Death Road (North Yungas Road)
The world's most dangerous road
The North Yungas Road earned its ‘Death Road’ nickname through decades of claiming lives on its narrow, unpaved ledges carved into the Cordillera Oriental mountainsides. Dropping 11,800 feet from La Paz’s altiplano down through cloud forest to the tropical Yungas region and Coroico, this 43-mile route features single-lane sections with 2,000-foot vertical drops, no guardrails, frequent fog, and waterfalls cascading across the track. Wooden crosses mark accident sites where buses and trucks tumbled into the abyss.
Difficult to Expert depending on conditions – wet weather makes the clay surface treacherous, and oncoming traffic on blind curves adds serious risk. High-clearance 4WD essential, experienced mountain driving skills required. Dry season (May-October) offers better visibility and traction. Most traffic now uses the newer paved highway, leaving this route primarily to adventure tourists and locals. What you get is an adrenaline-charged descent through dramatic elevation zones from alpine to tropical, plus bragging rights for surviving Bolivia’s most infamous road.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | High Altitude, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 43 mi / 69 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 15748 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | La Paz, Bolivia |
| Land manager | Bolivian National Road Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
What kind of vehicle do I absolutely need for Death Road?
High-clearance 4WD is mandatory - the narrow dirt ledges, steep grades, and loose surface will destroy anything less capable. Most locals use sturdy trucks or Land Cruisers.
When is Death Road actually passable and safe to drive?
May through October during dry season only. Wet season brings landslides, fog, and muddy conditions that make the already deadly road completely impassable.
Do I need permits or pay fees to drive Death Road?
No special permits required - it's a public road managed by Bolivian National Road Service. Just your passport and nerves.
What's the most dangerous section I need to prepare for?
The entire 43-mile stretch is treacherous, but the steepest descents with 2000-foot drops and no guardrails demand constant focus. One mistake means you're gone.
Is there any cell service if something goes wrong on Death Road?
Cell service is spotty at best throughout the route. Bring satellite communication device and travel with others - this isn't a trail to attempt solo.