9 Highest-Elevation Cities in the World - Travel

Spread across the world, you'll find remote cities which were built at staggering heights. Living at high altitude comes with its difficulties, like the dizzying effects of altitude sickness. To reach these high up cities, you'll have to take on narrow, winding roads, up steep mountain terrains. The reward for your treacherous journey? A chance to discover ancient cities with vibrant cultures that have been passed throughout the generations in these remote locations. From carnivals at an altitude to man-made floating islands, these cities have more than just cathedrals and temples to explore. Pack your hiking shoes and get ready for an adventure in the highest cities in the world. Number nine, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Built at an elevation of 8,202 feet, Addis Ababa sits at the foot of Mount Entoto. This bustling city is an embodiment of the complexity of Ethiopia. From colorful street markets to mouth-watering Ethiopian food, Addis Ababa is a cultural hub. When you walk through Addis Ababa, you'll see cathedrals next to modern buildings. The city blends traditional Ethiopian architecture with newer construction. It's home to nearly six million people. The high elevation affects daily life in the city. You might feel the thinner air when you first arrive. The altitude also keeps temperatures cooler than other African cities at lower elevations. Number eight, Bogota, Colombia. The capital of Colombia, Bogota is nestled into the northern Andes at 8,596 feet. It was built between two historically important mountains, Guadalupe and Monserrate. These mountains have protected the city from invaders and have become integral parts of the city's identity. The most popular thing to do in Bogota? Hike to the city's famous churches. One sits on the top of the Monserrate mountain and was a sacred site even before the Spanish conquered Colombia. The other was built on the other side of the city, on the Guadalupe mountain, in honor of Latin America's favorite saint, La Virgen de Guadalupe. Colorful and vibrant, La Candelaria is the city's most iconic neighborhood. Within its confines, you'll find the Plaza Bolívar, which is surrounded by decadent governmental buildings and the city's cathedral. Number seven, Quito, Ecuador. Sitting at 9,350 feet nestled in the Andes, Quito is the capital of Ecuador. It is situated in the northern highlands in the Guayabamba River Basin. The city is surrounded by volcanoes, like the Pachincha volcano. A mix of modern and traditional, the city has warm locals and a sleepy feel to it. If you want to see some of the country's most impressive golden relics, visit the Museo Nacional. Wander around some of the city's famous landmarks, like the Catedral Metropolitana and the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús in the Old Town. Catch a bus to the Virgen del Panepillo, a giant angel statue that towers over the city. There are stunning panoramic views from the top. Number six, Cusco, Peru. Cusco is a vibrant city in the Andes that sits at a dizzying 11,152 feet. Built at the west end of the Watanay Valley, it's near the Sacred Valley of the Andes. This ancient city was once the capital of the Inca Empire. The name comes from the Quechua word cosco, which means naval of the world. Spanish conquistadors took control of the city in 1533, but you can still see Inca foundations throughout the streets today. The city's geography makes it the starting point for many of the old Inca trails, like the arduous multi-day Salcantay trek to Machu Picchu. You'll find colorful markets, cobblestone streets, and buildings that mix Inca and Spanish colonial styles. Bustling with life, the local markets are a highlight of Cusco. Visit the Mercado Central de San Pedro and stop for a cheap menu del dia around the back of the market hall. Number five, La Paz, Bolivia. La Paz is built into the surrounding red brick mountains at a staggering 11,942 feet. The city is very close to the eastern split of the Altiplano region. It's so high up and the terrain is so steep that the local public transport is a cable car. The city still conserves a lot of its indigenous heritage. Locals adorned in brightly colored traditional attire like wide skirts, bowler hats, and ponchos wander through the steep streets. To learn about the colonial history of Bolivia, head to Calle Jaén. Four of the colorful colonial buildings along the street are museums packed with insight. Head to the Mercado de las Brujas, the witch's market, and wander through the endless stalls with peculiar artisans. Number four, Lhasa, China. Built at 12,001 feet, the city of Lhasa was built in the center of the world. The city is surrounded by staggering mountains that reach up to 18,000 feet. Officially a part of the autonomous region of Tibet, Lhasa has been the epicenter of Tibetan Buddhism for over a millennium. Its name translates to the place of the gods, showing the extent of its religious significance. One of the most wondrous things about Lhasa is the Potala Palace that rises high above the city. Wander around the old Tibetan Quarter and capture the essence of Tibetan life. Visit the Jokdang Temple next. It is here that the wafts of incense, tired pilgrims, and butter lamps capture the region's long-standing traditions. Number three, Oruro, Bolivia. Built at a shocking 12,159 feet, the city has more to offer than just mountain views. The city is located on the Altiplano, which is the largest high plateau outside of Tibet. Amazingly, the Altiplano starts in southern Peru and extends some 600 miles to southwestern Bolivia. The Spanish founded Oruro in 1606 as Real Vía de San Felipe de Austria. Back then, it became a major hub for silver mining. The city grew wealthy from the mines during colonial times, but lost some importance when silver production dropped. Wander through the streets of the historic center, where some of the finest colonial architecture still stands. Then, visit the Cathedral Basílica de la Virgen del Socavón that dates back to the 18th century. Oruro is famous for its carnival celebration, which draws visitors from around the world. You can still see the historic mining influence throughout the city's architecture and culture. Number two, Puno, Peru. At 12,530 feet, the city of Puno was built on the high-altitude Coyao Plateau, towering over Lake Titicaca. Incredibly, the city sits 140 feet higher than the top of Mount Fuji. The city has a population of around 120,000 people. Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, and Puno serves as its main gateway. The lake is famous for the Lloros Floating Islands, a cluster of around 40 man-made islands made from reves. They are symbolic of Puno's cultural heritage. Finding flat land in Puno is tough. Some streets are so steep that cars can't even drive on them. You'll need to walk if you want to explore certain parts of the city. Number one, Potosí, Bolivia. At a staggering 13,419 feet above sea level, Potosí is the highest city on earth. The city sits on a cold, barren plateau right at the base of Cerro Rico, which means rich mountain in Spanish. This mountain earned its name from the massive amounts of silver hidden inside it. Thousands of mines cut through the mountain like a honeycomb. With a local guide, you can visit the old Cerro Rico mine and hear firsthand about the hardships of working here. The city became incredibly wealthy during colonial times because of its silver mining industry. Today, Potosí struggles more economically, but mining still plays a big role in the local culture. The mountain and the city share a long history that goes back centuries.