Peru – Life at extreme altitudes above 4,000 meters | DW Documentary
The Peruvian Altiplano is one of the most extreme habitats in the world. Located over 4,000 meters above sea level, the region attracts millions of visitors – and pushes many of them to their physical limits.
But for tens of thousands of people, the highlands are everyday life.
Around La Rinconada, the highest city in the world at 5,300 meters, residents brave freezing temperatures and thin air. Their motivation: a massive gold deposit. Every day, some 10,000 miners, like Arnaldo, venture into life-threatening shafts — often for a wage that barely covers their basic needs. Meanwhile, a small police unit led by Major Aranda fights against lawlessness and the illegal trade in explosives.
Another treasure of the Altiplano is the precious vicuña wool, one of the most expensive in the world. The shy animals that produce it live in the wild and may be sheared only once a year during the traditional “Chakku” hunt — a ritual that unites community, culture, and a connection to nature.
The documentary takes viewers on an impressive journey to the heights of the Andes — and meets with people who live and work under extreme conditions while preserving their traditions. A glimpse into a world that’s both harsh — and breathtakingly beautiful.
#documentary #dwdocumentary #dwdocs
______
DW Documentary (English): https://www.youtube.com/@DWDocumentary
DW Documental (Spanish): https://www.youtube.com/@DWDocumental
DW Documentary وثائقية دي دبليو (Arabic): https://www.youtube.com/@dwdocarabia
DW Documentary हिन्दी (Hindi): https://www.youtube.com/@dwdochindi
DW Dokumenter (Indonesian): https://www.youtube.com/@DWDokumenter
DW Doku (German): https://www.youtube.com/@DWDoku
Watch the video by DW Documentary
About DW Documentary
DW Documentary gives you information beyond the headlines. Watch top documentaries from German broadcasters and international production companies. Meet intriguing people, travel to distant lands, get a look behind the complexities of daily life and build a deeper understanding of current affairs and global events.
Video “Peru – Life at extreme altitudes above 4,000 meters | DW Documentary” was uploaded on 06/05/2026 by DW Documentary Youtube channel.






































i cannot believe ultrarich humans are robbing animals' possessions for fashion or to keep them warm while some animals which might have been overshaved accidentally are feeling cold and dying
that was hard to watch behind the beauty there's suffering.
Ironically, the world has never been so rich. However, relatively few people enjoy such wealth….
I have just returned from Peru, so I have a good understanding of the value of the $348-00 soles for a week's work; or rather of how very little it is. That is a tough life indeed. Something we don't tend to spare a thought for whenever be buy jewellery.
I'm sure I have seen this movie really
This is hard hitting and heart breaking.. exceptional work by DW as usual.
Thank you for the great documentary 🗝️
Similar to Badrinath Kedarnath trek 😊
Just has cocoa plants lying around!
Some centuries ago colonisers Europeans ( invaders) invaded this country
killed many people and tortured many. forced the indegenious people convert to Christianity they got sucess
now the indegenious people of this land speak their language folow their relegion and cultures
lost whole their civilisation .this is the story of every south american and latin american states 🤌😏
Leave the vicuña alone! I love wool, but this goes too far.
Is it celebrating other cultures or feeling lucky after seeing them or just something news worthy
thanks!!!!!!!
Not a good eating docu
Once again thank you so much for DW team to give us very incredible documentary videos
wondering why that woman who got arrested face wasn’t blurred? I hope you had permission from her
Those are abominable customs. They are not God approved. THEY NEED JESUS.
Cuidar el medio ambiente hoy es la única opción, es una cuestión de supervivencia. Estamos en medio de una emergencia climática con efectos visibles: olas de calor, sequías e inundaciones más devastadoras que amenazan nuestras comunidades. Además, la pérdida de biodiversidad avanza a un ritmo alarmante, destruyendo ecosistemas que nos proveen de aire limpio, agua y alimentos. Nuestra salud también está en juego, pues la contaminación y la destrucción de hábitats aumentan el riesgo de enfermedades. Por todo esto, proteger el planeta es un acto de responsabilidad con nosotros mismos y, sobre todo, con las futuras generaciones, que heredarán las consecuencias de nuestras acciones. Cada pequeño gesto cuenta, pero también debemos exigir cambios a gran escala. El momento de actuar es ahora."
NO a la Planta de amoníaco en Topolobampo, Sinaloa México, desarrollada por Gas y Petroquímica de Occidente (GPO), subsidiaria del consorcio suizo-alemán Proman
Great video.
Just finished the 6 part Rest is History podcast about the Incas. This is a good follow up.
What was it like for the DW Crew when it came to the altitude? I hear coca leaves help tremendously.
Life can be really unforgiving. To imagine the way of earning a living here is truly remarkable. It shows the unyielding spirit of a people left with little choice.
Think about life on other planets,think about we will go to other galaxies,thats how development happens
Great content as always DW 💯 !! Warm greetings from Yerevan, the capital of ARMENIA 🟥🟦🟧.