The North Yungas Road earned its nickname when it was the only route from La Paz to the Amazon-edge Yungas and landslides and sheer drops claimed many lives. A paved bypass opened in 2007, and the old gravel route is now used mainly by local traffic and by cyclists. A guided ride starts at La Cumbre, around 4,650 meters, and runs about 64 kilometers down to Coroico at roughly 1,200 meters, a drop of about 3,450 meters. The first stretch is paved and the lower section is a gravel track of roughly 32 kilometers through cloud forest, waterfalls and warm valleys. Bike, helmet, protective gear and a support vehicle are provided by reputable operators, and the day usually ends with lunch and a shower at a hotel in Coroico before the drive back.
What a day looks like: pickup comes early from your hotel, with a drive of about ninety minutes up to La Cumbre, where you are fitted with bikes and gear and given a safety briefing. You freewheel the paved section first, then switch to the gravel road, with stops for photos at waterfalls and viewpoints, and finish at a lodge for lunch and a swim before returning to La Paz in the evening. You will be cold at the top and hot at the bottom, so layers are essential.
Safety comes first. The road is far safer than its old reputation but accidents still happen, usually through speed, poor equipment or cheap operators. Choose a company with well-maintained full-suspension bikes, full-face helmets, guides who ride with the group and a support vehicle, and read recent reviews. Ride at your own pace, keep to the side the guides recommend, and do not race. Rain and fog make the gravel treacherous, and the dry season from May to October is generally considered the safer and clearer window. The wet season begins around November, so confirm the road and weather conditions with the operator on the day.
Who it suits: reasonably fit travelers with some bike confidence, comfortable with heights and unpaved surfaces. It is not recommended if you are unwell with altitude. Bring sunscreen, a change of clothes and a small amount of cash, and consider booking a day or two after you arrive to acclimatize. Prices vary widely between operators, and the cheapest options often cut corners on equipment and safety.
What to expect
The experience
A guided downhill bike ride from La Cumbre pass to Coroico with gear, a support vehicle, lunch and a shower included by most operators.
Best time
The dry months from May to October for clearer, safer conditions; in the wet season expect rain, mud and fog.
How long
About thirteen hours door to door, with roughly four to five hours on the bike.
Tips
Pick an operator with full-suspension bikes and full-face helmets, wear layers, ride at your own pace and pass on the optional extras that tempt you to go faster.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adventurous travelers who want the most famous activity in La Paz.
- Families
- Operators set minimum ages and fitness levels; most are not suitable for young children.
- Couples
- A great shared challenge, ending with lunch and a pool in the warm Yungas.
- Pair with
- A quieter cable car and Witches Market day after the early start, and the Lake Titicaca trip.
- Time needed
- A full day with an early start.
Good questions
Is the Death Road still dangerous?+
A bypass opened in 2007, so it is mainly local and tourist traffic now. Accidents still happen, mostly from speed and poor equipment, so choose a reputable operator and ride carefully.
How long is the ride?+
It is about 64 kilometers from La Cumbre to Coroico, with a descent of roughly 3,450 meters. Around 22 kilometers are paved and 32 kilometers gravel.
When is the best time to do it?+
The dry season from May to October is the usual recommendation. In early November the wet season is starting, so ask your operator about the current road conditions.
What is included?+
Most reputable operators include bikes, helmet, protective gear, guides, a support vehicle, lunch and a shower. Check the listing for your exact tour.
Do I need cycling experience?+
You do not need to be an expert, but you should be comfortable braking on gravel and on steep sections. Tell the guides your level and ride at your own pace.
