The highest permanently occupied settlement on Earth is La Rinconada, located in the Peruvian Andes at an altitude of approximately 5,100 meters (16,700 feet) above sea level. The town is home to an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 people, who primarily work in the nearby gold mines. Despite its extreme altitude and harsh living conditions, La Rinconada has grown rapidly in recent years, as increasing numbers of people seek opportunities in the area’s mining industry.
La Rinconada is a small town located in the Peruvian Andes in the region of Puno, near the border with Bolivia. The town is situated at an altitude of approximately 5,100 meters (16,700 feet) above sea level, making it the highest permanently occupied settlement on Earth. The town’s extreme altitude means that it experiences cold temperatures year-round, with average temperatures ranging from -2 to 8 degrees Celsius (28 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit).
Despite the difficult living conditions, La Rinconada has grown rapidly in recent years, thanks in large part to the nearby gold mines. Many of the town’s residents work in these mines, which provide a source of income for the community. However, working in the mines is dangerous and often involves exposure to hazardous chemicals such as mercury, which is used to extract gold from ore.
The town of La Rinconada has limited infrastructure, with no paved roads or sewage system. The lack of basic services and the extreme altitude make it difficult for the town’s residents to access healthcare, education, and other essential services. The town’s isolation and harsh living conditions have also led to social problems such as alcoholism and drug abuse.
Despite these challenges, the people of La Rinconada are proud of their community and its history. The town was founded in the 1970s by a group of miners who were looking for new sources of gold. Over time, the town grew and developed its own unique culture and traditions. Today, the people of La Rinconada continue to work hard to improve their lives and the lives of their families, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
