"Death Road"
Bolivia

Death Road was infamous for being the most dangerous road in the world back when it was used as a connecting "highway". In 1983 it hosted the worst bus crash in history, when the vehicle rolled off the road underneath a waterfall, and at least 100 people were killed: you can see a bus in the ravine today, (image below); I am not sure if this is the same bus. These days, traffic takes an alternative route that was finished a few decades ago. Now the old Death Road is famous for day trip cyclists looking for a thrill. But the steep and scenic road is bordered by mountain forest, and is actually great for birding!

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Today, cyclists do day trips going down the road. The local guides run a very strict and safe operation, although accidents can still happen with those that are not used to riding bikes!

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Being Bolivia, there are amazing views all along the road, and they change as you decrease in altitude.

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I drove my rental 4WDrive car along the narrow road from the top entrance. I was accompanied by guide Thalia from Jucumari Lodge who pointed out and named all the birds. Some I have seen, many I have not. Those I had seen before, I had mostly forgotten, so it was like new! and it was great to get updated pics and catch new behaviours...

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There are of course hummingbirds to be enjoyed..

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And some more obscure species of birds, such as...

And of my favourite groups, the colourful and odd looking Fruit-eaters....

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As with many sites in the Neotropical cloud forest, there are lots of stunning Tanagers to be photographed! Species seen on Death Road include:

While not all Tanagers are brightly coloured, they are still at least unique-looking, such as the:

While exploring Death Road, you can stay at Jucumari Lodge.

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