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Bolivia🇧🇴 | landmarksYungas RoadDownhill bike ride, waterfall crossings, roadside crosses, Coroico | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Yungas Road
👌 Worth visitingunique site ranked #6
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 18, 2026

Gravel spits from under the bus tire, and the outside edge of the road is simply gone. I once rode the mountain bike downhill with my brakes half-pulled, stared at the drop instead of the line, and drifted toward the void. Lesson learned: look where you want to go. Yungas Road, the old route dropping from La Paz toward Coroico in Bolivia, runs northeast of the capital through cloud forest. Crowds are thin, but the downhill bike tours cost real money, roughly US$70 to 150, and the thrill is easy to oversell. Still, waterfalls spraying across the track, orchids in the fog and a 3,500-meter descent make it worth the trip. A first day could mean an early bike ride down, then a hammock in Coroico.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #6 unique site in BoliviaWhat makes this unique site worth visiting

Yungas Road earns its place on a route through Bolivia because the descent itself is the attraction. You start near the cold, thin air of La Paz's high pass and finish in subtropical Coroico, passing through cloud forest, banana groves and coca terraces. Few rides anywhere change climate this fast, and the change is the fun.

The road also links neatly with other stops. Coroico makes a gentle landing after the adrenaline, with cheap hostels, pools and viewpoints. From there you can continue into the Yungas or loop back to the capital. Because the old road now carries little traffic since the bypass opened, cyclists and walkers can finally enjoy it without trucks pushing them toward the edge. That makes it far more approachable for first-timers than its old reputation suggests, though the narrow … read more 👉
Yungas Road earns its place on a route through Bolivia because the descent itself is the attraction. You start near the cold, thin air of La Paz's high pass and finish in subtropical Coroico, passing through cloud forest, banana groves and coca terraces. Few rides anywhere change climate this fast, and the change is the fun.

The road also links neatly with other stops. Coroico makes a gentle landing after the adrenaline, with cheap hostels, pools and viewpoints. From there you can continue into the Yungas or loop back to the capital. Because the old road now carries little traffic since the bypass opened, cyclists and walkers can finally enjoy it without trucks pushing them toward the edge. That makes it far more approachable for first-timers than its old reputation suggests, though the narrow ledges, waterfalls and drop-offs still keep it exciting.

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while visiting Yungas Road

  1. The Death Road descent by bike: The classic way to ride it is a guided downhill from the La Cumbre pass, with the road narrowing to a gravel ledge above a cloud-filled valley.
  2. La Cumbre pass: At about 4,650 meters, this start point has cold wind, wide views and a quick gear check before you drop.
  3. Waterfall crossings: Several streams pour straight over the track, so you ride or walk through spray with a sheer slope beside you.
  4. The roadside crosses and memorials: Markers on the bends recall vehicles that went over, and they explain the road's grim nickname better than any sign.
  5. San Juan and the cloud forest: The lower sections turn lush with ferns, orchids and warm humid air, a dramatic contrast to the barren highlands.
  6. Coroico: The town above the valley has hillside hostels, pools and sunset views,
… read more 👉
  1. The Death Road descent by bike: The classic way to ride it is a guided downhill from the La Cumbre pass, with the road narrowing to a gravel ledge above a cloud-filled valley.
  2. La Cumbre pass: At about 4,650 meters, this start point has cold wind, wide views and a quick gear check before you drop.
  3. Waterfall crossings: Several streams pour straight over the track, so you ride or walk through spray with a sheer slope beside you.
  4. The roadside crosses and memorials: Markers on the bends recall vehicles that went over, and they explain the road's grim nickname better than any sign.
  5. San Juan and the cloud forest: The lower sections turn lush with ferns, orchids and warm humid air, a dramatic contrast to the barren highlands.
  6. Coroico: The town above the valley has hillside hostels, pools and sunset views, and makes a relaxed place to finish.
  7. Hiking the old road: Walking sections lets you hear the valley, spot birds and take photos without a guide setting the pace.
The La Cumbre start and the waterfall crossings combine well in one morning, with Coroico afterward for the afternoon.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Yungas Road

Death Road, Bolivia: Mountain Bike Tour on the World's Most Dangerous Road

Death Road, Bolivia: Mountain Bike Tour on the World's Most Dangerous Road

5.0(1200) 13h 30m
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per personViator
Death Road Biking Bolivia Full day BIke Tour from La Paz

Death Road Biking Bolivia Full day BIke Tour from La Paz

5.0(40)
From €71
per personViator
wonder Bolivia- salt flat

wonder Bolivia- salt flat

3.0(2)
From €52
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

  • Dry Season (May to September): Yungas Road is at its most rideable, with mostly clear mornings and dusty, firm gravel. Daytime temperatures run about 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F) in the highlands and 20 to 28°C (68 to 82°F) near Coroico. Nights at La Cumbre pass drop near freezing. Weekends bring the most bike tour groups.
  • Wet Season (November to March): Rain turns the surface to slick mud and fog often cuts visibility to a few meters. Temperatures stay around 10 to 28°C (50 to 82°F) depending on altitude. Operators cancel some departures, and landslides can close sections.
  • Shoulder Months (April and October): Fewer riders, greener slopes and fair odds of dry weather. Prices stay flat year-round, though last-minute discounts appear in the wet months.
Book a weekday departure in June or July for the clearest views and thinner traffic on the road.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: below average for travelingFEBFebruary: below average for travelingMARMarch: below average for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: below average for traveling
bolivia-unique-site-yungas-road
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🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

