La Rinconada, the city with the least oxygen in the world: easy to get to?

At more than 5,100 meters above sea level, You will find a city that challenges the limits of human survival. Known for being the highest inhabited place in the world, it offers an environment where the air contains approximately half of the oxygen available at sea level.

This extreme altitude not only affects the health of its inhabitants, but also shapes their way of life and economy.

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The city with the least oxygen in the world

Located in the Puno region, Peruis known as La Rinconada and is near the border with Bolivia. Founded as a mining settlement, the city has grown around gold mining, attracting thousands of people in search of fortune.

However, life in La Rinconada is far from easy. The extreme altitude and harsh weather conditions make survival a daily challenge. Well, living at more than 5,100 meters above sea level means facing significantly reduced oxygen levels.

In La Rinconada, the air contains approximately 50% less oxygen than at sea level. This can cause a number of health problems, including altitude sickness, which manifests itself with symptoms such as headaches, nausea, fatigue and, in severe cases, pulmonary or cerebral edema.

If new people come to this place They can take up to a month to acclimatize to the altitude, and many resort to consuming coca leaves, a traditional practice in the region, to mitigate the effects of hypoxia.

Life in La Rinconada: economic and social challenges

La Rinconada is a mining town, and the search for gold is the main economic activity. However, The working conditions are extremely harsh. Miners work in dark and dangerous tunnels, exposed to subzero temperatures and contamination by mercury and other heavy metals.

The lack of adequate infrastructure aggravates the situation, with unsanitary problems and an almost total absence of public services such as drinking water and sewage systems.

Likewise, they are facing challenges with insecurity. The high crime rate and human trafficking are constant concerns. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, and violence is a daily reality for many residents. Furthermore, environmental pollution, a result of mining activity, has a significant impact on the health of the population.

Future of La Rinconada, the improvements this city needs

To improve the quality of life in La Rinconada, it is crucial to address infrastructure and security issues. The implementation of drinking water and sewage systems, along with Measures to reduce pollution are essential steps. Furthermore, effective policies are needed to combat crime and protect the most vulnerable.

How to get from Colombia to La Rinconada

Getting to La Rinconada from Colombia involves several steps. First, you must take a flight from Bogotá to Lima, the capital of Peru. From there, you can take another flight to Juliaca, the closest city to La Rinconada with an airport.

From Juliaca, the trip continues by land, generally by bus or taxi, until reaching La Rinconada.

It can also be transported by vehicle from Bogotá, which would take approximately 3 days.

Even so, La Rinconada is not a conventional tourist destination and presents several security challenges. Living conditions are harsh and crime is high. It is crucial to interact with locals and follow their recommendations to stay safe.

Oscar Espinosa

Additionally, due to the extreme altitude, Tourists must be prepared to face altitude sickness.

However, it is not common for well-known figures to visit the city due to the associated risks. Most visitors are researchers or people interested in mining and living conditions at extreme altitudes.

For example, the Mexican influencer Luisito Comunica took the risk of learning about the lives of these people to offer his followers a context about places that seem unreal, but that do exist.