Things To Do
in La Rinconada
La Rinconada is the world's highest permanent settlement, a sprawling, informal gold-mining town clinging to the steep Andes at around 5,100 meters (16,700 ft). The settlement is dominated by corrugated‑metal shacks, muddy terraces and an intense mining economy rather than tourist infrastructure. Life here is harsh: extreme altitude, cold nights, poor sanitation and environmental contamination from informal gold processing shape daily life.
Visitors come to witness an extraordinary example of high‑altitude mining culture, but travel here requires careful planning, acclimatization and realistic expectations.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in La Rinconada and get acclimated to the high altitude. Take the morning to settle into your accommodations and soak in the stunning mountain views surrounding you. Enjoy a light breakfast of local fare to fuel your first day of adventure.
Explore the town and visit local markets where you can interact with residents and purchase handmade crafts. Wander through the streets and admire the unique architecture influenced by the rugged environment. Consider hiring a local guide to share stories about the town's rich history and culture.
As the sun sets, enjoy a warm meal at one of the local eateries that offer traditional Andean cuisine. Engage in conversations with locals and fellow travelers to exchange experiences and insights about the region. Relaxation and stargazing under the clear skies provide the perfect end to your day.
Set off early for a guided hike to Mount Cercado, known for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Andes. The morning air is crisp, and the trek offers opportunities to spot unique wildlife and diverse flora. A packed breakfast can sustain you through the hike, ensuring energy levels are kept high.
Reach the summit and take in the majestic views, capturing photographs and enjoying the tranquility of the area. Afterward, start your descent, stopping for a scenic picnic lunch surrounded by nature. Engage with your guide to learn about the geological and cultural significance of the mountains.
Return to La Rinconada and reflect on your day's adventures over dinner. Participate in a small gathering or workshop with locals, perhaps learning traditional songs or dances. As the day winds down, rest comfortably to prepare for your next exciting adventure.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍲Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| 🏨Basic guesthouse / hospedaje (per night) | $15-40 |
| 🚌Shared transport / bus to nearest regional town | $10-30 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5 L) | $1-2 |
| 📦Basic supplies / snacks | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique cultural and anthropological experience of the world's highest permanent mining town.
- Dramatic, otherworldly high‑Andean landscapes and striking photography opportunities.
- Direct insight into informal mining economies and migrant communities seldom seen by tourists.
- Extreme altitude and harsh living conditions create significant health and comfort challenges.
- Poor sanitation, environmental contamination and limited infrastructure pose safety risks.
- Few tourist services, limited accommodation options and scarce medical facilities.
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Puedo tomar una foto?" - Can I take a photo?
- "Gracias / Muchas gracias" - Thank you / Thank you very much
- "Tengo soroche / Me siento mal por la altura" - I have altitude sickness / I feel unwell because of the altitude
- "¿Dónde está la clínica / el hospital más cercano?" - Where is the nearest clinic / hospital?
Places to Visit in La Rinconada
Visit one of these nice places.
High vantage points above the town provide sweeping panoramas of the terraced shacks, mining pits and surrounding puna—best at sunrise or late afternoon for golden light.
Close‑range images of the densely packed corrugated‑metal houses on steep slopes convey the human scale and intensity of settlement—seek permission before photographing residents.
Candid street and market shots capture daily life: vendors, food preparation and miners returning from shift—ask before taking portraits and offer a small thank‑you.
Photograph mining equipment, carts and tailing piles from safe, authorized viewpoints to illustrate industrial processes, but avoid entering active work areas or photographing sensitive operations without consent.
Nearby plateaus, grazing llamas and small lagoons offer minimalist highland landscapes with dramatic skies—suitable for wide compositions and wildlife shots.
Food in La Rinconada
La Rinconada Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Simple chicken or meat soup with potatoes and noodles, commonly served in comedores and ideal for warming up; easy to find at local eateries.
Must-Try!
Quinoa or freeze‑dried potato (chuño) based stews with vegetables and sometimes pieces of llama or beef; filling and traditional for the high Andes.
