Camino de la Muerte (Road of Death)

Today we did the Death Road near La Paz. Its a 63 kms mountain bike ride down the world's most dangerous road, also known as the Road of Death.

Originally built in the 1930ies by prisoners from Bolivia's war with Paraguay, this narrow and winding road descends from the heights of La Paz ("La Cumbre" located at 4650 meters above sea level) to the forest region known as the Yungas at around 1200 meters above sea level.

Before a new, safer road was built for use by vehicles, more than 200 people died each year on this “Camino de la Muerte” (Road of Death). Due to the steep descent, sharp turns and unasphalted road, the ride isn’t for the faint of heart and riders must constantly keep their eyes on the very narrow road which in some parts is only 3 meters wide. Most of the 80 kilometers long ride is downhill.

Surrounded by mountainous terrain and terrifying precipices, this winding road runs among stunning scenery and the landscape changes from high snow-capped mountains to rainforest right before you eyes. It is gorgeous, and on a bike, its a pure adrenaline rush for 8 hours continuously.Read more