Teleferic Death Road

Arriving in La Paz, we had somehow moved forward 50 years in time. To be soaring over city dwellings and between sky scrapers felt like we were in a science fiction film.

To normally pay tourist prices to experience such incredible views of a city, we thrilled ourselves in spending hours riding the La Paz Teleferico's for only a couple Australian Dollars.

A genuine surreal feeling that we loved thoroughly, particularly the Teleferico App that gave us updates on each line and where we could go.

Down amongst the city we could feel its hustle. Thousands of van's rushing locals around the city.

Our accommodation allowed us to cook each night and we spoiled ourselves with lasagne, curry and a carrot cake.

An early birthday present for Ian, we paid for a mountain bike ride of the famous 'Death Road'. Not wanting to skimp on costs we gladly paid a little extra for a more reputable tour company.

Meeting at 7:30am, ten adventurers, two guides and one bus driver took the 90 minute journey North into the Andes. Reaching an altitude of 4,700 metres, we drove a little further before commencing in order to avoid the snow and ice on the road.

Kitted up in protective gear we gave an offering to Pachamama, pouring a little 80% alcohol onto the ground, our bikes and then a swig each.
A short practice and a briefing on safety, we took off along the paved road before turning off and commencing our gravel Death Road adventure.

Unfortunately for one of our companions, she fell on the first corner and hurt her wrist badly. She spent the remainder of the journey nursing her injury on the bus following us down. A warning for us all to take it easy.

Winding through tight bends, bracing over rocks, slowing through loose gravel, speeding under waterfalls and hugging the cliff at damaged areas we made sure to pause momentarily to appreciate the surroundings.
A thrill mountain bike riding, the landscape opening up as clouds cleared was spectacular. Riding downhill over 3,000 metres provided a dramatic change in climate and delayering of clothes.

At each crucial interval we would pause as a group and receive another safety briefing on the upcoming stretch of road. Particular danger spots and what to look out for.
We were all very conscious of the dangers, as we all knew the news that only two weeks prior a New Zealander had lost his life falling off the edge of a corner.

We all grew with confidence however, as we felt more comfortable with our bikes and the control of speed going down. Fun was had in a few sections peddling through large streams or down steep eroded areas.

Jamie made sure to keep Ian's ego in check. Never telling him the conversation the group was having while he was still riding. Questions were asked about his previous mountain biking experience and that, 'Surely he is a professional?'

The guides even questioned at one stage if it was okay that through the most dangerous section, Ian rode with only one hand on the bike, the other holding his GoPro high to capture a good video.

Reaching the bottom of our ride, our arms and hands were a little tired, though our energy was still up as we had done very little peddling. This was resolved with a final 500 metre ascent to our final resting spot. A restaurant with a pool was waiting, after a steep climb for one more kilometre.

Puffing and exhilirated we dropped the bikes and fell into a pool, a beer was brought to us and we shook our heads in disbelief at the journey we had just taken. Six hours of riding descent through breathtaking wilderness. What an adventure.

Despite its risks, we would encourage every cyclist to put this on their bucket list. An amazing thrill in an incredible part of the world.

With one day left in La Paz, we chose to spend it riding more of the Teleferico lines. This time taking it all the way out to Calacoto. From here we caught one of the small vans to Valle de la Luna. A unique geographic area with spires of hardened clay. It returned memories of Bryce Canyon, on a smaller scale. We enjoyed walking through the valley admiring the landscape. A treat, so close to the city.

After four days in La Paz, we felt we had experienced so much. A remarkable city with areas of poverty and trash, and yet inspirational constructions of a public transport system using cable cars across the city.

We caught only one glimpse of Illumini when the clouds broke, the rest of the time it lay hidden in the distance.

And despite our accommodation being so close to the infamous, 'worlds most dangerous prison' San Pedro. we never felt concerned for our safety. Despite us taking photos from the front and walking around it each day.

Thank you La Paz, you are amazing.