La Rinconada is the highest human habitation in the world, and it is home to some of the most brutal living conditions known to man. It's also an unregulated goldmine.

At a height of over 16,000 feet, it's a place where only the hardest-skinned can carve a living. More than 50,000 people live in the settlement, perched atop Mount Ananea in the Peruvian Andes. It spends much of the year in sub-zero temperatures.

The photos in this article were provided by Walker Dawson. You can check out more of his work on his Facebook page or email him at walkermanchesterdawson@gmail. com .

This is what it’s like to spend your life above the clouds.