Departs every day at 06:30 from central La Paz (we confirm the meeting point when you book). Back between 19:00 and 19:30.
The Death Road, the old Yungas highway, is ridden downhill by bike from La Cumbre, at 4,700 m, to about 1,180 m, over 62 km. The first 20 km are asphalt and the remaining 42 are dirt, with waterfalls, photo stops and an optional zipline. The tour takes the whole day, leaves La Paz at 06:30 and includes breakfast, lunch, a bike, full cycling gear, a bilingual guide, showers and a pool. The price depends on the bike: from USD 61. You can also do the route by vehicle, without a bike, for USD 47.
Highlights
- Almost 3,500 m of descent. You start at La Cumbre, at 4,700 m, and finish at about 1,180 m: from the cold of the altiplano to the warmth of the Yungas.
- 62 km downhill. 20 km of asphalt to find your rhythm and 42 km of dirt road, with waterfalls and rest stops.
- Full gear. Full-face helmet, windproof jacket and pants, gloves, knee and elbow pads.
- Four options. Three bikes with hydraulic brakes and suspension, or the route by vehicle.
- Lunch, showers and pool. The descent ends at a hotel with a campsite and a pool, before the return to La Paz.
Choose your bike
Full suspension, hydraulic brakes, 26-inch wheels, 2018 model. The cheapest option, meant for riders with some previous experience.
Front suspension and hydraulic brakes, 26-inch wheels. The one we recommend for a more comfortable descent.
Full suspension, hydraulic brakes, 26-inch wheels, 2020 model. Recommended for people taller than 1.85 m.
The same route and the same stops, by vehicle. Includes everything in the tour except the bike.
Prices per person, in US dollars. If you need it, we arrange a safe taxi from your accommodation to the meeting point; the price depends on the distance.
What does the itinerary look like?
- 06:30 · Meeting point and breakfastLocal breakfast at a cafe in central La Paz.
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After breakfast we hand you the cycling gear in your size and the bike you chose. Everything is ready before 07:00.
- 07:00 · Transfer to La Cumbre (4,700 m)About one hour by vehicle.
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La Cumbre is the highest point of the route. Before you set off, the guide explains how to handle the bike and how to brake on a descent.
- Descent of 62 km down to 1,180 mThe first 20 km are asphalt; the remaining 42 are dirt.
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There are several stops to rest and take photos, and waterfalls along the way. On the route you can try the zipline, an optional activity run by the local community that you decide on the same day.
- Lunch, showers and poolAt a hotel with a campsite at the end of the descent.
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Bring a swimsuit and a towel. You can shower and rest by the pool before the return.
- Return to La PazAbout 3 hours on the paved road.
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You arrive between 19:00 and 19:30. If you are taking a bus to Uyuni, tell us and we drop you near the terminal. Everyone else is dropped in the city center.
What is included in this tour?
Included
- Tourist transport
- Bilingual guide
- Professional mountain bike (not applicable to the vehicle-only option)
- Full cycling gear: full-face helmet, windproof jacket and pants, gloves, knee and elbow pads
- Breakfast and lunch
- Snacks and unlimited water
- Showers and pool
- Photos and videos
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Death Road entrance fee: Bs 50 (paid on site, in cash)
- Optional zipline: Bs 80
- Drinks at the hotel
- Tips
What do you need to know before booking?
Effort and safety
It is a descent, but it demands constant attention: dirt sections, curves and other cyclists. Follow the guide on pace and stops. If you have never ridden a mountain bike, choose the most comfortable bike or the vehicle option.
- Clothing. It is cold at La Cumbre and hot at the bottom. Bring layers.
- Swimsuit and towel. For the hotel pool.
- Cash. For the entrance fee, the zipline and tips.
Acclimatization
La Cumbre is at 4,700 m. If you have just arrived in La Paz, wait at least 24 hours before doing this tour. The details are in our guide to altitude sickness.
Altitude and health
This tour starts at 4,700 m and drops to 1,180 m. It is not recommended in case of pregnancy, heart or respiratory disease, uncontrolled hypertension, significant vertigo or knee or back injuries. We advise you to stay well hydrated, avoid alcohol on the first day and check with your doctor before booking. If symptoms of altitude sickness appear, the guide may decide to descend, for your safety.
Insurance
The price does not include travel insurance. Take out a policy that covers mountain biking and medical assistance.
Before you book: payment, cancellation and the unexpected
Payment and booking
When you book, you pay 30% of the total: 15% as a booking payment (arras, non-refundable) and 15% as a deposit. Then a second deposit of 20% 30 days before departure and the remaining 50% 7 days before departure. If you book 15 days or less before departure, you pay 100% of the total when you book and it is non-refundable. If a payment does not arrive by its due date, the booking is cancelled automatically. You can pay in foreign currency with Libélula, RedEnlace and Revolut, or by bank card, QR code or bank transfer; the payment provider may charge transaction fees.
Cancellation and date changes
More than 45 days before departure: 100% of the deposit (15%) is refunded, less bank fees for the money transfer; the booking payment (arras) is not refunded. From 45 to 31 days: 50% of the deposit is retained, which corresponds to the pre-payment of lodging, transfers or others. From 30 to 8 days: 100% of what you paid is retained. From 7 days to 24 hours: everything you paid is retained. Less than 24 hours, and in case of a no-show: the full price is due. Date change: possible depending on the availability of the company and of our providers, with a new quote; sums already paid to providers are not refundable and must be paid again. If Terra Alta cancels or postpones the trip, you choose a new date at no extra cost or a refund of what you paid, except costs already paid to providers that cannot be recovered.
Prices
Prices are in US dollars per person, based on a group of 6 people, in a shared departure.
Blockades, closed roads and weather
A flooded salt flat (roughly December to April) is not a reason to cancel: the tour goes ahead with an itinerary adapted by the guide, with the mirror effect, and Incahuasi island may not be reachable; no refund is due for the visits that change. If a dangerous external event (a storm, heavy snowfall or another natural event) or social unrest or a blockade requires it, Terra Alta may modify, postpone or cancel the trip to protect travellers; what applies is what is provided for a cancellation by Terra Alta.
Tips and expenses
Tips are not included and are voluntary. Entrance fees listed in bolivianos are approximate and may change; they are paid on site, in cash.
Insurance
Terra Alta does not include travel insurance. If you wish, we recommend taking out a policy with medical assistance and repatriation from high altitude.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Death Road bike tour?
The whole day: you leave at 06:30 and are back in La Paz between 19:00 and 19:30. The descent is 62 km, with stops, lunch and pool time, and the drive back takes about 3 hours.
How much does it cost?
From USD 61 with the Cube bike, USD 75 with the Specialized and USD 88 with the Kona. Without a bike, by vehicle only, it costs USD 47. The entrance fee (Bs 50) and the optional zipline (Bs 80) are paid separately, in cash.
Do I need experience?
You do not need to be a cyclist, but you do need to pay attention. The guide explains how to handle the bike before you start and sets the pace. If you have not ridden a mountain bike before, choose the most comfortable one.
Can I do it without a bike?
Yes. The route by vehicle costs USD 47 and includes everything in the tour except the bike.
What should I bring?
Layers of clothing, a swimsuit, a towel, sunscreen and cash for the entrance fee, the zipline and tips. We provide the cycling gear.
Guides to prepare your trip: La Paz: history, altitude and two capitals · altitude sickness: symptoms and prevention
From USD 61 / person
To round out La Paz, see La Paz in a day: city, cable car and Moon Valley. La Paz in a Day
