In an era of accelerating climate challenges, cities around the world are rethinking the way people move through urban space. From congestion to emissions to unequal access, mobility has become one of the most pressing issues in modern urban planning. One district leading this shift is Miraflores, in Lima, Peru. Widely known for its tourism infrastructure and iconic surf beaches like Makaha, Waikiki, and La Pampilla, Miraflores is now advancing a bold new vision of coastal accessibility and sustainable urban mobility.
At the heart of this transformation is the Vaivén Cable Car, a state-of-the-art electric transport system developed by Zigzag under a private investment model. The project exemplifies how green infrastructure can simultaneously address climate action, urban inequality, and tourism development.
The Mobility Gap
For decades, the steep coastal cliffs of Miraflores have posed a challenge for connectivity. Despite its vibrant beach culture, most of the lower coastal areas remained relatively disconnected from the city center, accessible primarily by car or taxi. This meant increased traffic congestion, time loss, emissions, and high transport costs for both residents and visitors. Limited security and underdeveloped recreational infrastructure have further discouraged frequent use of these spaces.
The Vaivén Cable Car directly addresses this gap. Connecting Parque Domodossola (upper Miraflores) with Playa Redondo (lower coast), the system covers approximately 310 meters in under three minutes. With two cabins holding up to 15 passengers each and running 20 hours a day, the cable car can transport up to 6,000 passengers daily. More than a convenience, this is a reconfiguration of urban logic: making the sea reachable, inclusive, and integrated.
Climate-Conscious Technology
Powered by Doppelmayr, a global leader in cable car systems, and fueled with renewable energy via NOVUM Solar, the Vaivén is 100% electric. It is designed for universal accessibility, with capacity for surfboards, bicycles, wheelchairs, strollers, and pets. This ensures a low-emission solution that encourages non-motorized mobility, aligning with Peru’s climate targets and Lima’s broader urban sustainability goals.
Other global cities have taken similar approaches. Medellín, Colombia, transformed hillside barrios with its pioneering Metrocable system, reducing travel time and connecting marginalized neighborhoods with the city’s metro network. In La Paz, Bolivia, the Mi Teleférico cable car network has become the backbone of urban mobility, running entirely on electric power and dramatically improving commute times while reducing air pollution. These systems demonstrate that aerial transport is not only a solution for difficult topographies but also a model for inclusive, sustainable urban integration.
Urban Revitalization and Coastal Vision
The implementation of Vaivén also includes the revitalization of surrounding public spaces, with enhanced lighting, landscaping, and safety measures. These improvements are expected to activate underused areas, attract cultural and recreational initiatives, and provide a safer, more dynamic environment for residents and tourists.
By opening direct, low-carbon access to the coast, Miraflores is unlocking a vision for Lima’s future: a coastline that is no longer fragmented or exclusive, but vibrant, connected, and resilient. The Vaivén sets a precedent that could inspire similar projects in neighboring districts like San Isidro, Magdalena, and San Miguel—each of which faces comparable challenges in cliffside access and coastal revitalization.
Conceptual design of the Vaivén cable car in Miraflores, integrating modern infrastructure, universal accessibility, and sustainable public spaces facing the Pacific Ocean
A Blueprint for Cities in Peru
The significance of the Vaivén Cable Car goes way beyond the Miraflores district, lies in its technical innovation and in the broader paradigm it supports: that climate action, economic boost and urban equity can be pursued through infrastructure. As cities across Latin America grapple with the dual pressures of urban growth and environmental limits, when operational, the Vaivén will offer a scalable, replicable model for other cities and tourism destinations in the country.
With its integration of mobility, sustainability, and leisure, the Vaivén cable car can be should be perceived by authorities at national and regional level, as a symbol of transition for a city that aspires to positively influence the experience and quality of life of both residents and visitors alike.
This article was written by Yves Hemelryck from the Green Initiative team
