La Rinconada, Peru is a unique and fascinating place situated high in the Andes Mountains. It holds the title of being the highest permanen…
Best for you if…
La Rinconada is a strong pick for exploring the gold mines & visiting the local markets — plan about 3-5 days; group places into half-day loops. Peak season: June to August.
Solid guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 63/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)
Spread density — Sights are more spread out — plan transport between stops.
High season: June to August
Best months for lower-cost travel: March · April · September · October
March to May
September to November
December to February
June to August
La Rinconada, located in the Peruvian Andes, is known as the highest permanent settlement in the world. If you are an adventurous traveler seeking to explore this unique destination, here are some ways to reach La Rinconada:
The nearest airport to La Rinconada is the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Juliaca Airport, which is the closest airport to La Rinconada. Once you arrive at Juliaca, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach your destination. The journey from Juliaca to La Rinconada takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the road conditions.
If you prefer to travel by road, you can take a bus or hire a taxi from Cusco or Juliaca. The road journey can be quite challenging due to the steep and winding mountain roads. It is recommended to hire an experienced driver who is familiar with the route. The road trip from Cusco to La Rinconada takes around 8-10 hours, while the journey from Juliaca takes approximately 3-4 hours.
For adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, trekking to La Rinconada can be an unforgettable experience. There are various trekking routes that lead to the town, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. The most popular trekking route starts from the town of Sicuani, passing through scenic valleys and high-altitude passes. The trek can take around 4-5 days, depending on your pace and fitness level.
La Rinconada offers a unique and challenging travel experience for those who are willing to explore its beauty. Whether you choose to fly, drive, or trek, reaching this remote town will reward you with stunning landscapes and a glimpse into the lives of the resilient inhabitants of the highest settlement in the world.
La Rinconada, Peru is a unique and fascinating place situated high in the Andes Mountains. It holds the title of being the highest permanent human settlement in the world, with an elevation of over 16,700 feet (5,100 meters) above sea level. This remote town is located near a gold mine, attracting thousands of miners who are in search of their fortune.
Life in La Rinconada is extremely challenging due to its extreme altitude and harsh weather conditions. The thin air makes it difficult to breathe, and the freezing temperatures pose a constant threat to the residents. Despite these hardships, people continue to flock to this town in hopes of striking it rich.
The main economic activity in La Rinconada revolves around gold mining. The town is dotted with small, informal mines where miners work tirelessly to extract the precious metal. However, the mining practices in La Rinconada are often dangerous and unregulated, leading to many accidents and health issues among the miners.
Aside from gold mining, the town also has limited infrastructure and basic amenities. There is a lack of proper sanitation systems, clean water, and healthcare facilities. The living conditions are extremely challenging, with cramped and poorly constructed houses.
Despite the hardships and dangers, the people of La Rinconada continue to persevere. They form a tight-knit community, supporting each other through the difficulties they face. The town may be isolated and impoverished, but it is a testament to the resilience and determination of its inhabitants.
Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.
Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.
Most travelers spend about 3-5 days in La Rinconada, Peru.
High season is typically June to August.
Travelers often find better value in March, April, September, October.
La Rinconada suits Exploring the gold mines, Visiting the local markets, Hiking in the surrounding mountains, Experiencing the local culture.
Sights are more spread out — plan transport between stops.
Acclimatize to the high altitude before visiting
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