Overview
Known as one of the most thrilling cycling routes in the world, the Death Road (Yungas Road) in Bolivia offers an adrenaline-pumping descent through breathtaking mountain scenery. This route takes riders from the high-altitude plains near La Paz down to the lush Amazon basin, transitioning from icy peaks to tropical forests.
While the name sounds intimidating, the route is now a popular adventure for cyclists and significantly safer than its history suggests, thanks to modern precautions.
Highlights
- La Cumbre Pass: Start at 15,260 feet (4,650 m) above sea level with views of snow-capped peaks.
- Rainforest Descent: Cycle through waterfalls and mist-shrouded cliffs as you descend into the jungle.
- Coroico: End your journey in this charming village, surrounded by lush greenery and coffee farms.
- Biodiversity: Experience a dramatic shift in ecosystems from high-altitude tundra to tropical rainforest.
Distance
~40 miles (64 km)
Best Time to Go
May to October, during Bolivia’s dry season, when conditions are safer and visibility is better.