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Yungas Road in the South American country of Bolivia has the unflattering nickname of the "Road of Death." It is a dramatic 64-km (39-mile) long cycle route linking the Bolivian capital of La Paz with the Yungas region. Called "Camino de la Muerte" in Spanish, the Road of Death is something everyone should know about before visiting Bolivia.
The road has become a popular tourist destination drawing around 25,000 tourists annually. Bolivia is arguably one of the most stunning countries on earth and one of eye-watering natural beauty. Next time one goes to South America, consider adding Bolivia to the bucket list.
Bolivia's "Road Of Death"
It is common for tourists to tour the mountain by downhill mountain biking the road. There are a number of local tour operators who provide guides, transport, information, and equipment about the road. The drops are never vertical and can be as much as 1,000 meters (or 3,000 feet).
- Descent: 3,500 meters or 11,500 feet
- Peak: 4,800 meters at Cumbre Pass
- Length: 64 km or 39 miles
- Nickname: "Camino de la Muerte", or Death Road
The road has an intriguing background story. It is a story of a world where two resources - coca and gold - have provoked misunderstanding and controversy for centuries. The BBC has an article that goes into depth on this side of the road's forgotten story, but this article is about how to visit it safely.
Treat The Road Of Death With Respect And Stay Safe
If one would actually like to visit this road, it is important to put safety first. There is a reason why it is called the Death Road and at least 18 cyclists have died on the route since 1998. Parts of the road are only 3 meters or 9 feet wide. Safety barriers on the route are rare - sobering white crosses, bunches of flowers, and portrait photos are a more common sight on the route.
Despite being called "the Road of Death" it is actually not the most dangerous road in the region - although it was described as "the world's most dangerous road" by the Inter-American Development Bank.
- Built: By Paraguayan Prisoners of War (Chaco War 1932-1935)
A new alternative route (now part of Route 3) has been built. This route actually does include asphalt, bridges, and guardrails. It bypasses the most dangerous sections of the original road, although it is still very much spine-tingling.
Full-Day Tour Of The Road Of Death By Perla De Boliva
If one would like to experience the Road of Death, then consider taking a professional tour of the road. Some tour operators are professional and seek to put safety first.
One mountain biking tour provider called Perla De Bolivia offers a tour with professional guides.
The tour starts at 7.45 am with a pickup from one's hotel - the party then drives to La Cumbre to being the mountain biking descent one-hour drive from La Paz. Visitors mountain bike down the first 22 kilometers of the road - this part is asphalt (aka tarmac). Then there is the police checkpoint where all tourists need to pay a small fee to enter the national park. The real part of the Road of Death starts after the checkpoint.
The tour ends in the town of Yolosa at around 12.00. Everyone is likely feeling a little dirty, so the tour heads to a hotel for showers, a swimming pool, and a buffet lunch.
One will also notice the difference in the climate. While La Paz may be cold as it is at a high altitude, Yolosa is a warm tropical town much lower down. The tour stays at Yolosa until around 4.30 pm before heading back to La Paz using the new (safer) road.
- Age Range: Between 15 and 60 Years Of Age
- Includes: English-Speaking guides
- Bikes: Maintained Every Day
- Season: All Year Round
- Duration: Full Day (7.45 am - 7.30 pm approx)
- Physical Level: Moderate
- Price: $85.00
Perla de Bolivia seeks to put safety first with a safety van following behind the mountain bikers with stops for water, pictures, and bike checks. The guides have years of experience and are first-aid and rope rescue training. They provide advice on the tour and how to cycle down safely.
There are plenty more tours of the famous "Road of Death," before booking with any of them, make sure they follow respectable safety standards.