Nevado Sajama (6,540m), 10-day Expedition to the highest point in Bolivia

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Description

If you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime mountaineering adventure in the Andes, this trip is for you. Join one of our expert guides for a 10-day tour to the summit of some impressive peaks of Bolivia, including Nevado Sajama!

Nevado Sajama (6,543m) is the highest peak in Bolivia. This extinct stratovolcano is located in the Oruro Department, within the Sajama National Park. With its rich vegetation and several stunning glaciers, this mountain is famous among adventurers from all over the world.

For our 10-day expedition to Sajama National Park and the surrounding volcanoes, we will meet in La Paz and transfer to the Sajama town (256km). On the acclimatization process, we will reach the summits of Acotango (6,052m), Parinacota (6,380m), two huge volcanoes standing on the border between Chile and Bolivia. Our final goal is the Nevado Sajama!

Please keep in mind that this mountaineering tour requires a good fitness level. The ascents are non-technical but in some parts we will use crampons. Furthermore, I recommend hiking sticks.For more details, check the itinerary below.

So, if you are up for this unforgettable 10-day expedition in the Bolivian Andes, please contact us. Let’s reach the summit of three awesome mountains, including the famous Nevado Sajama!

If you prefer a shorter adventure, take a look at our Huayna Potosi program.

Itinerary

Day 1: La Paz - Sajama

Car drive from La Paz to Sajama town (256km), admiring the ruins of the “Chipayas” culture. Once there, we will drop our luggage at the hostel and start a short walk in order to help our acclimatization process.

Day 2: High altitude lagoons

After breakfast and a car transfer we will get ready for our hike towards the Bolivian-Chilean border. Once there, we will reach some high altitude lagoons (5-hour hike). After admiring the scenery, we will get back to our hostel at the Sajama town.

Day 3: Acotango

After breakfast, we will head to a 5,500-meter point. From there, we will hike to the top of Acotango (6,052m) in 3 to 4 hours. Depending on snow conditions we may need to use crampons. After the descent we will get back to the hostel.

Day 4: Parinacota’s high camp

After breakfast, an all-terrain vehicle will take us to Parinacota’s high camp (5,100m) where we will set in a mountain hut.

Day 5: Parinacota’s summit

This ascent crosses a mixed terrain with volcanic rocks and sand. At the base of a glacier we will put on crampons to continue to the top of Parinacota (Total ascent: 6 to 7 hours). Descent and drive back to Sajama town.

Day 6: Rest day

We will spend some time in the hot springs to relax, enjoy the views, and regain some energy to our main goal: Sajama´s summit.

Day 7: Sajama’s base camp

After breakfast we will go to the Wincurata valley, where some mules will be waiting to take our gear. From the starting point, we will hike 3 to 4 hours to the Sajama’s base camp (4,800m).

Day 8: Sajama’s high camp

We will head up a rocky and sandy trail to Sajama’s high camp (5,700m). Local porters will take care of our luggage. Total hike: 4 to 5 hours.

Day 9: Summit day: Nevado Sajama

On summit day, we will start at 1AM to attempt the summit of Sajama. The first part of the route features ice and rocks. The last part crosses a huge glacier all the way to Sajama’s top. After getting back to the high camp, we will have a short break before our final descent to the base camp, where we will spend the night.

Day 10: Hot springs - La Paz

Transfer back to Wincurata valley. Relax at the hot springs and return to La Paz.

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