La Rinconada, Peru

One of the most difficult to reach places on earth can be found in South America. Among the picturesque mountain landscapes here is the small mining town of La Rinconada. The town, situated in the Peruvian Andes at the height of 5 180 meters, is the highest settlement in the world. The only road on which you can reach the city is through very complicated mountainous areas and is covered with ice in most months.

The situation is made difficult by substantial air dilution. For the unprepared people, the climate of the mountainous region can be dangerous to life. Nevertheless, some 50,000 people have been living in the city ter- ritory for several years. Most city dwellers work as miners, who gain gold from the local mines. Although La Rinconada is quite remote from the rest of civilization, the city is characterized by a very bad environmental situation.

The reason for this is industrial and household waste. There is virtually no sewage system in the city. The industrial waste can literally fill the urban streets. Every year there will be more and more waste. La Rinconada has the reputation of the city for the desperate people who arrive here with the only, last hope - to enrich themselves. Many work in the pits for free and can take the entire gold gained during the day once a month. Next - District Motu