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 to explore.
Pack your hiking shoes and get ready for an adventure in one of the highest cities in the world.
10. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (8,202 ft)

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 colourful street markets to mouth-watering Ethiopian food, Addis Ababa is a cultural hub.
Head to the National Museum to find out more about the history of Ethiopia and see some of its most important relics. Dive into the painful conflict that Ethiopia experienced under Mengistu Derg’s regime at the Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum.
Visit the chaotic Merkato Market, with its bustling crowds and endless stalls, which is an integral part of the city. Religious sites like the Holy Trinity Cathedral and St George Cathedral are also testaments to how multifaceted the city is.
9. Bogotá, Colombia (8,596 ft)
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 favourite 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 Bolivar which is surrounded by decadent governmental buildings and the city’s cathedral.
8. Quito, Ecuador (9,350 ft)
Sitting at 9,350 feet nestled in the Andes, Quito is the capital of Ecuador. It is situated in the northern highlands in the Guayllabamba river basin. The city is surrounded by volcanoes, like the Pichincha 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 Compania de Jesus in the Old Town.
Catch a bus to the Virgen de el Panecillo, a giant angel statue that towers over the city. There are stunning panoramic views from the top!
7. Shangri-La, China (10,367 ft)
Situated at 10,367 feet of elevation, Shangri-La is found high up in the Kunlun Mountains of Tibet. The city is surrounded by alpine lakes, lush green valleys, and snow-capped peaks like the dazzling Meili Snow Mountain.
The city’s name translates to “the sun and the moon in the heart” in Tibetan. Nestled into the highland landscape, the city has influences from many ethnic cultures.
There’s also the Pudacuo National Park which is great for hiking and the breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge.
If it’s culture you’re in Shangri-La for, visit the Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. Songzanlin Monastery, which is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan, is worth a visit.
6. Cusco, Peru (11,152 ft)
Cusco is a vibrant city in the Andes that sits at a dizzying 11,152 feet. Built at the west end of the Huatanay Valley, it’s near the Sacred Valley of the Andes.
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 Pichu.
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. If you’re looking for the best souvenirs check out the Artisan’s market at Avenida El Sol.
Historical landmarks are dotted throughout the city. Some of the most significant are the colonial Plaza Mayor de Cusco, the ancient ruins of Sacsayhuaman and the Statue of Christ that has panoramic city views.
5. La Paz, Bolivia (11,942 ft)
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 Jaen. Four of the colorful colonial buildings along the street are museums packed with insight.
Head to the Mercado de las Brujas, the Witches Market, and wander through the endless stalls with peculiar artisans.
Other sights of interest are the Metropolitan Cathedral, San Francisco Church, and La Paz Cemetery.
4. Lhasa, China (12,001 ft)
Built at 12,001 feet the city of Lhasa was built in the center of the Tibetan Plateau. This is the largest and highest plateau in 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 Jokghang Temple next. It is here that the wafts of incense, tired pilgrims, and butter lamps capture the region’s long-standing traditions.
3. Oruro, Bolivia (12,159 ft)
Built at a shocking 12,159 feet the city has more to offer than just mountain views. The city is located on the Altiplano (or Andean Plateau), which is the largest high plateau outside of Tibet.
Amazingly, the Altiplano starts in southern Peru and extends some 600 miles to southwestern Bolivia.
Wander through the streets of the historic centre, where some of the finest colonial architecture still stands. Then, visit the Cathedral Basilica de la Virgen del Socavon that dates back to the 18th century.
Looking to get out of the city and enjoy the unique landscape of the Altiplano? Then take on the hiking trails that run through the nearby Sajama and Parinacota Mountains.
The best time to visit is in February for the Carnival de Oruro.
2. Puno, Peru (12,530 ft)
At 12,530 feet the city of Puno was built on the high-altitude Collao Plateau, towering over Lake Tititaca. Incredibly, the city sits 140 feet higher than the top of Mount Fuji!
The region is famous for the lake’s Uros Floating Islands. A cluster of around 40 islands made from reves, they are symbolic of Puno’s cultural heritage. You can visit them by boat!
Within the city, don’t miss the 18th-century baroque Cathedral of Puno. Just across from the Cathedral there is the bright yellow colonial house La Casa del Corregidor that dates back to 1668.
In February the city comes alive for the two-week-long Festival of the Virgin of la Candelaria. Expect traditional clothes, dancing, and lots of drinking.
1. Potosí, Bolivia (13,419 ft)
At a staggering 13,419 feet above sea level, Potosi is the highest city in this guide. It was built on a vast mountain plateau at the foot of the Potosi Mountain.
Because of its unique geography, Potosi is known for the surrounding silver mines that have shaped the landscape and local culture.
With a local guide, you can visit the old Cerro Rico mine, and hear first-hand about the hardships of working here.
To learn about more local history, head to the Casa Nacional de la Moneda that houses lots of colonial artifacts.
Stroll around the colonial Plaza 10 de Noviembre in the old town, and visit the mystical Callejon de las Brujas, the Witches Alley. Here there are traditional healers selling all kinds of peculiar remedies.
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