The narrator, along with their friend Yubert, embark on a journey to ride the infamous "Route of Death" in La Paz, Bolivia. This dangerous road, officially known as "Antiguo Camino a los Yungas," is a 80-kilometer route that ascends from 5,000 meters to about 1,800 meters above sea level. The route was historically one of the only ways to access certain communities in the Yungas region, but today, it's often used for adrenaline-seeking activities like cycling.
The narrator and Yubert start their journey with Mr. Ezra, their driver, who performs a blessing ritual to ensure their safety. They use a professional mountain bike, noting its hydraulic brakes and suspension. Despite the danger, they express excitement and anticipation for the challenge.
The journey begins on a paved road that soon transitions into a dirt road. They pass by small communities and cross the "Devil's Watchman," a narrow and dangerous section of the route. As they continue, they encounter fog, which significantly reduces visibility. They also pass crosses marking past accidents on the route, reminding them of the dangers they face.
Despite the challenges, they successfully complete the journey, having covered a total of 55 kilometers. They express relief and a sense of accomplishment, reflecting on the parallels between the route and life itself, where any mistake can have fatal consequences. They conclude by thanking Yubert for his guidance and expressing hope for future adventures.
1. The "Route of Death" is a dangerous road in La Paz, Bolivia, approximately 80 kilometers long.
2. It takes travelers from 5,000 meters above sea level to around 1,800 meters above sea level.
3. The official name of the route is "Antiguo Camino a los Yungas".
4. The route earned its name due to the high number of accidents and deaths recorded annually.
5. The road is narrow in some parts, with a maximum height of 800 meters.
6. The route was established around the 1930s and was one of the only ways to access certain communities until around 2000.
7. Coffee, coca, and other products were produced in the Yungas communities and the route was used to transport these products to urbanized areas.
8. Today, the route is mostly used for adrenaline purposes and cycling routes, but it is still used to transport people.
9. The tourists planned to tour the route on a bicycle.
10. The tourists were performing a "chala", a type of blessing, before starting the route.
11. The guide for the tour was Yubert, a master of bicycling.
12. The tourists were using a mountain bike for the route.
13. The route starts in a fairly asphalted part before transitioning to a dirt road.
14. The road gets narrower and more dangerous from kilometer 23 onwards.
15. The route passes above the clouds at around 3,400 meters above sea level.
16. The journey can be difficult due to the road material and fog, which can affect visibility.
17. The route is the only one in Bolivia where cars pass on the left side.
18. The tourists encountered small communities and stalls along the route.
19. The route of death has claimed the lives of 200 to 300 people per year due to traffic accidents.
20. The new road, which is much safer and faster, has wider lanes and cement.
21. The tourists successfully completed the route, covering a total of 55 kilometers.
22. The tourists reflected on the dangers and consequences of making mistakes while navigating the route, likening it to life itself.
23. The production team for the tour consisted of Luis, Yubert as the guide, Milenaria Bolivia for logistics, Tivi for photography, and various artists for music.