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North Yungas Road — Bolivia — Adventure
South America

North Yungas Road

Bolivia

In short: North Yungas Road is a 60 km adventure road trip in Bolivia, typically driven over 4-6 hours, best in May-October. Highlights: La Paz, El Alto, Chuspipata.

Distance
60 km
Duration
4-6 hours
Best Season
May-October
LegendaryExtreme4WD onlyAdventure

Bolivia’s North Yungas Road drops from the high Andes near La Paz into the humid Yungas valleys on a dramatic, tightly winding descent. Expect cliffside curves, changing weather, and sweeping mountain-to-jungle scenery on a historic route once notorious for its extreme exposure.

Practical notes
This is one of Bolivia’s most hazardous roads, with steep drop-offs, narrow sections, and frequent fog or rain. Drive only in daylight and avoid the route during heavy rain; many travelers now do it as a guided downhill cycle or by local transfer rather than self-driving.
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Stops along the route

La Paz — Departure — North Yungas Road — Bolivia
Departure
La Paz
High-altitude start point with bustling streets and Andean views. The descent begins on the edge of the city.
Hotels
El Alto — City — North Yungas Road — Bolivia
City
El Alto
Windy plateau city above La Paz with big sky views. Road access tightens as the route drops away.
Hotels
Yolosa — City — North Yungas Road — Bolivia
City
Yolosa
Small tropical settlement at the bottom of the old route. A lively stop before the final climb into Coroico.
Hotels
Coroico — Arrival — North Yungas Road — Bolivia
Arrival
Coroico
Hill town with warm weather, coffee, and jungle views. It is the classic finish for the North Yungas descent.
Hotels

Things to Do

Landmark
Chuspipata
A mountain checkpoint where the road narrows and curves. Fog and rain often make this stretch feel dramatic.
Unduavi — Nature — North Yungas Road — Bolivia
Nature
Unduavi
A damp valley bend with steep green slopes and rushing water nearby. The air turns warmer as the road descends.
Landmark
Cocacolero Viewpoint
Famous roadside sign and photo stop near the jungle edge. It marks the transition from mountain cliffs to lush valley.
Death Road Downhill Bike Tour — cycling — North Yungas Road — Bolivia
cycling
Death Road Downhill Bike Tour
A guided downhill ride is the classic way to experience the route safely. It follows the dramatic descent with support vehicles.
La Cumbre Pass — landmark — North Yungas Road — Bolivia
landmark
La Cumbre Pass
High mountain starting area with cold air and wide views. It is the dramatic launching point before the plunge into the Yungas.
Coroico Viewpoint — viewpoint — North Yungas Road — Bolivia
viewpoint
Coroico Viewpoint
Look out over green valleys and layered hills above Coroico. It is one of the best places to appreciate the route's transition to jungle.
Yungas Road Scenic Drive — scenic drive — North Yungas Road — Bolivia
scenic drive
Yungas Road Scenic Drive
Drive or ride the old road in daylight with a local operator. The switchbacks, cliffs, and changing climate define the experience.

Where to Eat

Rodizio La Paz — Bolivian, grill — North Yungas Road — Bolivia
Bolivian, grill
Rodizio La Paz
Good for a hearty meal before or after the drive in La Paz. Expect filling grilled plates and city-center convenience.
Cafe del Sol — cafe, international — North Yungas Road — Bolivia
cafe, international
Cafe del Sol
A popular La Paz stop for breakfast, coffee, or a light lunch. Handy for travelers setting out early on the route.
Alexander Coffee — cafe, bakery — North Yungas Road — Bolivia
cafe, bakery
Alexander Coffee
Reliable coffee and baked items in La Paz. A practical stop for snacks before the descent.
Pizzeria La Senda — pizza, casual — North Yungas Road — Bolivia
pizza, casual
Pizzeria La Senda
Casual meal option in Coroico with easygoing mountain-town vibes. Good for refueling after the drive or bike ride.

Explore related routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the North Yungas Road drive?

The North Yungas Road covers 60 km from start to finish.

How long does the North Yungas Road take to drive?

Most travellers spend 4-6 hours on the North Yungas Road, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the North Yungas Road?

The recommended season for the North Yungas Road is May-October.

Where does the North Yungas Road start and end?

The North Yungas Road runs from La Paz to Coroico.

What are the main stops on the North Yungas Road?

The North Yungas Road passes through La Paz, El Alto, Chuspipata.

How difficult is the North Yungas Road to drive?

The North Yungas Road is rated extreme and is best handled with 4wd only.

Do I need a 4WD for the North Yungas Road?

Yes — the North Yungas Road includes off-road or rough sections that require 4wd only.

Is the North Yungas Road safe to drive?

This is one of Bolivia’s most hazardous roads, with steep drop-offs, narrow sections, and frequent fog or rain. Drive only in daylight and avoid the route during heavy rain; many travelers now do it as a guided downhill cycle or by local transfer rather than self-driving.

What scenic tier is the North Yungas Road?

The North Yungas Road is a legendary drive — The world's most extraordinary drives — once-in-a-lifetime road trips with cinematic scenery, legendary roads, and unmatched cultural depth.