Peru is known for many things. It is filled with both natural and archaeological wonders, including the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu which draws in hundreds of thousands of people every year. Despite the fact that Peru has long been a hit with tourists, there are signs that 2025 will be a banner year for the South American country. Even more people from around the world are poised to plan trips to Peru. That doesn't mean every city is an Instagram-worthy destination.
At 5,100 meters above sea level, La Rinconada is considered to be the highest human settlement on Earth. But what was once a small mountain village has become violent, dystopian nightmare with more than 50,000 residents thanks to a gold rush in the early 2000s. Now, it is a borderline lawless community overflowing with garbage where standing in the wrong place for too long will likely get you shot by a sniper. At the very least, you'll get mugged.
La Rinconada has been getting international attention in the last year or so thanks to content creators ignoring the do not travel warnings from Peru's government. There is no tourism industry here as anyone not from the city sticks out like sore thumbs and immediately become targets for locals. The vast majority of the population works in the mines for very little pay, leading to fights over gold, territory, and other resources.
Peru continues to attract many visitors each year, numbers which will only increase in the coming year. La Rinconada is a reminder that not every part of the world is tourist friendly. Watch the videos posted by these either brave or crazy content creators if you get a chance. It paints a picture of a part of Peru their government likely doesn't want you to see and you definitely don't need to visit.