The World's Most Dangerous Road

Bernard and I signed up to bike down the road from La Cumbre to Coroico on what is affectionately called the world's most dangerous road.  Bernard wanted desperately to do it, but at the same time was incredibly nervous about how he'd cope with the heights. After seeing all the posters and comments from others who have done the trip, I was particularly looking forward to the adventure.

We went with Gravity Assisted Mountain Bikes, the original company doing the trip and has an impeccable safety record. We met everyone early morning in town, drove 45 minutes to the start point, which is 4700m above sea level.  We were kitted out, got used to our bikes, made a blessing to Pachamama (mother earth), then rode for an hour or so down the newer paved section of the road.  The weather was fantastic - the views of the valley were awe inspiring - massive mountains and steep ravines.

After taking a ride in the bus for the short uphill section, we eventually arrive at the old road. We go in single file, riding in the smoother path of the hill which happens to be on the left on the "drop side".  We all pray that we don't come across cars traveling up the road back to La Paz.  We stop often to rest our hands from breaking so much.  The thrill as we bike down this winding bumpy road that at times is as wide as 2m across is pretty intense. I cross myself at least 3 times when I see big crosses on the sides of the road. Bernard's back breaks fail at one point, which sees him lagging behind while the guides change his breaks.  Waiting for him to reach the rest of us scares the living daylights out of me for about 10 minutes. 

But we both arrive safe and sound at our final destination - thrilled that we took the ride.  We spent two nights in Coroico - a beautiful town in the Yungas valley (which forms the edge of the Amazon rainforest). We stay in a lovely cabin just outside the town which have the most outstanding views of the valley. We wonder through town, relax in our hammock, cook an amazing feast which cost $2.20US!!! We chat with some wonderful Argentines and sit by our own campfire.

The next day we buy tickets back to La Paz in a minivan, the quickest and easiest way back. We buy 3 tickets because us gringos take up a bit more space than the tiny locals. The drive up the newer paved road is OK - however our driver insisted on taking "racing lines" and was as often on the wrong side of the road as the right ride!!! I said so many "our fathers" - I am surprised at how the road back to La Paz was just as scary as the bike ride down the more dangerous road.