In the heart of Bolivia’s bustling El Alto, a group of fearless residents is defying the odds by living life on the edge—literally. These “Suicide Homes” are perched precariously on a 90-degree mud cliff, constantly at risk of landslides. But despite the danger, most residents are refusing to move. They’re sticking around, determined to maintain their daily lives.
This area, located in the middle of Avenida Panorámica and La Ceja in El Alto, is buzzing with activity but also dangerously close to disaster. Recent heavy rains have only exacerbated the risks, making the cliff’s edge an even more visible threat. Yet, locals—shamans known as yatiris and traders—aren’t scared off. They’re not ready to give up their businesses or religious spots, even if it means facing potential disaster.
One yatiri recently shared with a foreign news outlet, “We’re not leaving. This is our everyday spot. We’ll take care of the land, especially managing rainwater runoff.” Another resident added, “Keeping the mud cliff safe from water is doable. But local authorities keep warning that it could all come crashing down at any moment. They say we should move out, but we’re not going anywhere.”
In this dramatic stand against nature’s forces, the residents of Bolivia’s so-called Suicide Homes are proving that home isn’t just a place—it’s a defiant commitment to community and daily life, come what may.