Travel4 min(s) read
A content creator and world traveler has given viewers a candid peek into one of the most remote and dangerous places in the world.
If you ever wanted to know how hazardous a trip abroad can get, then look no further than La Rinconada in Peru.
The town's history isn't shrouded in pride either, as tourists tend to avoid the area like the plague.
A 2025 study found that La Rinconada's rate of ‘organised crime, informal and illegal mining, environmental contamination’ and its ‘public health crisis’ contributed to its status.
The city's threat to national security is alarming, as it consistently plays host to ‘gold trafficking, smuggling and transnational crime, consolidating criminal structures with access to weapons and illicit financing', according to the study.
Even if you wanted to test yourself with a visit, the town is situated 5,100m above sea level, so it's not the easiest to get to.
The Peruvian gold-mining town is home to over 30,000 people, according to 2024 stats, and despite the crime stories, YouTubers 'Yes Theory' and 'Zazza the Italian' decided to give it a visit.
Described as the 'sketchiest place' he'd been to, a presenter from Yes Theory noted that street fights weren't uncommon, while being warned to stay inside at night, when things would 'completely change'.
He revealed that a man was shot dead nearby before he arrived, claiming that the cameraman couldn't get some B-roll footage of the city at night as someone tried to mug him.
On the other hand, Zazza tried to explore as much of the city as possible, admitting that it was 'hard to breathe' at such high altitudes, while experiencing the freezing weather in the 'immense slum'.
"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," he said of how he felt.
He said of La Rinconada: "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," while being accompanied by two police officers.
The YouTuber further claimed that criminals are rarely charged, as they can't be identified due to the layers of clothes they wear due to the climate.
Zazza held no punches, saying it was 'pretty close' to hell, showing off a sign which read: "Private property, metallurgical mining cooperative. Shoot-to-kill order, do not stop," with the area patrolled by private security.
He even revealed that sticking around in the evening would get you shot after a warning, as police confirmed that snipers are ready if anyone tried to trespass.
"You can’t enter, you can’t make a mistake," one officer stated.
The mine owners put the order in place, and when Zazza asked if you could kill someone for stealing, the officer replied: "Taking a human life, no matter the reason, is illegal."
At least that's established.
When looking back at his visit, the content creator admitted: "I wanted to stay at night... But I’m too different; I draw too much attention, even if I dress like this,
"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."
It may be wise to leave it off your list of potential holiday destinations, then.
