La Paz: Death Road Biking Tour with Snacks & Lunch

Summary

Bolivia’s Death Road bike descent wild scenery local guides snacks included

You’ll ride Bolivia’s legendary Death Road from chilly La Paz down into lush jungle valleys with expert guides leading every turn. Expect hot drinks at rest stops, snacks along the way, and a proper lunch plus time to unwind by the pool before heading back—a day that’ll stick with you long after your legs stop shaking.

What’s the experience like?

Hands shaking a little as I zipped up the jacket they gave me at the top of La Paz—honestly, didn’t expect it to be that cold. Our guide, Diego, was already grinning and passing out helmets before I’d even finished my coffee. He kept switching between Spanish and English so everyone could follow along (I tried some Spanish but mostly just got polite smiles). The air up there is thin and sharp—smelled faintly of diesel from the minivan mixed with eucalyptus. We checked our bikes right on the edge of this huge drop-off, clouds rolling around us like we were standing in someone else’s dream.

The first stretch was smooth asphalt but my fingers went numb anyway. Diego shouted something about “¡Vamos!” and we all pushed off, tires humming over wet road. By the time we hit Unduavi for a snack break (they handed out these sweet breads and hot tea), I could feel my nerves settling. The real part—the actual Death Road biking tour—starts after that. Dirt track, sudden waterfalls splashing your legs, jungle smells getting stronger as you drop lower. There’s this moment when you look left and realize there’s just… nothing between you and that green abyss except a few rocks. I remember one of the Bolivian guys in our group started singing quietly—maybe to distract himself? It worked for me.

I lost track of time somewhere between dodging potholes and laughing at how muddy we all got. We finally rolled into this warm valley by a bridge—1,200 meters down from where we started—and I swear my legs felt like jelly but in a good way. They drove us to a nearby hotel (Dos Rios), where showers never felt so good. Lunch was buffet style—rice, chicken stew, some salad I still can’t name—and then we just sat by the pool for a while listening to birds and not saying much at all. That silence after so much adrenaline is its own kind of memory, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Death Road biking adventure in Bolivia

• 07:00 hotel pick up
• Travel to La Paz summit
• 09:00 equipment test and briefing
• Start biking on asphalt road
• Rest and refreshments in Unduavi
• 10:30 begin dirt road descent
• Pass streams and waterfalls
• Rest and refresh at noon
• 13:45 arrive at bridge end point
• Transfer to Dos Rios hotel
• Lunch and free time at hotel
• 16:30 return to La Paz

Top questions

How long does the Death Road biking tour take?

The tour lasts a full day, starting around 7:00 am from La Paz and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included on the Death Road bike tour?

Yes, lunch is included at Dos Rios hotel after finishing the ride.

What should I bring for the Death Road tour?

You should bring an extra change of clothes and shoes, swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Are guides provided on this biking tour?

Yes, professional bilingual guides lead the group throughout the day.

Is hotel pickup included in La Paz?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in La Paz is included in the tour.

What equipment is provided for biking Death Road?

You get a mountain bike plus helmet, gloves, knee pads, protective clothing—all included.

Do I need travel insurance for this tour?

No insurance is provided; it’s recommended you arrange your own travel insurance before joining.

Are entrance fees covered on this tour?

No; you’ll need to pay 50 bolivianos separately at Unduavi checkpoint.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning pickup from your hotel in La Paz, all mountain biking gear (helmet, gloves, jacket), three snack breaks with drinks along the route plus bottled water whenever you need it. After finishing your descent on Bolivia's famous Death Road biking tour you'll get transport to Dos Rios hotel for showers and towels before enjoying a buffet lunch by the pool—and then transfer back to La Paz as evening falls.