Are there any special requirements for driving or hiring a car in Bolivia?
It's no coincidence that Bolivia is home to the world's most dangerous road, driving here is not for the faint of heart. Whilst the main cities are similar to much of the rest of South American major cities, a mele of traffic and beeping horns, the real challenges arise when you head out of the city limits. Suitably named, 'Death Road' just outside La Paz in Bolivia is feared by even the locals and it has every reason to intimidate you. The road itself bisects the rain forests and traverses mountain sides, which whilst mud slides are a risk, the main risk to life is from other traffic. The road is used by all manner of vehicles, so don't be alarmed if you see a bus heading your way with only a gravel track to accommodate you both. Indeed, a BBC Top Gear episode was filmed here that had producers and presenters in genuine fear for their lives. Whilst Death Road is to be respected, you can still enjoy much of what Bolivia has to offer from safer routes in around La Paz and Sucre, renting a car here is easy from the international airports on arrival where you'll be pleased to see international car rental agents such as Budget, Europcar and Hertz.
