Along the way

Unlike the Cordillera Real, the Cordillera Occidental forming the frontier between Bolivia and Chile is entirely volcanic. On either side we find the most beautiful natural reserves of the Altiplano: Volcano Isluga National Park, Salar de Surire Natural Monument, Vicunas National Reserve and finally Lauca National Park on the Chilean side and Sajama National park, across from the latest in Bolivia and hosting the highest summits in the country.
This exceptional program, totally off-the-beaten-path leads us to admire a particularly abundant fauna: vicunas, alpacas, ñandus (close relative of the ostrich), without forgetting the flamingos and other ibises, under the omnipresent stare of the highest volcanoes in Bolivia.

 

Daily program

Day 1: LA PAZ – CURAHUARA DE CARANGAS - TOMARAPI

We depart from the hotel at 9 a.m. in a private vehicle. We traverse the altiplano until we reach the entrance of Sajama national park (about 4h) via the small village of Curahuara de Carangas and its well-adorned colonial church (the frescoes are perfectly preserved). On the way, we stop by chullpas (Carangas burials) empty today after their systematic pillaging.
We enter the park by a dirt road that takes us to the village of Tomarapi. The wildlife is abundant and varied: alpacas, vicuñas and ñandus (a close cousin of the ostrich) if we are lucky.
Cold lunch. All included. Night at Tomarapi’s new “Albergue” (comfort of a 2-star hotel).

Day 2: TOMARAPI – GEYSERS –TREK TO THE LAGUNAS – HOT SPRINGS

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.
From there we follow the valley upriver until we reach, 2½-hour later, Laguna Khasiri Kota (el. 4850 m.a.s.l.). There, we are 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 (el. 4960 m.a.s.l.). This magical place, surrounded by impressive copper colored mountains, suitable for our lunch break. We then descent to the geysers while enjoying the magnificent view of volcano Pomerape (el. 6280 m.a.s.l.). We return to our 4WD and head for the natural hot springs located at the base of volcano Sajama to enjoy a relaxing bath.
Cold lunch. All included. Night at Doña Teodora’s near the hot springs (basic comfort).
Hiking time: 6/7h; Elevation gain/loss: +600m/-600m

Day 3: SAJAMA – CHULLPAS OF RÍO LAUCA – CHILE - COLCHANE

We head south until we enter the country of Urus following sandy and treacherous dirt roads. After crossing Río Lauca, appear some polychromatic chullpas, the most beautiful of Bolivia (chullpas were tombs of the Aymara lords; pre-Inca time).
After traveling 4 to 5 hours accompanied by the strong sensation of being alone in this world, we reach the border village of Pisiga at the end of the day. We spend the night in the small village of Colchane on the Chilean side of the border.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with local host (basic comfort).

Day 4: COLCHANE - ISLUGA - ENQUELGA – SALAR DE SURIRE - PUTRE

We had to the North through bofedals inhabited by the llamas of Isluga Park. We traverse the colonial villages of Isluga (el. 3980 m.a.s.l.) and of Enquelga (el. 3850 m.a.s.l.). A narrow dirt road that seem to play hide and seek with the border takes us to the Salar de Surire (el. 4245 m.a.s.l.), which received its name from the ostriches that inhabit it (suri in aymara).
There, we can spot three varieties of flamingos, as well as numerous llamas, alpacas and vicuñas (2h30 from Colchane). Lunch break near the Hot Springs. We follow the road, guided by volcano Guallatiri and its sulfuric vapors, across the vicuña Natural Preserve, before arriving, at the end of the day, in the village of Putre.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with local host (basic comfort).

Day 5: PUTRE – LAUCA PARK– BOLIVIA – LA PAZ

We climb to the village of Parinacota and its charming colonial church located in Lauca Park. A pleasant trail takes us to the myriads lagunas of Cota Cotani; option of a short hike near the lagunas.
We then return to our 4WD and head for Lake Chungara (el. 4570 m.a.s.l.), dominated by the imposing volcano Parinacota (el. 6340 m.a.s.l.).
A short stops allows us to see some Andean geese and ducks as well as flamingos and other bird species typical of high altitude lagunas. We then clear the Bolivian-Chilean border to enter the Sajama Park. The road to La Paz is paved all the way. On the way, we stop at Curahuara de Carangas (the colonial church with its perfectly preserved frescoes are well worth the detour!) and at the chullpas (Carangas burials), emptied today after their systematic pillaging.
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open. Hotel.

 

Included

- Spanish speaking guide/driver
- Entrance to parks and cultural places mentioned in program
- Transportation
- 2/3-star hotels in twin room including breakfast
- Night with local hosts or in shelter
- Meals mentioned
- Trekking guide in Sajama

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