called Death Road?
Yungas Road, infamous for being one of the most dangerous in the world, earned its ominous nickname of Death Road due to its harrowing history. The road is narrow, winding, and flanked by sheer cliffs which drop hundreds of meters. Before a bypass was built in 2006, it claimed countless lives and was particularly treacherous for buses and trucks who precariously navigated the single-lane gravel path.
Today, Death Road is mostly used by mountain bikers looking for an adrenaline rush—and while it’s still not for the faint-hearted, the reduced usage from motor vehicles has made it far safer and infinitely more fun than in its deadly heyday.
Why bike down Death Road?
There’s something exhilarating about biking from chilly high-altitude plains into lush jungle. Over the course of the descent, you’ll drop from 4,700 meters (15,400 feet) at La Cumbre to 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) in Coroico. That’s a vertical plunge of over 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) in just a few hours!
You can expect jaw-dropping views of misty valleys, cascading waterfalls, and rugged cliffs. Plus, the bragging rights? Absolutely priceless.
Is Death Road dangerous?
Yes…and no. While the road’s history might make you feel more than a little nervous, biking down Death Road with a professional guide is far safer than it used to be. Guides are trained to ensure your safety, and modern bikes are equipped with reliable brakes and suspension.
Just follow the rules: stay to the left, don’t race, and keep your eyes on the path (not the drop-offs!). It would also be very smart to avoid using your phone or camera to take photos or videos while your bike is moving, as any distractions from the task at hand could make it more dangerous. This is why I don’t have any photos of the ride itself!
The ride itself: My experience
Our adventure kicked off from La Paz, followed by a drive up the mountains past the stunning scenery of Cotapata National Park. Donned in our protective mountain biking gear, we stopped at a scenic viewpoint (located at the impressive altitude of 4,670 metres above sea level) for a breath of chilly alpine air, then continued on to the starting point of the Death Road descent.
After a safety briefing, we set off on a paved stretch, getting comfortable with our bikes. This section gave us a false sense of security as it really is the easy part. The gravel section awaited ahead.
Once on the infamous dirt road, we navigated sharp switchbacks and dodged small waterfalls cascading onto the path. Though the ever-changing landscape was stunning, it was very difficult to admire as we were concentrating hard on keeping our bikes steady, and avoiding the ‘death’ part that made up the road’s nickname.
The guides kept the pace manageable, stopping occasionally for photo ops and sharing stories of the road’s history. Unfortunately we weren’t able to get the famous postcard photo as it was shrouded in fog, but that was probably a blessing as it meant we couldn’t see the terrifying steep drop right beside the road!
We were told that around 250 people per year die on this notorious road, but not to worry—only a few of them are cyclists. Death Road is still in use by vehicles, and is more dangerous for cars or trucks when they are heading in opposite directions and have to pass each other.
Was I intimidated?… a little! Biking down Death Road was expectedly a bit scary, but I took it at a comfortable pace and stayed away from the edge where I could. The worst part was when we were faced with a situation that we had to pass around vehicles or obstacles on the road, as it felt like there was barely enough space to go around.
The biggest struggle for me was actually holding on to the handlebars. My hands are quite small, and the downhill mountain biking really required a firm hold on the hand brake during the entire descent. The handlebars constantly bounced around and shook with the bumpy gravel road. I made it nearly all the way to the bottom of Death Road, but had to call it quits right near the end because my hands got too sore.
The tour van followed our group as we biked down Death Road, and we could choose to get in at any time to ride as a passenger instead of cycling. Weirdly, I found my short trip driving along Death Road in the van to be more scary than doing it by bicycle, as it felt like the wheels of the vehicle were right on the edge! Eek! I had make myself stop looking out the window out of pure fear.
So it was a relief when we finally reached the bottom. We stopped to calm our racing hearts and have some refreshments before jumping in the van to head back to La Paz.
Preparing for the ride
Choosing a Death Road tour company
Unless you’re an experienced mountain biker with a death wish, it’s best to book with a reputable tour company. Look for operators who provide quality bikes (with excellent brakes!), safety gear, and have experienced guides. Companies like Gravity Bolivia or Barracuda Biking are highly rated.
We went with Altitude Adventures, who were very professional and considered our group’s safety before anything else.
What to wear:
- Layers: The ride starts in the cold Andean highlands and ends in the humid jungle, so dress in light layers that you can shed later. You’ll also be given protective gear to wear over the top of your clothes.
- Closed-toe shoes: Trust me, flip-flops will not be appropriate. Wear closed shoes that are comfortable to cycle in, ideally sneakers. It could also be a little muddy at times, so waterproof hiking boots may also work.
What to bring:
- Sunscreen and sunglasses—the high-altitude sun is no joke.
- A small daypack for water and snacks. This can be kept in the van while you’re on the bike, or you can wear it for the ride.
Tips for staying safe:
- Listen carefully to your guide’s instructions.
- Go at your own pace—it’s not a race!
- Stay hydrated, especially as you descend into warmer climates.
- Don’t let the fear of heights distract you. Focus on the road ahead.
So, are you feeling brave? Biking down Death Road is a little nerve-wracking. But it’s also exhilarating, awe-inspiring, and an incredible way to see Bolivia’s diverse landscapes. It’s not just about conquering a famous road; it’s about conquering your own fears and emerging on the other side with a story to tell!
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