La Cumbre Pass marks the beginning of the Death Road journey at a lung-crushing 4,650 meters elevation. This windswept pass offers the last glimpse of the Altiplano before dropping into cloud forest. A small shrine and viewpoint area provides space to prepare mentally for the descent ahead. Weather changes rapidly here — clear morning skies can turn to snow squalls within minutes.
The pass is accessible year-round but conditions vary dramatically by season. During wet months (November-March), fog and rain make the upper sections treacherous. No services here — fuel up in La Paz before starting. The viewpoint gets crowded with tour groups, especially mountain bikers beginning their Death Road descent.
Death Road's high-altitude starting point
Place Details
| Type | Point of Interest |
|---|---|
| Street address | Calle Puente Villa, La Paz, La Paz, Bolivia Get directions → |
| Elevation (ft) | 15256 ft |
| Nearest town | La Paz, La Paz Department |
| Miles from pavement | 0 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Best season | May-October |
| Land manager | Bolivian government |
| Permit required | No |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |