Death Road Bike Tour Bolivia: Guided Downhill Adventure Coroico

Summary

Bolivia’s Death Road Cycling Experience: From Andes Peaks to Jungle

If you want to say you’ve biked down Bolivia’s infamous Death Road—from icy mountain passes to humid jungle—this guided tour covers every detail: expert guides, safe gear checks, good food, and plenty of stories along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in La Paz is sharp—almost biting—when we pile into the van just after 7:30. You can see your breath as we wind up toward the summit, passing street vendors already setting up for the day. At nearly 3,600 meters, the views of the Cordillera Real are unreal—snow still clings to the peaks even though it’s well past sunrise. Our guide, Marco, checks our bikes and helmets at a little roadside pull-off; he jokes about his “lucky wrench” before handing out hot coca tea that warms my hands instantly.

The first stretch is smooth asphalt, cold wind whipping past as we pick up speed. By Unduavi, my fingers are numb but there’s sweet bread and more tea waiting. The real adventure starts when we hit the dirt road—suddenly you’re surrounded by thick green jungle and the temperature jumps. Waterfalls spill right onto the track; I actually got splashed by one that looked like nothing in photos but felt icy on my face. The drop-offs are no joke here—Marco keeps us spaced out and shouts reminders about braking before tight corners. Somewhere near midday, we stop for snacks under a tangle of vines while parrots screech overhead.

The ride ends at a bridge where it’s almost hot—my shirt sticks to my back and everything smells damp and earthy. There’s time for showers at a small hotel (the water pressure isn’t great but it feels amazing), then a buffet lunch with veggie options and fresh mango juice that tastes way better than anything back home. Some folks lounge by the pool; I just sit in the sun for a bit, legs still buzzing from the ride. Later, we pile back into the van for the drive up to La Paz—the highway feels tame after what we’ve just done.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Death Road Bike Adventure

• Hotel pickup and depart to La Paz summit
• Equipment test and guide briefing
• Bike ride on asphalt to Unduavi town
• Rest and refreshments in Unduavi
• Dirt road descent through Bolivian jungle
• Rest and refresh at noon
• Arrival at bridge, end bike ride
• Transfer to hotel for showers and lunch
• Return to La Paz city

Top questions

Is this bike tour suitable for beginners?

You’ll need some basic biking skills and moderate fitness since parts of Death Road can be tricky. Our guides help everyone feel comfortable and safe throughout.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?

Yes! The buffet lunch includes both vegetarian and vegan options—just let us know your preference when booking.

What should I bring for this Death Road adventure?

Bring layers (it gets cold up top), sunscreen, sunglasses, closed shoes, and maybe a change of clothes for after—you’ll probably get wet from waterfalls or rain.

How do you ensure safety during the ride?

All bikes are checked daily by our team; guides are trained in first aid and rope rescue. We keep group sizes small so everyone gets attention on tricky sections.

What’s included

Your tour includes all bike equipment (checked daily), English-speaking guides trained in first aid and rescue, private transport from La Paz and back, bottled water, snacks along the route, showers at a local hotel after riding, plus a buffet lunch with veggie/vegan options. Just bring your sense of adventure!