Leslie Massey
El Alto, Bolivia, is one of the world's highest major cities, with an average elevation of 4,000m (13,123 ft) above sea level. The city's elevation has been recorded to reach as high as 4,300m (13,615 ft). El Alto's elevation makes it a challenging location for a football stadium, as players have to cope with the thin air and low air pressure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 4,000 m (13,123 ft) to 4,300 m (13,615 ft) above sea level |
| Population | 943,558 in 2020 |
| Status | Second-largest city in Bolivia |
| Founding | 1903 |
| Airport | El Alto International Airport |
What You'll Learn
El Alto is 4,058 metres above sea level
El Alto's elevation is 560 metres higher than La Paz, which sits in a canyon in the Bolivian altiplano. La Paz is the world's highest administrative capital city, at 3,640 metres above sea level. However, El Alto, which is located on the rim of the canyon above La Paz, is even higher, at 4,058 metres.
El Alto is the second-largest city in Bolivia, with an estimated population of 943,558 in 2020. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and the highest major city in the world. The city has an average elevation of 4,000 metres, though some sources place it at 4,300 metres.
El Alto is mostly inhabited by Aimara people, and is known for its Neo-Andean or Aymara architecture, including the distinctive 'cholets' designed by Freddy Mamani Silvestre.
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It is the world's highest international airport
El Alto International Airport in Bolivia is the world's highest international airport. It sits at 13,313 ft (4,058 m) above sea level, which is almost half as high as a jetliner's cruising altitude. To put that into perspective, the airport is higher than the peak of Ben Nevis, the UK's tallest mountain, by over 1,000 feet.
Due to the thin air at this altitude, aircraft require a longer runway for take-off. The high altitude also causes complications for passengers, who often need days or even weeks to adapt to the thin air. The low air pressure means that lungs have to work harder to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream, which can lead to altitude sickness and high-altitude pulmonary oedema.
The airport is located in El Alto, Bolivia's second-largest city, which neighbours La Paz. El Alto is one of the fastest-growing cities in Bolivia, with an estimated population of 943,558 in 2020. The city's average elevation is 13,123 ft (4,000 m) above sea level, making it the highest major city in the world.
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The city is home to 943,558 people
El Alto, Bolivia, is home to 943,558 people, according to a 2020 estimate. It is the second-largest city in Bolivia and one of the fastest-growing urban centres in the country. The city's population has been increasing rapidly due to immigration from Bolivia's rural areas, with people moving to the La Paz region due to factors such as the rural reform of 1952 and difficulties in growing crops in the countryside.
El Alto's population growth has resulted in challenges related to infrastructure and utilities, particularly in outlying areas. The city struggles to provide potable water and sewer services to all residents, especially those on the fringes of the expanding urban area. The rapid urbanisation has also led to concerns about water pollution by businesses, including tanneries and slaughterhouses.
The growth of El Alto has been influenced by its proximity to La Paz, with the two cities forming a metropolitan area. The construction of a cable car system, Mi Teleférico, has improved transportation between El Alto and La Paz, including access to the economic centre.
El Alto's population is predominantly indigenous, with most residents having Aymara heritage and speaking the Aymara language. The city has developed a distinct Aymara identity, and the cultural influence of this indigenous community has spread throughout Bolivia.
The city's demographic characteristics have shaped its political landscape, with El Alto known for its political activism and playing a crucial role in movements such as the Gas War and the rise of Evo Morales to the presidency.
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El Alto is the second-largest city in Bolivia
The history of El Alto is closely tied to its proximity to La Paz. Initially, El Alto served as a living area for airport and railway workers commuting to La Paz. Over time, El Alto grew into a significant urban centre, surpassing La Paz in population. The two cities are now connected by the Mi Teleférico cable car system, which has improved transportation between them.
El Alto is situated at a high altitude, with an average elevation of 4,000 metres (13,123 feet) above sea level. It is recognised as the highest major city in the world. The city experiences a cold climate, with temperatures typically cool during the day and crisp at night. Snowfall can occur at any time of the year.
The growth of El Alto has been influenced by immigration from Bolivia's rural areas, particularly following the rural reform of 1952. The city has become a hub for commerce and industry, although this has raised concerns about water pollution. El Alto's rapid population expansion has also strained the city's ability to provide essential services such as potable water and sewer systems to all residents.
El Alto is known for its unique Neo-Andean architecture, which has developed alongside the city's modernisation. It is a politically active city, with a history of social movements and protests that have shaped Bolivian politics. Overall, El Alto stands as a prominent urban centre in Bolivia, contributing to the country's economic and social landscape.
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The city is one of Bolivia's fastest-growing urban centres
El Alto, meaning "The Heights" in Spanish, is one of Bolivia's fastest-growing urban centres. The city's population has grown rapidly since the 1950s, when the settlement was connected to La Paz's water supply. Before this, water had to be transported from La Paz in tanker trucks, and building land in the canyon was becoming scarce and expensive. In 1985, El Alto was separated from La Paz politically, and in 1987, it became a self-governing city.
The growth of El Alto is largely due to immigration from Bolivia's rural areas to the La Paz region. This migration began with the rural reform of 1952 and has increased in recent years. Some migrants say that the difficulty of growing crops in the countryside drove them to move to the city. The city's population was estimated to be 943,558 in 2020, and its current population is around 1 million. This rapid population growth has caused challenges for the city, including difficulties providing potable water and sewer services to all residents.
El Alto is the second-largest city in Bolivia and the highest major city in the world, with an average elevation of 4,000 metres (13,123 feet). The city is known for its Neo-Andean architecture and bustling, densely populated streets. It is a centre of commerce and industry and is home to La Paz's El Alto International Airport, the world's highest international airport.
The construction of an elaborate cable car system, the Mi Teleférico, has connected El Alto with central La Paz, improving transportation between the two cities. Despite the challenges it faces, El Alto continues to develop rapidly and is a thriving hub of capitalism and cultural identity.
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Frequently asked questions
El Alto is located at an average elevation of 4,000 m (13,123 ft) above sea level.
El Alto is the highest major city in Bolivia, with an elevation up to 4,300 meters (13,615 feet) above mean sea level. It is higher than the nearby city of La Paz, which sits at an elevation of 3,640 to 3,660 meters.
The high altitude of El Alto can cause altitude sickness, dizziness, and breathing difficulties for visitors. It is recommended that travelers take it slow when arriving and spend time in lower-elevation cities to acclimatize before visiting El Alto.
