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.

Broadcasting Hours:

DW English

THU 04.06.2026 – 01:15 UTC
THU 04.06.2026 – 04:15 UTC
THU 04.06.2026 – 10:15 UTC
FRI 05.06.2026 – 09:15 UTC
FRI 05.06.2026 – 14:15 UTC
FRI 05.06.2026 – 21:15 UTC
SAT 06.06.2026 – 19:15 UTC
SUN 07.06.2026 – 02:15 UTC
MON 08.06.2026 – 07:15 UTC
MON 08.06.2026 – 12:15 UTC

Lagos UTC +1 | Cape Town UTC +2 | Nairobi UTC +3
Delhi UTC +5,5 | Bangkok UTC +7 | Hong Kong UTC +8
London UTC +1 | Berlin UTC +2 | Moscow UTC +3
San Francisco UTC -7 | Edmonton UTC -6 | New York UTC -4