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Are you brave enough to bike Death Road in Bolivia? Coined the ‘most dangerous road in the world’, visitors cycle the 69 kilometres/43 miles trip from La Paz daily with a group of fellow daredevils for support.
Along with the Uyuni’s Salt Flats, Death Road biking is one of the most popular attractions in Bolivia. So, let’s pedal into what you should know before you go.
You may also like: Things to do in La Paz.
1. How Long is the Death Road Cycle Trip?
The day trip begins in La Paz (Bolivia’s capital) with an early rise, so factor this into your planning if you want to party in one of the highest cities in the world!
The day starts with a short meeting, paperwork, and an hour’s bus ride to La Cumbre’s ‘The Summit,’ which is 4700 above sea level (asl).
On arrival, you are kitted out and set on the first leg, which is a smooth road.
Don’t be fooled by the terrain; the lorry drivers who share the road are wild.
The Death Road cycle (La Carretera de los Yungas) is four hours long, with stops and lunch.
Tours tend to return to La Paz between 8pm and 10pm.
2. How To Choose a Death Road Bolivia Tour
There’s plenty of choice between Death Road tours, and you will see adverts for many companies in La Paz hostels, on associated websites and through booking agents.
Things to consider:
- Quality of kit and bike
- Safety of bus and driver–you will hear countless stories about South American bus crashes during your travels
- Company reviews
Your tour of choice must provide:
- Protective coat and trousers in case you fall on gravel
- Gloves
- A helmet
- A bike with great suspension and brakes
- They usually provide a bottle too
We went with the most popular company, Gravity.
You can see the tour and reserve your spot here.
3. You Have To Pay An Entrance Fee
After the first leg, you arrive at the official entry point.
You pay 50 bs per person to cycle the Death Road, 25 at the start and 25 at the end, so remember to pack the extra cash.
You may want a little more of the end-of-cycle activities and lunch options.
Once everyone has paid up, the group is asked if they want to cycle uphill, with altitude against them, or take the bus to the start of the route. It was a unanimous vote for the bus!
4. You Don’t Need To Be An Expert
Used to Amsterdam cycling and not sure if this attraction is for you?
You don’t need to be a mountain bike expert to cycle Death Road, but it does help if you can cycle confidently and are not afraid of heights.
Be prepared to take on hairpin bends and heights of 11,800 feet (3,600 meters) between La Cumbre Pass and the lowland town of Coroico.
Have you seen Death Road on Top Gear?
5. Death Road Isn’t For Everyone
Contrary to popular belief, the road doesn’t get its title as ‘most dangerous’ because of the number of cycle victims.
The name originated from the number of deaths the road caused during its construction, and it was not Bolivians who built it.
War prisoners from Paraguay were responsible for La Carretera de los Yungas to give it its real name.
However, if you find the ride isn’t for you once you start the route, don’t worry.
Just tell your guide and they will organise for you to sit on the bus which meets the rest of the crew at the bottom.
Still persevering?
Don’t be afraid to be the one at the back.
That was me and my new friend Kristian.
I honestly felt like I was going 60 mph, but watching the video I realise it was more like 6 mph.
6. Listen to Your Guide
So now you know the real reason for its title, it doesn’t mean its time to get cocky.
It is still claimed hundreds of people lose their lives on this road every year.
For example, a 21-year-old cycled off one of the cliffs and miraculously survived, being saved by a ledge.
It’s not just yourself you have to be cautious of. Locals still use this road to drive between villages.
When you see it, you will think, “How?!”
Listen to the advice from your guide, who will talk you through the best options for balancing and maintaining control.
Plus, your guide will show you where to get the “cliff shot” souvenir!
It’s likely your main guide will have a wingman. One will take the lead, and the other will kick back.
7. Death Road Cycle Packing List and Gear
- Wear flexible pants like leggings and tracksuit bottoms
- Layers, merino wool is ideal
- Bring additional liner gloves if you can, it gets really cold
- Wear closed-toe shoes such as trainers/sneakers
- Sunscreen
- Shades
- Swimming gear if taking a dip
- Towel if taking a post-cycle shower
8. Celebrate With A Beer
Once you make it through Cotapata National Park, with the Andes as the backdrop, and to the endpoint (Yolosa at 1200 asl), collect your celebratory beer, take a group selfie and chill for a while.
9. Lunch Is Included
Once everyone is reunited, the team embark on a buffet lunch.
Here you can have a shower and/or take a dip in the swimming pool before the bus ride all the way back on the mountain and back to La Paz.
10. Wear The T-Shirt
Been there, done that, and now you can wear the t-shirt!
Most tour companies provide a brand tee and buff for around your neck to prove you cycled the world’s most dangerous road in Bolivia!
Final Words
Whether you are an active cyclist with a need for speed or a backpacker looking to tick off a bucket list item, La Paz’s Death Road is a fun day out.
Calling all thrill-seekers! Are you brave enough to volcano board down an active volcano?
We did in Nicaragua!
Bolivia Travel Guides
Disclaimer: To create this guide to Death Road, we worked with our affiliate partner, Tinggly.
Our honest opinion, as always.
Hi
Great reading and up for it
The suggestion of using gravity. I phoned them and spoke to a really
helpful guy who informed me they don’t exsist any more .
Any other suggestions please
Nick
Hi Nick, thanks for the message. I just did a quick check and Gravity are still active on their Facebook. Enjoy the ride! ~ Gemma