Along the way

This program leads you to discover Sajama National Park, one of Bolivia’s natural jewels.
What could be better than to discover it on foot? We encounter an abundant and varied, fauna in a unique landscape of majestic volcanoes, hot springs and geysers, and of lost villages where life follows its course to the slow rhythm of llamas and alpacas lifestyles.

Daily program

Day 1: LA PAZ – CURAHUARA DE CARANGAS - SAJAMA

Departure from the hotel at 9 a.m. in a private vehicle for the beautiful traverse of the Altiplano. We head south to Patacamaya, from where we turn to the West and let ourselves be guided by the majestic Sajama Volcano.
On the way, we stop by chullpas (Carangas burials) empty today after their systematic pillaging. Short stop in the village of Curahuara de Carangas with its colonial church known as the Sixteen chapel of the Altiplano. The church, indeed, possesses some perfectly preserved intricate frescoes, contrasting with the abandoned atmosphere of the village.
The paved road now climbs through a surprising panorama of canyons and rock formations, and then we find ourselves on Sajama’s desolate plateau.
We enter the park by a dirt road taking us to the ranger station.
Lunch on the way. All included. Night in hostal (Basic comfort).

Day 2:SAJAMA – GEYSERS – TREK – LAGUNA SORAPATA (el. 4960 m.a.s.l.)

In the morning, we head to the geysers in our 4WD. This particularly active area offers a unique display of bubbling baths spread over hundreds of square meters. We can try cooking eggs in their slightly sulfuric water.
From there we follow the valley upriver until we reach Laguna Khasiri Kota (el. 5050 m.a.s.l. / 2½-hour hike). During our lunch break we will be able to observe different aquatic bird species, notably the Andean geese (Huallata in Aymara) that never go very far from their characteristic nest (large floating platforms made out of algae and grass.)
One more hour is necessary to reach the plateau where is nestled the beautiful Laguna Sorapata. This magical place, surrounded by impressive copper colored mountains, is conducive to contemplation and makes a suitable camp for the ascent of the surrounding peaks.
Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Note: during the hike, mules do the portage of the bags.
Hiking time: 4h; Elevation gain: +600m

Day 3:LAGUNA SORAPATA – TREK – HOT SPRINGS (el. 4350 m.a.s.l.)

We circumnavigate Laguna Sorapata in the direction of the pass as we spot numerous viscachas (interesting rabbit/squirrel like Andean creatures) as well as medicinal plants still used by the park’s inhabitants. After an hour climb we reach a lunar landscape, the highest point of our trek (el. 5065 m.a.s.l.). With the help of our guide and if we are lucky, we may be able to spot some Andean Puma prints on the volcanic ground.
After a short descent we arrive at the last laguna on the trek, Laguna Chiar Khota (el. 5000 m.a.s.l.) that we skirt while enjoying the amazing view of volcano Sajama it offers. We then begin the long descent through impressive colonies of yaretas (plants thousands of years old growing very slowly (1 mm/year)).
We return to our 4WD and take the direction of the hot springs to enjoy a relaxing and well-deserved bath.
Cold lunch. All included. Night at Doña Teodora’s near the hot springs (basic comfort).
Hiking time: 5/6h; Elevation gain/loss: +100m/-700m

Day 4:SAJAMA – TREK TO TOMARAPI - LA PAZ

We depart on foot towards laguna Huaña Khota, where flamingos mix with ducks and wild geese. We keep walking around the base of volcano Sajama and its eternal snows, until we reach the historical village of Tomarapi and its magnificent Andean church (4 to 5-hour walk) From there, we get back to our vehicle for the return to La Paz. We arrive in La Paz at the end of the day.
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open. Hotel.

Included

- Spanish-speaking guide driver
- Entrance to parks and cultural places mentioned in program
- Transportation
- Night with local hosts and/or shelter
- Meals mentioned
- Trekking guide
- Cook starting with 4 people (for groups of less than 4, the driver also does the cooking)
- Collective equipment (tent, cooking gear…)
- Portage of luggage (altitude porters / mules / llamas)
- Luggage moved by the vehicle on day 4

Not included

- International flight round trip
- 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