Also known as the North Yungas Road or the Old Road, this route was
once the perilous road that vehicles traveling from the lowlands near Coroico to the high altitude area of La Paz had to travel.
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Dubbed
'Death Road' following a survey in the 1990s, the number of vehicles on
the road has dropped significantly, making the option to ride the road
on a mountain bike more appealing, but it certainly still has its
dangers.
With no fences on the left hand side of the road as you
travel downwards, and perilously steep drops, this is certainly not a
route for the fainthearted but it is one that does give a stunning view
as you travel down into the lush forest of the lower lying Bolivian countryside.
Safety Statistics
The
number of deaths on the road has dropped significantly since the
opening of the South Yungas road which now takes the majority of the
vehicle traffic, but there are still a significant number of deaths that
happen on Death Road every year.
An estimate in 2006 suggested that up to 300 people die each year on
the route and in 2010, there had been 18 verified cycling fatalities on
Death Road, which means it is vital to be careful as you ride.
Riding on the Left Hand Side of the Road
Throughout
the rest of the country, Bolivians will drive on the right hand side of
the road, but for those driving and riding on this road it is
compulsory to ride on the left, although in many areas you can spread
out across the road where there is less traffic.
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The reason for
this is that it means those heading downhill will always give way to
those coming uphill, making the journey much safer for all concerned.
Passing Other Cars and Vehicles on the Road
If
you were to drive on the right hand side of the road on the way down,
you would find that the passenger side of the vehicle was furthest out,
which certainly doesn't help when things get narrow and you can't see
the side closest to the cliff too well. You will have to pass on the
outside, but make sure you give yourself enough space and don't try to
pass any vehicles at speed. A slow pace is your friend in these
situations.
Ride at a Pace You Are Comfortable With
While
some people may be happy enough careering down this road at pace, it
definitely isn't for everyone, and it is far more important that you
reach the lowlands in one piece. It is worth discussing this with the
company you will be riding with beforehand, to check that there is more
than one guide to ensure that you won't get left behind unaccompanied.
The Importance of Safety Equipment and Your Bike
Good
sturdy brakes and a well maintained bike will help you to survive in a
pinch, and especially when the trail gets muddy you want a good brand of
bike to be beneath you as you ride the Death Road. While it can be
tempting to go for the cheapest option, those companies that give you
all the right kit will be worth the small extra premium.
Make Sure You Are Mentally Ready for the Trip
Riding
on Death Road is at times an experience that will not only get your
adrenaline racing, but it can have a real element of fear as you look
down over cliffs with a fall of up to six hundred feet to the valley
floor below. While it is natural to get butterflies when looking over
such a drop, if heights are a real problem for you, this is not the
cycling trip for you.
Discuss the Trip with Your Guide Before Starting the Route
Getting a good guide is vital to help you make the most out of this wonderful day of downhill riding in Bolivia,
and having a guide and a tour company that you are comfortable with and
that has your confidence will make a big difference. The best guides
won't emphasize traveling at pace, but will have their focus on safety
as well as the wonderful experience you can enjoy as you ride. It is
also worth checking to make sure your guides are first aid trained and
have the right equipment for the journey.
