There's a certain enchantment that comes with being elevated. Tucked away in snow-covered mountain tops, these cities not only have a unique cultural and physical detachment from the rest of the world, but they also exude a special charm of their own. Soar to great heights as we explore some of the highest cities in the world, from La Paz, the capital of Bolivia's Altiplano, to the cobblestoned streets of Cusco. Let's get to it!
So what are the highest cities in the world?
1. La Paz, Bolivia
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Bolivia is host to numerous towns located above 11,000 feet, including its administrative capital, La Paz. With a population nearing 2 million people, it holds the distinction of being the highest capital city in the world, with certain neighborhoods, like El Alto, reaching an elevation of 13,615 feet. The city is surrounded by towering mountains, notably Mt. Illimani, whose snow-capped summit offers glimpses from various vantage points within the city. To cope with the high altitude, many visitors chew coca leaves or drink coca tea, but it's advisable to spend some time adjusting to the elevation in a lower-altitude city before flying directly to La Paz from sea level.
2. Lhasa, Tibet, China
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Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet and famously known as the "Roof of the World," presents captivating cultural customs that will leave even the most seasoned explorers in awe. Tranquil monasteries nestled in mountainous valleys, vibrant prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and delicious alpine cuisine, including butter tea and dumplings, are just a few of the remarkable experiences that await visitors in Lhasa. If you can handle the breathtaking altitude of 11,995', this is an extraordinary journey that should not be overlooked.
3. Quito, Ecuador
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This beautiful town at a high altitude, surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes, is located just 15 miles south of the equator, making it an even more appealing destination. To get a firsthand experience of life at the Earth's middle, be sure to visit Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World). Back in the town, Quito offers a mix of Gothic cathedrals, colorful street art, and cobblestone streets that take on a different charm at an elevation of 9,350 feet. If you feel any dizziness in your first few days, stay hydrated and indulge in local specialties like salchipapas (sausage and fries) or llapingachos (fried potato cakes) for a satisfying and carb-filled meal.
4. Thimphu, Bhutan
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As the capital of one of the highest-elevation countries in the world, Thimphu may not reach the same heights as its fellow elevated capitals. However, at an elevation of 8,688 feet, you will definitely feel the effects of the altitude. Known as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," Bhutan is home to several high-elevation cities, including Samdrup Jongkhar, believed to be the oldest settlement in the country, situated at an elevation of 11,483 feet. In addition, Bhutan boasts the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, Gangkhar Puensum, towering at 24,840 feet, providing mountaineers with an enticing challenge. Furthermore, if you're interested in exploring Bhutan's superlatives, you will also find the former largest printed book in the world and one of the world's largest Buddha statues within its borders.
5. Cusco, Peru
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A lot of tourists come to Cusco because of its UNESCO charm and to witness the modern version of the former powerful capital of the Incan Empire. However, they may not realize that the city is situated at a breathtakingly high elevation of 10,800 feet. Similar to Quito, Cusco is also located near the equator, earning it the nickname "Belly Button of the World." Perched high in the Andes Mountain Range, Cusco offers breathtaking views and is surrounded by Incan ruins and archaeological sites like the expansive Saqsaywaman temple complex. It's advisable to give yourself a few days to acclimatize before embarking on exploration of these ancient sites.
Spend more time on adventures, less time parking: choose ParkingNearAirports.io!
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Traveling worldwide shouldn't be something tiring – conversely, that's the time you can enjoy both the amazing landscapes of our Earth and joint activities with your loved ones. Nevertheless, things don't always go as planned, and we're at risk to face some challenges even at such an enjoyable moment. One such problem is actually airport parking, specifically its price. Let's have a look at the situation a bit closer.
If you used to get to the airport you're flying from by your own car, you probably know what we're talking about – the question of parking cost arises every time. You'll be definitely shocked – even though most US airports provide travelers with on-site parking, which allows them to leave their vehicles for their entire journey there, such a parking type is unfairly overpriced. Choosing this parking option, your next trip just might cost you a fortune. And that's not even considering it's complicated to find a free parking spot for your car. Since nobody wants to waste money and travel inconveniently, there begs the following question: is there actually any solution?
And we're happy to say – yes, there is one!
What is off-site parking and why is it worth choosing this option exactly?
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For better understanding, we'd like to give you a good example.
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