Carretera de la Muerte (Death Road)
South America's most notorious cliff-hanger
The North Yungas Road drops from the altiplano at La Cumbre down through cloud forest to the jungle town of Coroico, clinging to cliff faces with no guardrails and barely room for one vehicle. Built by Paraguayan prisoners in the 1930s, this single-lane dirt shelf earned its deadly reputation from the 200-300 deaths per year before the new highway opened — white crosses still mark where buses and trucks went over the edge. The worst section runs from Unduavi to Yolosa, where fog reduces visibility to meters and opposing traffic means backing up to the nearest passing spot.
This is moderate-level driving that kills through complacency and poor decisions rather than technical difficulty. Any sturdy vehicle can handle the road itself, but the consequences of mistakes are fatal — there’s often 1,000+ foot drops with no margin for error. Dry season (May-October) offers the best visibility, though afternoon fog still rolls in. Hire a local driver if you’re not comfortable with extreme exposure, and remember that downhill traffic yields to uphill. Survive it and you’ve conquered South America’s most notorious road.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 43 mi / 69 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 15260 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle with good brakes |
| Nearest town | La Paz, Bolivia |
| Land manager | Bolivian Ministry of Public Works |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Do I really need 4WD for Death Road or can my rental car handle it?
Any vehicle can technically drive it, but you absolutely need excellent brakes and nerves of steel. Most rental companies prohibit taking their vehicles on this road.
Is Death Road safe to drive during rainy season?
No, avoid November through April when fog, rain, and mudslides make the already dangerous road deadly. May through October offers the clearest conditions.
Do I need permits or pay fees to drive the Death Road?
No permits required, but there's a small toll booth fee (around 15 bolivianos). Some tour operators may handle this if you're on a guided trip.
What's the scariest part of the entire route?
The narrow single-lane sections with 2,000-foot drop-offs and no guardrails, especially around the halfway point where the road is barely wider than your vehicle.
Should I worry about altitude sickness starting from La Paz?
Yes, you start at over 15,000 feet, so spend a day or two in La Paz to acclimate before attempting this drive. Keep altitude sickness meds handy.