Puenting: Bridge Swinging in La Paz

The die-hard extreme sports enthusiast might think that Bolivia’s options are limited to mountain climbing icy peaks and biking down the World’s Most Dangerous Road, but there are other, even more uncommon options for the most intrepid of travelers….

For the crazy ones among us who are looking to fly, there are four major locations known for bridge swinging: Mossel Bay in South Africa, La Paz in Bolivia, Sabie in South Africa, and Aberfeldy in Scotland. The La Paz location is in El Palomar, about an hour from La Paz.

If you’re going to throw yourself over a bridge in Bolivia, it would be wise to have insurance, and luckily there are options for international travelers with a love of extreme sports. Risk aside, that fall followed by back and forth rocking takes your childhood love of swinging to exhilarating new levels.

Groups leave southern La Paz daily and head by car to the area known as El Palomar, about an hour outside of the city. After a lesson and demonstration, it will be your turn to take the jump, leaping into the open air with only an elasticized rope attached at chest level.

Certified safety equipment and a first-aid kit will be provided, but the aforementioned and highly recommended insurance is up to you. If you have a sense of adventure and would like to try something new in La Paz, perhaps this is the choice for you. Just ask yourself- do you want to keep your feet on the ground, or do you want to fly?