La Paz Death Road Bike Tour: Full Suspension & Pool Lunch

Summary

Bike Bolivia’s wild Death Road with local guides and a poolside lunch

You’ll feel your heart race as you bike Bolivia’s famous Death Road from high Andes to lush Amazon edge with expert guides. Expect mountain chills, local banter, snacks along wild cliffs, plus hotel pickup and a swim before a buffet lunch at journey’s end. That last view will stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is how thin the air felt at the top. We’d just stepped out of the van near La Paz, and our guide—Miguel—handed me a helmet and checked my bike one more time. He grinned when he saw my hands shaking a bit. “Everyone does,” he said. I could smell eucalyptus in the cold wind and see clouds snagged on the mountains. The group was quiet until Miguel cracked a joke about his first time riding here (he said he almost forgot to breathe, which didn’t help my nerves much).

We started pedaling down what they call Death Road—yeah, that name isn’t just for show. It’s this narrow ribbon clinging to cliffs, dropping from 4,200 meters all the way down toward the Bolivian Amazon. The gravel crunched under my tires, and I kept blinking because sometimes sunlight would break through mist so suddenly it felt like someone flicked on a lamp. At one point, I caught myself laughing out loud—half nerves, half joy—when Miguel pointed out parrots overhead and yelled something in Spanish I still don’t understand.

There were stops for water and snacks (I think I ate four bananas? Lost count), and we had to register at this checkpoint where locals waved us through with these slow nods. My legs were jelly by then but honestly, I didn’t care anymore about being tired or muddy. The last stretch was warmer—the air got thick and smelled like wet earth—and when we finally rolled into this little hotel at the bottom, everyone just sort of flopped onto chairs or straight into the pool. Lunch was this buffet thing; I barely tasted it because I was still buzzing from the ride.

I keep thinking about that switchback where you can see all the way down into green haze—if you go quiet for a second you can hear water dripping somewhere far below. Not sure if I’d do it again (my mom would kill me), but there’s nothing else quite like that feeling of dropping out of cold mountain air into jungle heat in just a few hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bike down Death Road with safety

• Start at the meeting point
• Receive instructions and equipment
• Register at paved road checkpoint
• Bike down the road for 4-5 hours
• Shower and relax at hotel pool
• Enjoy buffet lunch

Top questions

How long is the Death Road bike tour from La Paz?

The ride covers about 64 km (40 miles) over 4–5 hours from 4,200m down to 1,200m altitude.

Is hotel pickup included in this Death Road tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for selected hotels in La Paz.

Do they provide bikes and safety gear?

Yes, you get a full suspension bike sized for you plus all safety equipment.

Is lunch included after biking Death Road?

A buffet lunch is included at a hotel at the end of the ride.

Are guides English-speaking and trained for safety?

Yes, guides speak English and are trained in safety and rescue procedures.

What happens if I want to travel onward after Coroico?

The guides can help arrange taxis or buses if you’re heading to Rurrenabaque after Coroico.

Is there an age or weight limit for this tour?

The minimum age is 18 years old; maximum weight is 208 pounds (94 kg).

Are showers available after finishing Death Road?

Yes, showers are available at the hotel where lunch is served after your ride.

What’s included

Your day includes select hotel pickup in La Paz, transport up to the starting point in the Andes mountains, all safety equipment plus a full suspension bike fitted for you, English-speaking local guides trained in rescue procedures, snacks and water during stops along Death Road itself, photos and videos taken throughout by your guide team (so you don’t have to worry about your phone), registration fees at checkpoints along the route, showers and time to relax or swim at a small hotel near Coroico at journey’s end—and finally a hearty buffet lunch before heading back or onward if you’re continuing your travels.