Ruta de los Yungas – La Paz to Coroico
Altiplano to cloud forest without the death circus
While the world-famous Death Road gets the headlines, the new Ruta de los Yungas from La Paz to Coroico offers equally dramatic scenery without the tourist buses. This paved-to-gravel route drops 3,000 meters from the windswept altiplano through La Cumbre pass into the lush Yungas cloud forests, passing Unduavi and threading narrow valleys carved by the Rio Coroico. The contrast is severe – barren highlands give way to coca terraces and tropical vegetation as you descend into a different climate zone entirely.
Moderate difficulty due to altitude, weather changes, and some rough gravel sections beyond Unduavi. Any vehicle works, but 4×4 helps in wet season (December-March) when clouds roll in and visibility drops to meters. The route stays open year-round, though morning departures beat afternoon fog. No permits needed, fuel available in Coroico. What you get is one of South America’s most dramatic elevation changes and a glimpse into Bolivia’s coca-growing heartland without the Death Road circus.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 62 mi / 100 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 13450 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | 2WD adequate, 4WD preferred |
| Nearest town | La Paz, La Paz |
| Land manager | Bolivian National Roads |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a 2WD truck or SUV handle this route, or do I need 4WD?
2WD is adequate on the new paved/improved road in dry conditions, but 4WD with decent ground clearance is genuinely preferred — the cloud forest sections get slick, and if you detour onto the old Death Road dirt sections at all, you'll want it.
What's the worst time of year to attempt this and why?
October through April is the wet season; the descent into the yungas turns greasy and fog can kill visibility on the switchbacks entirely. Stick to May–September for predictable conditions and the views you came for.
Are there permits or fees to drive this route?
No permits required for the new paved road — it's a public national highway managed by Bolivian National Roads. If you venture onto the old Death Road section, there's a small checkpoint fee, typically a few USD, paid on-site.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The switchback descent below La Cumbre pass (around 4,100m) is the most demanding stretch — steep, tight corners, and frequent truck and bus traffic coming the other way on a road that isn't wide. Take it slow, hug your side, and don't let the scenery pull your eyes off oncoming vehicles.
How far out do I need to fuel up before starting, and is there gas along the route?
Fill up in La Paz before you leave — fuel is available and cheaper there. There are small stations in Coroico at the end, but nothing reliable mid-route, so don't count on anything between the two towns for the full 100km run.
Trail track
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