La Rinconada, located in Peru’s Puno region, is the highest inhabited city globally, situated at altitudes of 5,000 to 5,300 meters. The city has around 12,600 residents primarily involved in gold mining, facing severe health and environmental challenges due to altitude. Other high-altitude cities in Peru include Cerro de Pasco and Junin, among others.
Peru is known for its impressive geographical features, including the world’s highest inhabited city, La Rinconada, which is situated between 5,000 to 5,300 meters above sea level in the Puno region. This city is part of the Ananea district and contributes to over 10,000 residents living high in the Andes. The area is characterized by its rugged terrain and a harsh alpine climate.
La Rinconada’s average annual temperature is 1.3°C, experiencing frigid nights and slightly warmer days, along with high average precipitation of 707 millimeters. Winters are particularly cold and dry, while summers can be humid with snow. The extreme altitude complicates habitation, as oxygen levels are significantly reduced, leading to health issues such as Monge’s disease.
Founded in the 1990s, La Rinconada has approximately 12,600 inhabitants who predominantly engage in artisanal gold mining on the Ananea Grande mountain. Population estimates have fluctuated with gold prices, peaking near 30,000 due to rising prices from 2001 to 2009, but declining thereafter amidst price drops.
The health conditions in La Rinconada are concerning, as chronic altitude sickness and lack of basic services prevail. Additionally, mining pollution poses further risks to the residents’ health and life expectancy. Alongside La Rinconada, other high-altitude cities in Peru include Cerro de Pasco at 4,380 meters and Junin at 4,105 meters, with populations of 66,860 and around 10,000, respectively.
Several more high-altitude cities are present in Peru, such as Yauri (3,976 m), Yanaoca (3,913 m), Ayaviri (3,907 m), and Lampa (3,878 m). Other notable mentions include Ilave (3,862 m), Azangaro (3,859 m), Juli (3,850 m), Yunguyo (3,847 m), Juliaca (3,824 m), and Puno (3,810 m). These cities contribute to Peru’s unique highland culture and economy.
La Rinconada holds the title of the world’s highest inhabited city, characterized by its extreme altitude and challenging living conditions. Despite its harsh environment, residents engage primarily in gold mining, with population dynamics tightly linked to gold prices. Health risks due to altitude sickness and environmental pollution raise serious quality of life concerns, marking La Rinconada as a major example of human life under extreme conditions. Other notable high-altitude cities further enrich Peru’s mountainous landscape.
Original Source: andina.pe
