Abseiling with Urban Rush Bolivia – Sky-high in La Paz!
If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful and enchanting city of La Paz, then you’ll find there’s a lot more here to keep you captivated than the magnificent colonial buildings, Mercado de Brujas (Witch Market) and a myriad cultural attraction and museums. La Paz is a thriving hub for adrenaline fuelled adventure sports, one of the best being the Kiwi-owned and managed, Urban Rush Bolivia.
Not only are you already in the highest administrative capital in the world, at 3650 metres above sea level, but you can climb an extra 50 metres higher to the 17th floor of the 5 star Hotel Presidente and abseil / rappel down the side of it! In true Mission Impossible style, you can walk and jump 25 metres down the side of city’s most desirable hotel, before free-falling the final 25 metres to the landing site – all in front of a crowd of stunned and bemused onlookers going about their daily business on the bustling streets below!
Training for the big leap!
For only 150 Bolivianos ($22USD), the experienced and supportive staff will teach you how to safely walk down the side of the building, complete with superhero costume of your choice. We opted for a Spiderman and Ninja Turtle combo!
Step out onto the edge. No choice, you have to look down!
Starting on the training wall, you will receive full instruction and practice, before clipping into the three-line safety system and stepping up onto the edge to face the 50 metre drop and try to distract yourself with one of the most breath-taking views of the city and the surrounding Altiplano Mountain Range which encircles the whole city.
When you’re ready, lower yourself into position and begin your ‘walk’ down the vertical wall towards the ground below. When you reach the halfway point, release the rope, open your arms and watch the ground rush towards you as you free-fall, caught at the last minute by the multiple-brake safety system! This is an adrenaline rush you’ll never forget and is not to be missed.
A huge thanks to Andee, Roy and Juma from Urban Rush Bolivia!