Altiplano Freeze-Thaw Communities
Communities on the Bolivian/Peruvian Altiplano at 3,600-4,000m endure extreme daily temperature variations: freezing nights (-25°C) to warm afternoons (+20°C)—up to 45°C daily swing. Every night freezes, every day thaws. This extreme diurnal cycle affects agriculture, water access, health, and infrastructure. Developed chuño (freeze-dried potatoes), adobe construction, alpaca wool clothing, and sophisticated understanding of microclimates. Living with the world's most extreme daily temperature oscillations defines this high-plateau adaptation.