If there's one destination that definitely won't be on anyone's bucket list in the near future, it's a slum-like mining town in South America.
La Rinconada in Peru is notorious for its high crime rate, including murder and trafficking, as well as devastating poverty and deadly pollution.
It is also extremely difficult to breathe there due to the altitude of 5,100 m above sea level.
But that didn't discourage one traveler, who shared his experiences with followers on social media and called the city the closest thing to hell he's ever encountered.
La Rinconada is often called the 'lawless city of Peru' and 'Zazza Italiani' discovered exactly why when he bravely set off for the gold mining town in South America.
He traveled from the nearby city of Juliaca by minibus to make what he called "one of the most challenging journeys of his life."
When he arrived, it was snowing and he described the extreme cold as "devastating."
He saw children on the streets and later discovered that less than 30% attend school because they are forced to work from a very young age.
Due to the altitude, he visited the basic health center to see if he could get help.
This has made the city the global capital of chronic mountain sickness (CMS).
At least one in four residents is estimated to suffer from this condition. If left untreated, it can lead to heart failure and death.
Wearing a bulletproof vest for protection from weapons, as well as from the cold, he dares to go out into the streets again, to talk to the locals.
There is little plumbing or sewage system, but there are many public toilets on the streets.
There are alcohol bottles and garbage on the street.
Realizing that he is attracting attention and believing he is being followed, he seeks help at the local police station.
Two officers accompany him on a tour outside the main center and into the most dangerous areas.
He discovers that the most common crimes in the city are armed robberies and assaults.
Police say there is a territorial issue within the mine where clashes and disputes over control occur.
An officer explains that criminals pose as miners, rob pedestrians and steal items that workers earn in the mines - then leave and hide elsewhere.
They also discuss the issue of alcohol and say that it is customary to drink heavily there.
Surprisingly, they claim that local legend says that if they find gold in the mines, they should spend it on vice - i.e. alcohol, tobacco, prostitution.
If they use it for their families, they will be ridiculed.
Apparently, they have been instilled with the mentality that vice is almost positive.
As they leave the city, they enter deadly areas where mines are located and where it is very dangerous even for the police.
Private security companies are authorized to carry firearms, but there are criminals who carry guns as well.
They come across a sign that reads, "shoot to kill order, do not stop," and Zazza is informed that there are snipers stationed who will kill you if you stay too long. /Telegraph/
