Cable Cars

Prior to the arrival of Bolivia’s cable car system, commuting to and from La Paz had been a hassle – rickety collectivos (minibuses) were overfull and slowed down by zigzag roads and traffic. For a high-altitude city like this, it simply makes sense to take public transport up in the air, far away from the traffic-clogged routes of ground-level. And that’s just what the Bolivian powers did. Forward-thinking Bolivian President, Evo Morales, found an admirably environmentally-friendly and innovative solution to help ease traffic and pollution on La Paz’s congested roads.

La Paz is now served by three cable car lines, which connect 11 stations, using almost six miles of cable as well as 74 towers. This makes Mi Teléferico (the name of the cable car line) the longest in the world. And it’s not just the longest either, it’s also the highest, with the airborne carriages connecting lofty La Paz with its even loftier twin city, El Alto.

While commuters are understandably delighted by the arrival of Mi Teléferico, visitors too have benefitted from the sky-high transport system. The views of the built-up urban slope backed by the surrounding white-capped Andean peaks is fabulous. For travelers who can handle their heights, a cable car ride is a must-do during your exclusive tour of Bolivia.