Bolivia · Americas
Yungas Road (Death Road)
The infamous "Death Road" from La Paz to Coroico. Once considered the world's most dangerous road, descending 3,300m through cloud forest.
- Length
- 64.0 km
- Avg gradient
- 5.2%
- Max gradient
- 10%
- Elevation gain
- 3,300 m
- Summit
- 4,650 m
- Hairpins
- 30
Versants
- From La Cumbre to Coroico — 64.0 km at 5.2% (max 10%)
History
The Yungas Road between La Paz and Coroico is infamous as 'the Death Road' — a narrow, single-lane drop into a cloud forest with minimal guardrails and a history of fatal accidents. The road descends 3,300 m from the 4,650 m La Cumbre pass to the subtropical Coroico valley, a descent so steep and exposed that downhill mountain bikers have made it famous.
The traditional cycling experience is downhill-only — riders are shuttled to the top and ride down, since climbing a road this steep would be nearly impossible for most. The descent is 64 km and includes sections where the road is barely wide enough for two vehicles, with unguarded drops of hundreds of meters.
The road is no longer the primary route between La Paz and Coroico — a modern highway exists — which means the Yungas Road is now used primarily by adventure cyclists seeking thrills and tourists. The reputation is partly justified by the narrow sections and exposed drops, though modern safety improvements have reduced some of the historic danger.