Hey hello people, and welcome back to a new travel blog from the Andes!

Today, we’re diving into the amazing Death Road, a must-do experience in La Paz (at least according to me 😉and a lot of travelers out there too!). I’ll try to explain everything in detail so you can decide if this adventure is for you or not. Also, in this week’s podcast, we’re talking to one of the most experienced guides, who has done this route over 2,000 times, can you even imagine?

He’s a pro and shares his best tips and inspiration about the tour → LISTEN HERE!

But before we head out onto this amazing road, let’s start with our weekly Café update:

As I’ve mentioned before, June is an amazing time to visit La Paz and Bolivia, beautiful weather and so many things happening! Just this past week, we celebrated the Aymara New Year, a truly traditional and spiritual experience. I hope you joined us at Travel del Mundo for the sunrise rituals!

We also celebrated San Juan, the coldest night of the year, with hot dogs, warm drinks, and great music. Two completely different celebrations, but both showing the real La Paz and the real Bolivia.

And if you weren’t around, no worries, subscribe to our newsletter to still enjoy some of the cool discounts happening all month long! *here

Now, back to the Death Road and this wild adventure. Let’s go!

Death Road, Bolivia’s wildest adventure (or is it?)

When travelers arrive in La Paz, many have one thing in mind, the famous Death Road. Some are super excited, others a bit unsure if it’s really for them. This might be the Bolivia adventure we get asked about the most: How dangerous is it? Is it worth it? Do I need a lot of biking experience! It’s known as one of the world’s most dangerous roads, but also as an unforgettable biking adventure through breathtaking landscapes.

So... should you go or not? Let’s clear up what this experience is really about.

What is Death Road, Actually?

Death Road connects La Paz with the tropical Yungas and used to be one of the most dangerous roads in the world. Steep cliffs, narrow paths, and no barriers made it scary in the past, but today it’s mostly used for biking adventures. The ride starts high in the cold mountains and winds down into warm, green jungle! If you enjoy adventure and want to bike through incredible nature, Death Road is for you. It’s not a race, but you should feel comfortable on a bike and okay with heights. In most places, the road is actually wide enough for two cars to meet, even if it’s a bit tight, so it’s not as terrifying as some might imagine. Still, if you really hate biking or feel very nervous on narrow paths, it might not be for you, and that’s totally okay. Today, everything is well organized with experienced guides, so for most travelers, it feels safe and fun.

🔎 Choose your company wisely
First of all, when choosing a company for Death Road, always check reviews and make sure safety comes first. There are many operators in La Paz, but not all are the same. At Café del Mundo, we work closely with Gravity Bolivia, they’ve been running this tour for years and always put safety as their highest priority. They use top-quality bikes, have very experienced guides, and take care of every detail to make you feel safe and comfortable.

What to Expect from the Day (with Gravity as Example)

From Sunrise to Bonfires: The Night of San Juan

San Juan is very different from the Aymara New Year, but it also carries deep meaning.
It falls just after the winter solstice, when the cold hits its peak and the nights feel endless. Traditionally, Bolivians lit bonfires to “burn away the cold” and to symbolically cleanse the home and spirit. People would gather in neighborhoods, share food, play music, and jump over the flames to bring luck.

These days, big fires are no longer allowed in cities like La Paz due to air pollution laws, but the spirit of San Juan is still alive. Instead of fire, people now turn to fireworks, warm drinks, parties, and music. It’s a night to celebrate, connect, and enjoy life during the heart of winter.

You’ll find events in bars and cafés, families staying in with hot chocolate and canelita, or some friends gathering around backyard grills or small legal fire pits. You might even hear fireworks echoing across the hills of the city.

Don't forget to check our travelzine this week to see what is going on in the city!

What to Expect from the Day (with Gravity as Example)

🚐 Drive to the starting point: La Cumbre
Once everything is ready, you leave the city and head up to La Cumbre (about 4,700 meters above sea level). It’s cold, sometimes misty, and feels like you’re on top of the world.

🔎 Choose your company wisely
First of all, when choosing a company for Death Road, always check reviews and make sure safety comes first. There are many operators in La Paz, but not all are the same. At Café del Mundo, we work closely with Gravity Bolivia, they’ve been running this tour for years and always put safety as their highest priority. They use top-quality bikes, have very experienced guides, and take care of every detail to make you feel safe and comfortable.

🌄 Early start with breakfast & briefing
You start early in the morning with a filling breakfast at Café del Mundo, together with your guides and the rest of the group. This is where everything begins, good food, good vibes, and a full safety briefing where you get to know the rute, the guides, and what the day will look like.

🚴‍♂️ Time to ride!
From there, the real adventure begins. The ride is mostly downhill and takes several hours, but there’s no rushing. It’s all about enjoying the moment, soaking in the views, and taking it at your own pace. There are many stops for photos, snacks, and to regroup.
👉 One small uphill part: Don’t worry, there is a short uphill section, but most people jump back in the minibus here. You don’t need to be super fit to enjoy this tour.

🔎 Choose your company wisely
First of all, when choosing a company for Death Road, always check reviews and make sure safety comes first. There are many operators in La Paz, but not all are the same. At Café del Mundo, we work closely with Gravity Bolivia, they’ve been running this tour for years and always put safety as their highest priority. They use top-quality bikes, have very experienced guides, and take care of every detail to make you feel safe and comfortable.

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🌴 Coroico – From Adventure to Chill Paradise

If you have time, why not stay? Coroico welcomes you with warm air, green mountains, waterfalls, and cozy places to relax. After the adrenaline from Death Road, this small town feels like the perfect reward. 👉 Want to know more? Check out our full blog post about [Coroico here].

🚴 Final Thoughts – Should You Do It?

When people ask me if they should do Death Road, I always say: if you know how to bike and aren’t completely terrified of heights, you definitely should. It’s not really about adrenaline, it’s one of the most scenic rides in the world, and during my years as a tour guide across South America, it was always a traveler's favorite, right up there with places like Machu Picchu, Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu falls!

But always do the adventure with respect, for the road, for your own limits, for your group members, and of course, always listen to your guides. Do that, and baam, you’ll have the ride of your life :)

Got more travel questions or biking doubts? Feel free to message us at Travel del Mundo on WhatsApp! And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for extra cool deals on your next adventure.

See you around in La Paz and remember, you’re always welcome at Café del Mundo for good food, travel meetups, or just to get your questions answered.

Your adventure starts here. 🌍