For adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers, there’s a road somewhere in South America that has long terrified – and still does – mountain biking enthusiasts due to its dreadful safety record. So notorious was this route that it earned the nickname “El camino de la Muerte”… or the “Death Road”.
Where is it and what exactly is it?
Officially known as the Yungas Road, this is a winding, narrow route located in Bolivia. Built in 1930 by prisoners, its original purpose was to connect the city of La Paz (3,600 metres) with Coroico (1,500 metres) by first climbing gradually to the summit of La Cumbre pass at 4,650 metres altitude before plunging more than 3,000 metres down to Coroico on the edge of the Amazon rainforest. All of this in just 64 kilometres…
Why this nickname?
A 3,000-metre drop over 64 kilometres gives you some idea of just how steep the gradient is !
Furthermore, winding and narrow (sometimes less than 3 metres wide), the road originally had no safety barriers or guardrails for the vehicles using it. Add to this the fog and heavy rains that regularly battered the route, plus mud and rockfalls, and it’s hardly surprising that it quickly became known as the world’s most dangerous road.
Because there were deaths, lots of them. Right up until the early 2000s, it was estimated that 200 to 300 people were killed there each year, as evidenced by the staggering number of crosses that line the route.
It must be said that the road, one of the few connecting the cordillera to the Bolivian Amazon, was heavily used by cars, buses and lorries… and even, from a certain point onwards, tourists seeking thrills.
A tourist route
With its reputation, but also this exceptional setting where spectacular landscapes, lush tropical forests and magnificent mountain panoramas blend together, the Yungas quickly became a popular destination for travellers. Some even began, as early as the 1980s-90s, to cycle down it… again with sometimes fatal consequences, as around twenty cyclist deaths have been recorded over the past twenty-five years.
A new road since 2006
After countless accidents and with time, the Bolivian authorities eventually decided to improve the road. And so, after more than twenty years of development work, a new section was built, bypassing the area considered most dangerous for vehicles but adding about fifteen kilometres to the journey. Greater safety therefore, even though in recent years there were still around a hundred accidents and several dozen deaths annually.
Cycling down the road today
The experience is still possible and even though the road has been modified since 2006, cyclists can still use the old section. This is actually why agencies offering the trip are numerous in La Paz, renting out quality equipment and materials (generally speaking, at least) to tackle the descent before taking those who wish back up by bus afterwards. All of this, depending on options, costs between 50 and 100 US dollars with thrills guaranteed…
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.