Most backpackers sleep in La Paz and ride down on a day tour, which is the easiest and cheapest arrangement. The central streets around Calle Sagárnaga and the Linares area hold the densest cluster of hostels, bike tour offices and cheap cafes, and you can walk to your pickup point in minutes. The Sopocachi district is calmer, with better restaurants and a more local feel, though fewer dorm options. Stay out of the quiet side streets late at night and use radio taxis after dark.
If you want to linger, Coroico at the bottom of the road is the other choice. It sits at about 1,750 meters, so the air … read more 👉
Most backpackers sleep in La Paz and ride down on a day tour, which is the easiest and cheapest arrangement. The central streets around Calle Sagárnaga and the Linares area hold the densest cluster of hostels, bike tour offices and cheap cafes, and you can walk to your pickup point in minutes. The Sopocachi district is calmer, with better restaurants and a more local feel, though fewer dorm options. Stay out of the quiet side streets late at night and use radio taxis after dark.
If you want to linger, Coroico at the bottom of the road is the other choice. It sits at about 1,750 meters, so the air is warm and humid, and the hostels there have pools, hammocks and garden terraces. Travelers tend to stay two or three nights, swapping stories over dinner and hiking to waterfalls and viewpoints. The town is small and relaxed, and it is easy to meet other solo travelers. Many riders finish the descent, sleep in Coroico and return to La Paz by minibus the next day.
Best hostels in Bolivia


Best quality hotels in Bolivia

👛 Costs (as of 18 October 2026)How expensive it really is

A day riding Yungas Road costs about US$83 to 131 for most backpackers, with the guided bike tour making up the bulk of it. The table below breaks that down for one day in high season.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Bike TourUS$60 to 85Includes bike, helmet, guide, lunch and return van to La Paz. Cheaper operators often cut corners on brakes and gear.
Road Entry FeesUS$3 to 5Usually a small area fee collected at the checkpoint and sometimes bundled into the tour price.
Accommodation (high season)US$8 to 15Dorm bed in La Paz or Coroico. Private rooms run US$20 to 35.
FoodUS$6 to 12Set lunch (almuerzo) is around US$2 to 4. Breakfast and dinner at cafes add the rest.
TransportUS$2 to 6Minibus from La Paz to Coroico costs about US$3 to 4. Taxis around town are cheap.
ExtrasUS$4 to 8Photo packages,
… read more 👉
A day riding Yungas Road costs about US$83 to 131 for most backpackers, with the guided bike tour making up the bulk of it. The table below breaks that down for one day in high season.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Bike TourUS$60 to 85Includes bike, helmet, guide, lunch and return van to La Paz. Cheaper operators often cut corners on brakes and gear.
Road Entry FeesUS$3 to 5Usually a small area fee collected at the checkpoint and sometimes bundled into the tour price.
Accommodation (high season)US$8 to 15Dorm bed in La Paz or Coroico. Private rooms run US$20 to 35.
FoodUS$6 to 12Set lunch (almuerzo) is around US$2 to 4. Breakfast and dinner at cafes add the rest.
TransportUS$2 to 6Minibus from La Paz to Coroico costs about US$3 to 4. Taxis around town are cheap.
ExtrasUS$4 to 8Photo packages, tips for guides and snacks. Pay in bolivianos where possible.
Total Daily BudgetUS$83 to 131Around US$100 is realistic with a mid-priced tour.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Yungas Road, also called the North Yungas Road or Camino de la Muerte, is a narrow mountain route linking La Paz with Coroico. It drops from about 4,650 meters at La Cumbre pass to roughly 1,200 meters over some 64 kilometers. It was once notorious for fatal accidents, and since a newer highway opened, it mostly serves cyclists and local traffic. Many travelers ride it on a guided downhill bike tour.
Yungas Road takes one full day for a guided bike descent, usually 7 to 9 hours including the transfer from La Paz. The ride itself covers about 64 kilometers of mostly downhill gravel and takes 3 to 5 hours with stops. If you want to enjoy Coroico, add one or two nights. Tours typically leave La Paz by about 7 or 8 a.m. and return in the evening.
Yungas Road starts at La Cumbre pass, about 40 minutes to an hour by road from central La Paz, and most people reach it on an organized bike tour that includes transport, costing about US$60 to 85. Independent travelers can take a taxi to La Cumbre for roughly US$15 to 25 or a minibus from the Villa Fátima area toward Coroico. Minibuses to Coroico take about 3 to 4 hours and cost around US$3 to 4. Most buses now use the newer highway, so confirm the driver takes the old road if you want it.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Bolivian landmarks near Yungas Road

Explore more nearby:

  • Valle de la Luna—Clay needles, short loop, cactus slopes, Mallasa| 49 km away
  • Tiwanaku—Gate of the Sun, Puma Punku blocks, Kalasasaya platform, stone heads| 101 km away
  • Lago Poopó—Dry lakebed, stranded boats, Uru fishing hamlets, altiplano flamingos| 294 km away

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We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on visiting Yungas Road

Yungas Road suits thrill-seekers who still want a safety net, and slower travelers who enjoy views from a guided ride or walk. I would book a reputable operator with good brakes and helmets, and skip the cheapest tour. Bring a rain layer for the waterfalls.

✈️ When did I visit Bolivia?
Bolivia I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Bolivia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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