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Human nature’s versatility is evident in their ability to survive in some of the most hospitable and remote places on Earth. What’s more is that humans don’t just survive but often flourish in these settlements, so it’s no wonder that vast, sprawling cities and bustling trading villages can be found in the world’s highest peaks and valleys.
We present seven of the highest cities on the planet, some of which have become capitals of their country, some long abandoned and left to the elements.
1. Potosí, Bolivia
The Bolivian city of Potosí is reportedly the highest city in the world, sitting at 4,090 m (13,420 ft) above sea level. The peak of Cerro de Potosí, or Cerro Rico – Rich Mountain, dominates the city’s skyline, and towers a further 800 m above the rooftops.
2. Quito, Ecuador
Sitting at 2,850 m above sea level and around 22 km from the equator is the Ecuadorian city of Quito. It is flanked either side by the Andes, and on a clear day it’s possible to see the snow-capped volcano, Cotopaxi in the distance.
Close to the Tibetan border, 12,630 ft high above sea level is the small secluded town of Laya. It is one of the most remote towns in Bhutan, so remote that routes to the area are often closed or impassable over the winter months.
4. Assekrem, Sahara
It’s hard to believe the area around the towering peaks of the Atakor Mountains are populated; the area is so dry and desolate. But even here life goes on, in a city located around 2,728 m above sea level, called Assekrem. The city lies on one of the oldest trade routes through the Sahara.
5. La Paz, Bolivia
La Paz, also in Bolivia like #1, is a sprawling city 3,500 m above sea level and home to just under one million people. It’s in a great position for those who want to spend some time visiting a number of sights at altitude – the old ruins of Tiahuanacu are nearby (much older than Machu Picchu), as is Lake Titicaca.
6. Andorra
The tiny Principality of Andorra is a small landlocked country nestled in the Pyrenees mountain range, between Spain and France. The whole country is no bigger than 470 sq km (181 sq m) and the highest of the peaks – Coma Pedrosa – is 2,946 m (9,665 ft) above sea level. It’s also one of Europe’s most popular ski destinations.
7. Machu Picchu, Peru
No list about cities in the clouds could be complete without the ancient city of Machu Picchu, high in the Andes. Thought to be built between 1460 and 1470 AD, the city sits at 2,430 m above sea-level and is often covered in cloud. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is popular with trekkers, some would say almost too popular.
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8 comments
Abraxsis (not verified) says:
Apr 17th, 2009 at 5pm
What about Leadville, CO in the US?? Its elevation is 3094m and also has a VERY rich history.
Kevin (not verified) says:
Jul 20th, 2009 at 7am
Good work, but you are in a mistake, because the highest city inthe world is Pasco Perú. You say potosy is the highest. Look this:
Potosí:... Is sitting at 4,090 m (13,420 ft) above sea level, but
Pasco:.... sitting at 4,380 m (13,973ft) above sea level
Now, What do you think??... Please confirm this information and change your article
thanks.
REFERENCES: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerro_de_Pasco
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potosí
Kevin (not verified) says:
Jul 20th, 2009 at 7am
Also you can check this website:
http://www.perucontact.com/en/conozca/pasco.php
DJ (not verified) says:
Jul 21st, 2009 at 11am
And what about La Paz, also above 3660 and above
Thevenot (not verified) says:
Sep 26th, 2009 at 10pm
Cerro de Pasco is the Highest, period ,and Macchu Picchu is not even close to other dozen cities in Peru, Bolivia, China,Tibet,etc
Peter K. (not verified) says:
Jan 31st, 2010 at 8pm
I admire how almost every news agency in these United States of America has the most uneducated people working for them. Perhaps this is why we have such under-educated children. You present articles with a basis of thought but not facts. Unfortunately we have too much freedom in this country, I say this because we have so many idiots that at least in Europe, Russia, China, Japan and about 183 other countries in the world, they put education first. Here in America we just have a bunch of rich idiots with no education. Have any doubts? Well then, answer me this; Why are over two/thirds of the millionaires in the United States without a college diploma and then why are all the college graduates working for them... When you can see the obvious ignorance in this reality, then perhaps you will see why a fourth grade graduate had to help President McKinley get the United States out of Bankruptcy. That Fourth grade graduate was one of the men who started the New York Stock Exchange. I could go on but since you have no value for having educated reporters, I doubt seriously that you have any desire to learn any history either. Good Luck with you life and please, go back to school. Thank You...
Tarek (not verified) says:
Good list. What about Sana'a, Yemen? Altitude: 2,200 Population: 1,747,600. Declared a UNESCO world heritage city in 1986. This list is definitely not complete without the inclusion of Sana'a.