Bolivia’s Death Road
Between 120 and 140 riders a day will bike Bolivia’s infamous Death Road. The North Yungas Road connecting La Paz to Coroico is a highlight on the Gringo Trail, and with a new highway in place, no longer nearly as dangerous as it once was. Spanning 67 kilometres of mostly downhill terrain, thrillseekers peddle inches away from 600m cliffs, over loose rocks and under cold waterfalls. A little risky, entirely memorable, and total bucket list.
Length of Trip : Full day excursion from La Paz. Riding time is 4-5 hours.
Cost : Check the site for the latest prices. I recommend the all-inclusive package, which includes a dual-suspension KONA bike, clothes and goggles, and buffet lunch at a wildlife refuge
Best time to go : May to September. Rainy season is December to March and is not advised.
Wheelchair friendly : No
Family friendly : No
Where to eat : A buffet meal is served after the ride at a wildlife refuge.
In La Paz: Cafe La Terraza - serves the fresh sandwiches, great coffee too, and wireless internet.
Vienna - I walked into this place and thought it would destroy my budget. Super posh, polished, upscale, and yet there isn't a main dish over $15US. Champagne tastes on a beer budget. 1905 Calle Federico Zuazo.
Official Site : https://www.gravitybolivia.com
Where to Stay :
Hostal Naira
La Casona
Stannam Botique Hotels
Getting There :
Riders meet in a coffee shop in downtown La Paz and are bused to the starting point of the ride, and home after the journey.
Gravity's main booking office is located at:
Linares Street # 940
Between Tarija and Sagarnaga Streets, Upstairs.
Phone: (591) 2 - 2310218 / (591) 767 03000
Note from Robin : Although the new highway has made things safer, this is still a serious road. Tourists have been killed primarily because they tried to save a few bucks with one of the unscrupulous operators cashing in on the Death Road phenomenon by providing sub-par bikes (there have never been any fatal accidents with Gravity Assisted, who I strongly recommend for this excursion).
