For those who like the thrill of heights, there is no better way to experience it than a high swinging cable car ride.
Here is a list of the best cable car rides in the world.
1. Zacatecas, Mexico
Swinging high above the streets and cruising above the rooftops, this cable ride is the most exciting trip you could have. It is unconventional in the sense that most cable rides are in scenic landscapes overlooking green fields and hilly terrains. But this one is unique as it is a ferry from a busy part of the city right to the other end, alighting at Cerro de la Bufa.
2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Perched high up above the Guanabara Bay on the Urca Hill, this cable ride takes you to the peak of Sugarloaf mountain to get a glimpse of the famous “Christ the Redeemer” statue, the city and the beaches below and if you are lucky, the splendid sunset.
3. Merida, Venezula
This cable ride has the distinction of being the longest and highest in the world. It is a one hour long ride that takes you atop the Pico Espejo, across the Andes. There are four stops in the interim where you can alight and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Andes. The final peak gives you breathtaking views of the Pico Bolivar.
4. The Peak Tram, Hong Kong
This is a tram that rises above the Victoria Peak, designed to give you the amazing experience of buildings leaning over you. It gives a spectacular view of the city and once you alight at the top you can enjoy shopping, dining and strolling in the park.
5. Genting Skyway, Malaysia
This one is rated as the fastest cable cars of the world and the longest in Southeast Asia. It takes you to the Genting Highlands Resort located at a height of 6650 feet that is replete with theme parks, hotels, casinos and shops.
6. Gulmarg Gondola, India
Located in the Himalayas, this cable car overlooks meadows of the flowering valley down below. Enjoying the exotic views of the sloping pine trees you can reach Mount Apharwat and also get rare view of the K2 peak. Winter time is great for skiing on these slopes.
7. Picos de Europa National Park, Spain
This ride carries you above the wooded valleys of the Picos. When you get off at the top of the peak there is a viewpoint called Aliva that gives you spectacular views of the mountains. It is also a great place to take up a hiking trip.
8. Grindelwald-Männlichen Cableway, Switzerland
This cableway links the Grindelwald-Grund village with the Mannlinchen in the Swiss Alps. It displays mountains such as Janfrau and Eiger in all its grandeur.
9. Table Mountain Cableway, South Africa
With a 360 degree view under your toes, you could not ask for more when riding on this cable car. Riding 3,500 feet above the sea level to the table top summit is a once in a lifetime event. The summit makes for an excellent picnic location. Sunrise and sunset are the most important events of this trip, which you must not miss.
10. Powell-Hyde Line, California
This is the simplest cable car ride and lasts only a few minutes up the steep Russian hill which ends at the Fisherman’s Wharf. But it is something that one cannot miss while on a trip to San Francisco.
