1Barracuda Biking Company
We gather at 7:30 AM to commence our unparalleled journey. We will board our private transportation heading towards La Cumbre, situated at 4700m. Upon arrival, you'll receive all your gear, including helmets, gloves, knee and elbow pads, pants, and jackets, along with our premium Kona Full Suspension bikes featuring hydraulic disc brakes. Our bicycles are meticulously maintained after each ride, and with over 100 bikes available, we ensure you'll be equipped with a serviced bike suitable for your height. Additionally, the brakes will be configured to your preference, accommodating different country standards for front and rear brake placement to prevent any accidental engagement.
Our guides possess an average of 10 years of experience navigating this remarkable road. They will provide comprehensive instructions before we begin, focusing on your safety and comfort during the descent. Following our safety induction, we will start the ride. The initial 24km are on paved road, offering a perfect opportunity to familiarize yourself with the bike and brakes, and to pick up speed if you feel adventurous. The stunning Andes mountains will reveal their splendor as we traverse this spectacular valley, with brief stops for photos and for guides to explain upcoming sections. We will eventually reach Unduavi, where all riders are required to pay a road tax. Here, we will load our bikes and undertake a significant ascent via bus.
The bus will take us to the summit of the old road, famously known as Death Road. Your guides will conduct a thorough safety briefing and inspect all bicycles. The stark, snow-capped mountains we passed earlier will be far behind us, replaced by the incredible cloud forest environment. We will literally begin our ride above the clouds, descending through them and emerging into the lush jungle.
The final 40km of our ride are truly out of this world. We will navigate a spectacular road carved into the side of the Andes, passing by waterfalls, rivers, and small communities, descending continuously into the steaming jungle. The valley views are breathtaking, and the adrenaline rush combined with pure enjoyment is unparalleled. We will make several stops along the way to admire the scenery and for crucial safety briefings. This ensures you are aware of any challenging corners or tricky sections before encountering them, and allows guides to answer questions, share jokes, and impart fascinating historical details about the road. We will pause twice for refreshing snacks, with unlimited water provided throughout the ride.
Our journey concludes at our jungle refuge, where a delicious buffet awaits, along with a refreshing dip in the pool and time to relax. Hot showers, soap, shampoo, and towels are also available. After unwinding and celebrating our incredible ride, we will board the bus for the 3.5-hour return trip to La Paz, where we will be dropped off near your respective hotels.
Many travelers describe this as the highlight of their South American trip. Ensure you experience it safely with a reputable company dedicated to providing an unforgettable adventure.