The list includes high-altitude cities with populations exceeding 100,000 people located at the maximum elevation above sea level. For comparison, these cities are higher than the famous Machu Picchu, which is situated at an elevation of 2400 meters above sea level.
1El Alto, 4150 m
El Alto in Bolivia is the highest city in the world. El Alto originated in 1903 as a small railway settlement, and now it is home to 1 million people.
2Potosi, 4090 m
A city in Bolivia with a population of 240,966 people, located at an altitude of 4090 meters. The city emerged around the silver mines and by 1625 was one of the largest cities in the New World.
3Shigatse, 3836 m
A city in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China with a population of 679,771 people. In the 17th century, the city was the capital of the Tibetan province of U-Tsang.
4Juliaca, 3825 m
The largest city in the Puno region of Peru with a population of 225,146 people. Located on the Altiplano plateau, which was inhabited as early as 4000 BCE.
5Puno, 3860 m
The central city of the eponymous region in Peru. The city is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca and is inhabited by 128,637 people. The city is known for the Uros Indians and their floating reed huts.
6Oruro, 3706 m
A city in Bolivia with a population of 250,700 people. Founded by the Spaniards in 1606, it later became a mining town where various minerals were extracted.
7Lhasa, 3683 m
A city in China, the former capital of the Tibetan state, translates as “Place of the Gods.” It is the residence of the Dalai Lama. The city is inhabited by 373,000 people.
8La Paz, 3640 m
La Paz is the capital of Bolivia and the highest capital city in the world. Located on the Altiplano plateau. La Paz is home to 845,480 people.
9Cusco, 3399 m
A city in Peru with a population of 358,052 people. According to legend, the city was founded by the first Inca, Manco Capac, and later Cusco became the capital of the Inca Empire.
10Huancayo, 3052 m
A city in Peru with a population of 425,000 people. Initially, the city belonged to the Wari state, but later it was captured by the Incas and became an important center in the empire.
