From the frozen peaks of the Peruvian Andes to the high plains of Bolivia and the Ethiopian highlands, some of the world's cities sit far above the clouds. High-altitude cities face unique challenges: thinner air, intense UV radiation, lower boiling points, and harsh winters. Yet millions of people thrive in them. Here is the definitive ranking of the 20 highest cities in the world by elevation above sea level.
Elevation comparison — not to full scale
Ranking: The 20 Highest Cities by Elevation
| Rank | City | Country | Elevation | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | La Rinconada | Peru | 5,100 m (16,730 ft) | ~50,000 |
| 2 | El Alto | Bolivia | 4,150 m (13,615 ft) | ~1,100,000 |
| 3 | Potosí | Bolivia | 3,967 m (13,015 ft) | ~240,000 |
| 4 | Lhasa | China (Tibet) | 3,650 m (11,975 ft) | ~550,000 |
| 5 | La Paz | Bolivia | 3,640 m (11,942 ft) | ~1,800,000 |
| 6 | Cusco | Peru | 3,399 m (11,152 ft) | ~450,000 |
| 7 | Quito | Ecuador | 2,850 m (9,350 ft) | ~2,900,000 |
| 8 | Bogotá | Colombia | 2,625 m (8,612 ft) | ~7,400,000 |
| 9 | Addis Ababa | Ethiopia | 2,355 m (7,726 ft) | ~3,400,000 |
| 10 | Asmara | Eritrea | 2,325 m (7,628 ft) | ~900,000 |
| 11 | Sana'a | Yemen | 2,250 m (7,382 ft) | ~3,000,000 |
| 12 | Mexico City | Mexico | 2,240 m (7,350 ft) | ~9,200,000 |
| 13 | Nairobi | Kenya | 1,795 m (5,889 ft) | ~4,400,000 |
| 14 | Kabul | Afghanistan | 1,791 m (5,876 ft) | ~4,400,000 |
| 15 | Johannesburg | South Africa | 1,753 m (5,751 ft) | ~6,100,000 |
| 16 | Denver | USA | 1,609 m (5,280 ft) | ~750,000 |
| 17 | Kathmandu | Nepal | 1,400 m (4,593 ft) | ~1,000,000 |
| 18 | Tehran | Iran | 1,191 m (3,907 ft) | ~9,100,000 |
| 19 | Calgary | Canada | 1,045 m (3,428 ft) | ~1,300,000 |
| 20 | Ankara | Turkey | 938 m (3,077 ft) | ~5,700,000 |
La Rinconada: The World's Highest City
La Rinconada in the Puno Region of southern Peru holds the record as the highest permanently inhabited city on Earth at 5,100 meters (16,730 ft) above sea level. Perched on the slopes of the Anubia glacier in the Andes, it is a gold-mining settlement of roughly 50,000 people. At this altitude, the air contains only about 57% of the oxygen available at sea level. Residents — mostly indigenous Quechua people — have physiologically adapted over generations with enlarged lung capacity and higher red blood cell counts.
The city has no running water, no sewage system, and no rubbish collection. Temperatures rarely rise above freezing. Yet it continues to grow because of gold deposits in the surrounding rock, drawing migrants from across Peru despite the extreme conditions.
El Alto: The Highest Major City
If La Rinconada is the highest settlement, El Alto in Bolivia is the highest major urban area in the world, with over 1.1 million residents living at 4,150 m (13,615 ft). Sitting on the altiplano above La Paz, El Alto is one of the fastest-growing cities in South America. It serves as a crucial hub for trade, transport, and industry for the entire region. El Alto airport (4,061 m) is the world's highest international airport.
Lhasa: Tibet's Sacred High City
Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, sits at 3,650 m (11,975 ft) and has been a center of Tibetan Buddhism for over 1,300 years. The Potala Palace, former home of the Dalai Lama, dominates the skyline at 3,700 m. Newcomers to Lhasa — including Han Chinese migrants — frequently suffer altitude sickness (headaches, nausea, shortness of breath) for the first few days. The city is also one of the sunniest in China, receiving intense UV radiation due to the thin atmosphere.
Effects of High Altitude on City Life
- Thinner air: At 2,500 m, air pressure is about 75% of sea level. At 5,000 m, it drops to roughly 55%. Breathing is noticeably harder, especially during physical exertion.
- Lower boiling point: Water boils at 100°C at sea level, but only 89°C at 3,000 m and 82°C at 5,000 m. Cooking pasta or rice takes significantly longer in high-altitude cities.
- Stronger UV radiation: Every 1,000 m of altitude increases UV radiation by about 10–12%. Residents of La Paz receive 25–30% more UV than people at sea level.
- Sports performance: Athletes training at high altitude develop more red blood cells, boosting performance when they return to sea level. The 1968 Mexico City Olympics (2,240 m) saw sprint world records shattered but endurance events dominated by altitude-adapted athletes.
- Altitude sickness: Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can affect anyone above 2,500 m. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and insomnia. Severe cases can progress to life-threatening conditions.
Denver: The Mile High City
Denver, Colorado is the best-known high-altitude city in the United States at exactly 1,609 m (5,280 ft) — one mile above sea level. A marker on the 13th step of the Colorado State Capitol building marks the precise elevation. Denver is the largest city in the Rocky Mountain region and a major economic center. Visitors often notice mild altitude effects — slight breathlessness, faster dehydration — even at this moderate elevation.
Visual Comparison: Elevation Bar Chart
How do the world's highest cities compare at a glance? The bar chart below shows the top 15 cities by elevation above sea level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest city in the world?
La Rinconada in Peru is the highest permanently inhabited city at approximately 5,100 meters (16,730 ft) above sea level. It is a gold-mining settlement in the Andes with around 50,000 residents.
What is the highest major city in the world?
El Alto in Bolivia, with over 1.1 million residents, is the highest major city at 4,150 m (13,615 ft). Nearby La Paz — the seat of Bolivia's government — sits at 3,640 m and is often cited as the world's highest capital city.
How does high altitude affect cities?
High altitude reduces available oxygen, lowers the boiling point of water, intensifies UV radiation, and can cause altitude sickness in newcomers. Cities adapt with specialized infrastructure, and long-term residents develop physiological adaptations including increased red blood cell counts.
Is Denver really called the 'Mile High City'?
Yes. Denver, Colorado sits at exactly 1,609 meters (5,280 feet) — one mile — above sea level. A marker on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol building marks the exact spot.
What is the highest capital city in the world?
La Paz, Bolivia (seat of government) at 3,640 m is the highest capital city by the seat of government. Sucre, Bolivia's constitutional capital, sits at 2,783 m. Quito, Ecuador (2,850 m) and Bogotá, Colombia (2,625 m) are also among the world's highest capitals.