Bolivia Death Road: Mountain Bike Tour & Wildlife Lunch

Summary

From icy Andes to jungle heat biking Bolivia’s Death Road

You’ll start high above La Paz with a safety briefing before riding your mountain bike down Bolivia’s Death Road—a wild 40-mile descent through changing landscapes and even waterfalls. Afterward, lunch at an animal sanctuary lets you catch your breath alongside monkeys and parrots before heading back to the city.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was my breath—just hanging there, visible, as we unloaded the bikes at La Cumbre Pass outside La Paz. The air felt thin and sharp at 4,800 meters, and I fumbled with my gloves while our guide, Javier, checked everyone’s helmets and cracked a joke about “gravity doing most of the work.” He was half right. The mountain bikes looked solid—Kona full suspension, way nicer than what I’ve used back home. I remember thinking: am I really about to ride down the world’s most dangerous road? My hands were already sweating inside my gloves.

The first stretch down Death Road was all wind and white noise—the tires humming over gravel, the echo of someone whooping up ahead. The drop-off on one side is just… there. No guardrail. Javier kept signaling us to slow for blind corners or when a truck crawled past (yes, trucks still use this road). At one point we stopped by a waterfall that actually spilled onto the road—you have to ride through it. Cold spray everywhere. Someone tried to take a selfie and nearly dropped their phone into the jungle below. I laughed so hard my goggles fogged up.

By the time we reached the lower sections, everything changed—the air turned warm and thick with that green smell you only get in rainforests. My legs were shaking but not from fear anymore. We rolled into La Senda Verde animal refuge where lunch was waiting (I went for eggs and cheese; they had veggie stuff too). Monkeys watched us eat from behind wire enclosures—one stared like he knew how ridiculous we looked in our mud-splattered gear. The ride back to La Paz felt long but kind of dreamlike; I kept replaying those moments on the bike in my head. Still do sometimes when it’s quiet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mountain bike down Death Road

• Drive to high-altitude pass
• Get Kona bikes and safety gear
• Receive detailed safety briefing
• Ride down the World Famous Death Road
• Stop at waterfalls and have a snack
• Admire Andes scenery during descent

Top questions

How long does the Death Road mountain bike tour take?

The ride itself takes about 4-5 hours downhill, plus transfers and stops—it’s a full day trip from La Paz.

Is lunch included on the Death Road bike tour?

Yes, lunch is included at La Senda Verde Animal Sanctuary after the ride.

What kind of bikes are used for this tour?

You’ll use top-end Kona full suspension mountain bikes maintained by professional mechanics.

Are safety gear and guides provided?

Yes, all safety gear (helmet, pads, jacket) is provided along with professional local guides.

Can beginners join this Death Road tour?

The tour is suitable for beginners with good fitness; guides give a detailed safety briefing beforehand.

What should I bring for the Death Road day trip?

Dress in layers for changing weather; bring sunscreen and maybe a dry shirt for after the ride.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; transport starts from a central meeting point in La Paz.

Are vegetarian or vegan meal options available?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available if you request them at booking.

What’s included

Your day covers transport from La Paz to the high Andes starting point, use of top-end Kona bikes maintained by pros, all safety equipment including helmet and pads, guidance from experienced local guides throughout Bolivia's Death Road route, drinks and snacks during breaks—including a snack stop by a waterfall—and lunch at La Senda Verde Animal Sanctuary with options for meat-eaters or vegetarians. You’ll also get entry to see rescued wildlife before returning to La Paz in the evening (return times vary depending on traffic).