A common miners’ breakfast: eggs, fried potatoes and bread—available in nearly every comedor and good for a quick, simple meal.
A ubiquitous herbal infusion used to ease altitude symptoms—offered in homes, shops and eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small market areas and street stalls selling potatoes, onions, eggs, canned goods and ready soups; vendors offer hot bowls in the morning and midday—try a simple caldo or a plate of potatoes and rice.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet with a friendly 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes' when entering shops or speaking to residents; a brief handshake is common in introductions.
Always request permission before photographing people, especially miners and families—many are sensitive about images of their living and working conditions.
Do not enter private compounds, processing sites or active mine workings without explicit permission and a guide; respect signs and community requests.
Dress modestly and practically for the high Andes—layers, a warm hat and sensible footwear; public modesty is appreciated.
Be diplomatic about discussing mining hazards, contamination or politics—listen and ask questions respectfully rather than making public accusations.
Safety
Tipping in La Rinconada
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest and informal—leave small amounts (a few soles) for helpful guides, drivers or comedor staff; there is no strict expectation but appreciation is welcomed. For small services, rounding up the bill is normal.
Cash in Peruvian soles is king; credit and debit card acceptance is rare and ATMs are not guaranteed in town. Bring enough cash for meals, accommodation and transport, and carry smaller bills and coins. Plan to withdraw money in Juliaca, Puno or another larger town before heading to La Rinconada.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool, sunny days with very cold nights, clearer skies and better visibility for photography and travel. This is the most practical time for visits, but prepare for freezing nights and strong sun during the day. Trails and unpaved roads are generally firmer and less muddy. Acclimatize carefully—temperature swings are large.
More frequent precipitation and occasional snow at this altitude; roads and footpaths can become muddy and slippery, and visibility may be reduced. Supply logistics are more unreliable and some services may be limited. Bring waterproof gear and be cautious of landslides or washed-out sections of road.
Transitional months can combine clearer weather with occasional storms—still a reasonable time to visit with fewer extremes, but always pack layers and weather protection.
La Rinconada at Night
Hiking in La Rinconada
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, unmarked hikes to ridgelines just above the town offer panoramic views of the settlement and surrounding puna; best attempted with a local guide and after acclimatization.
Gentle day walks across nearby high plateaus to small lagoons and grazing areas where llamas and birds can be observed; weather can change quickly so carry layers and water.
Organized treks from regional hubs (when available) to higher passes or neighboring communities—these require good acclimatization and might be the safest way to explore beyond the immediate town area.
Airports
How to reach La Rinconada by plane.
The nearest major airport serving the Puno region with connections to Lima and other Peruvian cities; use this airport to approach the region and arrange overland transport to La Rinconada.
From Juliaca or Puno, travelers typically continue by bus, shared taxi or private transfer on rough mountain roads; journeys can be long and require sturdy vehicles and daylight travel.
A farther but common regional hub with many national connections; travelers may travel overland or via connecting flights to Juliaca before continuing to La Rinconada.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of residents are migrant miners and their families from across Peru who arrived seeking gold income; the population is transient and predominantly working age.
Many inhabitants have Aymara and Quechua heritage or ties to highland communities, bringing indigenous languages, customs and social networks to the town.
Women and children make up an important part of the community economy: running comedores, shops and services that support mining households.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; informal matches are common in flat patches when available, and local teams and youth often play in improvised fields.
Due to the environment, walking and physically demanding labor are everyday activities rather than formal sports—residents naturally develop endurance at altitude. Informal competitions or physical games may occur among workers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting La Rinconada.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited but feasible—quinoa, potatoes, soups and vegetable stews are common; clearly state “soy vegetariano/a” and be prepared to accept simple dishes without protein. Carry protein snacks if possible.
Vegan meals are challenging due to pervasive use of animal broth and butter—ask for plain potato, rice and vegetable preparations and confirm no animal stock is used. Bring staples (nuts, bars, instant meals) as backup.
Water sanitation is limited—drink bottled or boiled water and avoid uncooked greens and street ice; prefer cooked foods and reputable comedores to reduce risk of gastrointestinal illness.