The North Yungas Road in Bolivia—stretching nearly 60 kilometers from the high-altitude capital of La Paz down to the lush sub-tropical town of Coroico—is widely considered one of the deadliest roads in the world. Known globally as the Death Road, this narrow, windswept mountain pass offers one of the most thrilling downhill mountain biking experiences on the planet.
During our year-long backpacking trip across South America, Felicity and I couldn’t resist the adrenaline rush. Having already tackled conquering Mount Illimani and backpacking across the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, taking on the Death Road on two wheels felt like the ultimate Bolivian adventure.
The History Behind the World’s Deadliest Road
Built in the 1930s by Paraguayan prisoners during the Chaco War, the Yungas Road was carved directly into the vertical cliffside to connect La Paz with the Amazon basin. For decades, it served as a vital, high-risk trade route for buses, supply trucks, and local traffic negotiating sheer drops with no margin for error.
Until a safer paved bypass route was completed in recent years, an estimated 200 to 300 travelers lost their lives on this stretch every year. Local road rules even mandated that vehicles drive on the left side of the road—opposite to the rest of Bolivia—so downhill drivers could keep their eyes on their outer wheels near the cliff edge.
What Makes Cycling the North Yungas Road So Treacherous?
Navigating the Death Road requires sharp focus and reliable equipment. Several unique factors make this route notoriously hazardous:
- Extreme Altitude & Vertical Drop: The road begins high in the Andes mountains at La Cumbre (nearly 4,700 meters above sea level) and plunges down to just 1,200 meters near Coroico.
- Narrow, Unpaved Terrain: The bottom half transitions into a rough dirt and gravel track. In many sections, the road narrows to less than 3 meters across with zero guardrails separating you from a 600-meter drop into the abyss.
- Unpredictable Weather: Thick mountain fog, blinding rain, and heavy cloud cover frequently limit visibility to just a few meters ahead.
- Environmental Hazards: Waterfall runoff cascades directly onto the track, creating muddy condition and a constant risk of loose, falling rocks from the cliffs above.
Our Experience Mountain Biking the Death Road
Setting off from the freezing cold of the high Altiplano, the ride starts on smooth asphalt before turning onto the infamous gravel track. As you descend, the landscape completely changes: freezing mountain air gives way to warm tropical humidity, and stark gray cliffs transform into dense green jungle.
Sprinting down narrow gravel paths with a towering rock wall on your left and a massive 600-meter vertical gorge on your right is pure adrenaline. Flying past waterfalls crashing onto the road while clutching disk brakes over loose rocks makes every second feel intense and unforgettable.
Essential Tips for Biking the Yungas Road
If you are planning to cycle the Death Road in Bolivia, keep these essential safety guidelines in mind:
- Choose a Reputable Tour Operator: Never compromise on safety. Book with an agency that uses high-end, full-suspension mountain bikes with regularly inspected hydraulic disk brakes and provides full protective gear (helmets, gloves, and armor).
- Dress in Layers: You start in freezing Andean weather and finish in warm Amazonian humidity. Wear removable layers under your protective riding suit.
- Ride at Your Own Pace: It is not a race. Keep a safe distance from other riders, stay on the inside edge when passing, and pull over safely whenever you want to take photos.
Riding the Yungas Road is an incredible ride that tests your nerves while showcasing Bolivia’s dramatic changes in scenery.
Have you ever braved the Death Road, or is downhill mountain biking in South America on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!
Our 2010 video
Map of the North Yungas Road Route
Below is the 60-kilometer stretch of the infamous Death Road winding down from the dizzying heights of La Cumbre near La Paz (nearly 4,700 meters) all the way down to the subtropical town of Coroico.
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.