Dare to ride on the most dangerous road in the world. Make your visit to La Paz an adventure you will never forget. The Death Road Cycle will be the most thrilling journey you have ever taken.
One of the most adrenalinic and fun activities in La Paz is undoubtedly the Death Road. Famous internationally not for its danger but for being located thousands of meters above the sea level. A great number of tourists come every year just to make the journey and be able to find beautiful landscapes of the Andes.
if you are an adventurous tourist who enjoys biking in unique environments, this destination will be the right one. Even if you have no mountain biking experience, there is no much to worry about. Death Road tours are conditioned to attend almost all the public.
Now, If you are looking to visit Bolivia and want to do this tour, there will be somethings you will need to know.
Death Road facts
This road connects the city of La Paz with the region of Los Yungas and is known for how dangerous it was when traveling in vehicles, being the only option that existed to connect the jungle with the city. The Death Road was so dangerous that it had an average of more than 200 accidents and 96 people killed per year, this is why now is considered the most dangerous road in the world.
Although the road can be seen as dangerous, riding the Death Road by bike is going to be a safe experience. Nowadays, many people all over the world come here are just to have fun and get an unforgettable experience.
The best way to know this place is with a tour operator. There are plenty all over the city that offer this tour as a total package. They include a bike, a professional guide, equipment, and more. Note that if you are taking this tour, please consider only certified tour operators.
The Death Road is only available for bicycle and sentry vehicle traffic, so you won’t come across any strange cars that you might bump into.
Tour Itinerary
All tours start from La Paz very early in the morning. The journey begins at “La Cumbre”, the highest point on the road to Coroico (over 4300 m.a.s.l.). The first ride is about 22km (around 1 hour), along an asphalt road. Then there is a road of 8km where the caravan helps you to pass.
Once you arrive at the start point, The fun begins, bikes are taken again, to continue along the Death Road (36 km). Over this ride, you will go down through narrow paths, encountering monumental cliffs and waterfalls. After approximately four hours, the tour ends with a descent to Yolosa, a community near Coroico. After that, it is only a matter of returning to La Paz.
Tips for the journy
In order to make your experience more rewarding, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Check your bicycle once you get it. Make sure that the bike is in good condition, that it is the right size for you, and that the brakes are in optimum condition.
- Don’t take the tour if you feel tired or sick. It is best to spend a few days in La Paz to fully acclimatize.
- Take plenty of water with you, as this is a long journey.
- Wear warm and waterproof clothing, since temperatures are usually low and there is always a risk of rain. Remember that the climate in Bolivia is pretty strong
- Take medicine for altitude sickness if you need it.
- Make sure you have all the necessary equipment, mainly the helmet.
- Always look for the best tour operator, remember that safety will be the most important thing.
- Bring some money to pay the road tax (US$3.25), this must be paid in cash to the communities that maintain the road.
