Peru’s La Rinconada sits at 5,100 meters above sea level and is often described as a 'lawless' place
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A man who traveled to what many consider the 'most remote city' on Earth has shared his shocking experience in a settlement often branded as 'lawless'.
This South American gold mining town is far from being a tourist attraction. It is known for its unsafe conditions, from violent crimes to health risks brought on by its extreme altitude, which can leave outsiders struggling to cope.
La Rinconada, located high in the Peruvian Andes, is home to more than 30,000 residents as of 2024. It also sits an astonishing 5,100 meters above sea level, making it the highest permanent settlement in the world.
The town is plagued by both crime and deep poverty, making visits from YouTubers like Yes Theory and 'Zazza the Italian' even more remarkable.
Yes Theory described La Rinconada as 'the sketchiest place' he had ever stepped foot in, pointing out how frequent street fights were and calling it 'one of the most intense places' he had ever visited.
He was even strongly warned not to go outside at night. Locals told him that after dark, the atmosphere changes completely, and danger rises sharply—something he compared to a real-life Purge scenario.
These narrow streets are said to be riddled with crime come sunset
YouTube/Zazza The Italian
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The YouTuber was also warned that someone had been shot dead close by shortly before his arrival. Things got so tense that his cameraman’s attempt to film some nighttime footage was cut short when an individual tried to rob him.
When Zazza later made his way to La Rinconada, he pushed himself to explore as much as possible of the world’s highest permanent town. He admitted that the thin air made it 'hard to breathe', and the freezing Andean temperatures added to the challenge.
"It's practically an entire, immense slum," he told viewers as he shared his impressions.
Speaking about how the altitude affected him, Zazza admitted: "I'm feeling dizzy. We're over 5,000 meters, and they say that [above] 5,000 meters is no longer suitable for human life."
"But over 50,000 people live here. It's incredible."
As the day ended and the risks of nighttime grew, Zazza was joined by two police officers who explained the dangers of the city. They described the town as a place filled with violent disputes, saying: "Everything, armed robbery, assaults. There's a territorial issue inside the mine, and that's where they clash, or have disputes over control. They rob pedestrians, steal belongings that workers earn in the mines, then leave and hide."
Police officers admitted they struggled to punish criminals in the town
Getty Stock Image
Law enforcement officers admitted that catching criminals is extremely difficult. Because people in La Rinconada wear layers upon layers of heavy clothing to protect themselves from the cold, identifying offenders is almost impossible.
Zazza described the town as being 'pretty close' to hell, especially when he stumbled upon a chilling warning sign in an area guarded by private security. The sign read: "Private property, metallurgical mining cooperative. Shoot-to-kill order, do not stop."
Explaining the seriousness of the situation, he said: "If you stay at this spot in the late afternoon or evening for too long, a bullet will reach you. Just like that. And they warn you," and believed that the rule was in place to protect what appeared to be an abandoned gold mine.
Police confirmed that armed snipers are stationed and ready to shoot anyone who dares to trespass, with one officer issuing a stark warning: "You can't enter, you can't make a mistake."
Importantly, this 'shoot-to-kill order' was not authorized by the government but instead put in place by the mining company that controls the area.
At one point, Zazza asked if someone could be killed simply for stealing, and a police officer responded by clarifying that 'taking a human life, no matter the reason, is illegal'.
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Reflecting on the intense trip, Zazza admitted: "I wanted to stay at night... But I'm too different, I draw too much attention, even if I dress like this,"
He wrapped up his thoughts by adding: "They wouldn't let me enter anywhere, and it would be too dangerous. [But], it's been an experience I'll remember all my life."