Along the way

The national park of Sajama is located along the Chilean border. Dotted with volcanoes and thermal springs, it is place of living legends and traditions.
From La Paz, we cross the land of the Urus where we can see a few “chullpas”, the Carangas tombs. The Aymara village of Sajama is the perfect base camp for the ascents od the surrounding volcanoes.
Our efforts will be largely rewarded; just the view from the summit is breath taking. And then upon return, the delight of the hot springs…

Warning: Although of an accessible technical level, this expedition is nonetheless reserved to passionate in perfect physical condition.

Daily program

Day 1: LA PAZ – BASE CAMP OF VOLCANO ACOTANGO / POMERAPE / PARINACOTA (your choice) – el. 5200 m.a.s.l.

Departure from our hotel at 9 a.m. in our private vehicle. We cross the altiplano until we reach the entrance of Sajama national park (4h about).
After lunch, we follow the road leading us to the volcano Acotango, past an abandoned sulfur mine, located at an elevation of 4800 meters above sea level, to our camp.
Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.

Day 2: ASCENT / Grade II/AD, Max 40° - with mountain guide

ASCENT OF VOLCANO ACOTANGO (Day 2 / el. 6052 m.a.s.l.)

Start at around 2 to 3 a.m. We follow the crest along a rocky trail, before reaching the snow line. We rope up until we reach the edge of the crater. This is not the end of our efforts; (6 to 7-hour hike).
The view from the top is magnificent; we are surrounded by the most beautiful volcanoes of the Cordillera Occidental: volcano Guallatiri, active and blowing sulfuric fumes, Parinacota, Pomerape and Sajama while shimmer on the Chilean side, the turquoise lagunas of Cota-Cotani and Chungara.
Return to the village of Sajama in the afternoon.
All included. Night at Doña Isabel and Don Marcelo’s in the village (basic accommodations/el. 4300 m.a.s.l.).
Ascent time: 10h; Elevation gain/loss: +850m/-850m

or

ASCENT OF VOLCANO POMERAPE (el. 6280 m.a.s.l.)

Early departure for a tentative ascent of the summit. No technical difficulty but specific equipment is required (ropes / crampons / ice axe).
Approximately 8-hour round-trip, depending on weather and physical condition of each participant.
From the base camp, it is a 45-minute walk with porters to return to the vehicle.
At the end of the day, return to the village of Sajama by 4WD for a well-deserved bath in the hot springs.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging in Doña Teodora’s house, near the Hot Springs (basic comfort).
Ascent time: 8 h; Elevation gain/loss: +1090m/-1540m

or

ASCENT OF VOLCANO PARINACOTA (el. 6340 m.a.s.l.)

Early departure for a tentative ascent of the summit. No technical difficulty but specific equipment is required (ropes / crampons / ice axe).
6 to 8-hour round-trip, depending on weather and physical condition of each participant.
From the base camp, it is a 45-minute walk with porters to reach our vehicle in Inkamarka.
Descent to the village of Sajama by 4WD for a well-deserved bath in the local hot springs.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging in Doña Teodora’s house near the hot springs (basic comfort).
Ascent time: 8 h; Elevation gain/loss: +1150m/-1600m

Day 3: TOMARAPI – LA PAZ

In the morning, we head to La Paz (3 to 4-hour drive). End of day open.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel.

Included

Entrance to Sajama national park
- Private transport / Spanish - speaking driver
- 3-star hotels in twin room including breakfast
- Meals mentioned
- Trekking guide
- Mountain guide (one for 3 people max)
- Cook for groups of more than 4 people (for groups smaller than 4, the guide will be the cook)
- Collective equipment for trekking and mountaineering (tents, cooking gear, ropes, etc…)
- Portage of luggage (high altitude porters)

Not included

- Individual equipment (for camping we provide the sleeping pads)
- Mandatory travel insurance
- Drinks
- Tips
- Open meals mentioned, (from 5 to 10 € per person/meal)

General sales conditions

Your trip will be confirmed once we receive a deposit of 30% of the total amount on our Bolivian account or on our web site (Visa card icon on the top right; enter your name as the reference). The balance must be paid upon arrival in Bolivia in American dollars or Euros.

Prepare for your trip

Travel advice Bolivia
General Sales Conditions
Equipment

Emergencies

In case of major problem during your stay (delay, strike, traffic accident…), an emergency contact will be at your disposal to reach a member of our team:
(010) 712 57 378

Important

- As a security measure, each traveler needs to provide photocopies of passport and individual insurance documentation.
- If you are planning to travel to Brazil, please note that the Brazilian authorities request the yellow fever vaccine certificate to all travelers coming from Bolivia. If you do not leave the transit zone at the airport, it is not required.

Contact us to get the fares