Bolivia Chuspipata: Highest Via Ferrata & Zipline Adventure

Summary

Chuspipata’s sky-high via ferrata with rappels and local guides

You’ll climb Chuspipata’s legendary via ferrata—the highest in America—with local guides from Sanjuán de la Miel and Villa Ascensión leading you across rappels, rope swings, zip lines, and a swaying bridge. Feel mountain air on your face and laughter in your chest as you share real moments with Bolivian hosts. It stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

I thought I’d be nervous, but stepping out at Chuspipata, the air felt clean—almost sharp—and the mountains just swallowed up any jitters. Our guide, Mario, handed me a helmet and grinned like he knew something I didn’t. The Vertical Route circuit is run by two nearby communities (Sanjuán de la Miel and Villa Ascensión), which somehow made it feel less touristy—more like we were guests than customers. There was this faint smell of eucalyptus and earth after last night’s rain, and I remember thinking: am I really about to rappel off this cliff?

The first step onto the metal rungs sent a jolt through my legs. You’re clipped in everywhere—European safety standards, Mario kept saying—but still, my hands got sweaty gripping the cool steel. We crossed a hanging bridge that swayed more than I’d like to admit. Someone behind me laughed (nervous or excited? maybe both). Rappelling down felt less scary than expected—gravity did most of the work—and then came the zip line. Wind in my face, mountain silence except for that high whine of the pulley… I honestly forgot to be scared.

Lunch was simple but filling—vegetarian option for me—and bottled water tasted weirdly good after all that adrenaline. The guides joked around with us (my Spanish is rough; they were patient), and one even tried to teach me how to say “rope swing” in Aymara. I butchered it completely; everyone cracked up. It’s funny what sticks with you from a day like this—not just the views or the heights, but those little moments with people who live here year-round.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Complete Vertical Route via ferrata circuit

• Arrive at Chuspipata location
• Participate in 2 rappels
• Cross hanging bridge
• Walk steps section
• Use zip line or tyrolese
• Experience rope swing
• Tour managed by local communities

Top questions

How high is the Vertical Route via ferrata in Bolivia?

The Vertical Route in Chuspipata is the highest via ferrata in America and second highest in the world.

Where does the via ferrata circuit take place?

The circuit is located in Chuspipata, part of Coroico municipality, Bolivia.

How many people are needed to book this tour?

A minimum of 4 passengers is required for this activity.

What activities are included on the Vertical Route?

The route includes 2 rappels, steps, a hanging bridge, zip line (Tyrolese), and rope swing.

Who manages this via ferrata experience?

The tour is managed by two local communities: Sanjuán de la Miel and Villa Ascensión.

Is lunch included? Are there vegetarian options?

Yes, lunch is included with a vegetarian option available.

Is transportation provided for this tour?

Private transportation is included for all participants.

What safety equipment is provided?

You’ll get harnesses, helmets, carabiners, pulleys, static/dynamic ropes, and more—all certified to European standards.

Is this suitable for beginners or people with health issues?

The tour suits all fitness levels but isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from your meeting point to Chuspipata and back again; all necessary safety equipment (helmets, harnesses, carabiners, ropes); bottled water; lunch with a vegetarian option; plus guidance from local experts who know every inch of these cliffs.