In 1995 the Inter-American Development Bank named the North Yungas Road (also know as the Death Road) — an approximate 64k long road between La Paz, Bolivia’s capital and Coroico, in the Amazon region — the “world’s most dangerous road.”

It’s estimated that 200-300 travellers were killed yearly along the road, which has crosses marking many of the spots were vehicles have fallen over the side.  At the end of 2006, after 20 years of construction, a new, considerably safer road from La Paz to Coroico was finally finished and opened to the public, resulting in a marked decrease in use of the original North Yungas Road by travellers.

However and although still used by vehicles, an increasing number of insane adventurers now bike it for thrills (some web site).

Yeeeee haaaaaaaaa.  That’s me… Awesome. Awesome. Awesome.

Yeah I did the death road, it was a fantastic and exhilarating 4–5 hour experience.  I almost went overboard a few times (seriously) but I survived!  It was a close one, it must be the spirits of the dead, what gets to you along this trail.  Luckily for me the trip ended up at Hotel Esmeralda, Coroico. Cold beer and a spectacular view of the snow capped mountains which lye behind the death road.

I would highly recommend it to anybody trying to top the buzz of a skydive.

Shit, what next?

I’m second behind our crazy guide!!!

The capital of the department of Potosi in Bolivia, the highest city in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site all rolled into one – need we say any more – an absolute must visit!

At 4,090m it literally takes your breath away just walking the streets.  Founded in 1546 as a mining town (mainly silver), it produced fabulous wealth, becoming one of the largest and richest cities in the Americas and the world with a population exceeding 200,000. As the silver depleted so too did its wealth.  Although the mines still operate today, there is little else on offer other than its 400 year-old architecture and history. 

There was a mine tour on offer which most tourists visit.  You get the opportunity to purchase and blow up some dynamite for around one US dollar – it seemed to be the highlight for most visitors.  60m underground for 4–5 hours seemed a little too claustrophobic for us and instead we walked around taking photos.

A really great pit stop for a couple of days, albeit a little tiring.

UNESCO World Heritage Site #36