4.4
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Let Jaime, IFMGA certified mountain guide, take you to the summit of Nevado Sajama, a Bolivian volcano and the highest peak in the country.
Private
Andes
4 Days
May - Oct
Intermediate
Nevado Sajama (6542m) is the highest summit in Bolivia. It is a volcano located in the Sajama National Park, in the southwest of the country. And it's indeed a real giant!
In this area, we can find all the wonders of the Altiplano. The wildlife is abundant and varied. In addition, there are unique fauna species. For example, on the volcano, there are queñua forests. And they are, in fact, the highest forests in the world.
Besides the hard work of the ascent, we will get to enjoy the hot springs. And the panorama from the summit of Nevado Sajama is simply stunning!
This is a serious mountaineering objective. The technical challenge is moderate glacier travel, crampons, ice axe, and rope work, but the altitude demands real preparation. The biggest factor in your success is acclimatization: you must arrive in Bolivia already spending time at altitude. Jaime will advise you on the best preparation plan depending on your experience and schedule.
On Day 1, we will drive from La Paz to Sajama Base Camp, at 4800m. On Day 2, we will move from Sajama Base camp to Sajama high camp, at 5700m. On Day 3, we will go to the Sajama summit, at 6542m. On our last day, we will go back to Sajama village, at 4400m, and from there drive back to La Paz. We also have the option to enjoy and relax at the Sajama hot springs before heading back to La Paz! Keep in mind this is a tentative itinerary that might be changed depending on weather and mountain conditions. And it's important to have some previous acclimatization before starting the trip.
Want to join me in this 4-day mountaineering adventure? Then please contact me for more information! And if you rather go for a classic trek in Bolivia, check out this 3-day Choro trek.
Meeting point
Accommodation: tents at high camp.
Departure at approximately 1–2am. Summit and descend to village.
Optional: afternoon at Sajama's natural hot springs.
Accommodation: hostel in Sajama village.
Return drive to La Paz.
More info
We will have a cook and there is an option for vegetarian food.
Equipment you'll need to bring:
- Mountaineering backpack (~40L) - Warm layering system: thermal base layers, insulating mid-layer, windproof/waterproof outer shell - Insulated pants - Headlamp - Sunglasses and sunscreen - Water bottle or hydration system - Double mountaineering boots - Crampons - Ice axe - Harness - Helmet - Sleeping bags (single and double)
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
Personal equipment you need to bring:
Mountaineering backpack (~40L)
Warm layering system: thermal base layers, insulating mid-layer, windproof/waterproof outer shell
Insulated pants
Headlamp
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Water bottle or hydration system
Technical equipment — available to rent from Jaime:
Jaime has a full technical kit available for up to 8–9 people, including:
Double mountaineering boots
Crampons
Ice axe
Harness
Helmet
Sleeping bags (single and double)
You don't need to bring or buy technical gear — Jaime can equip you completely.
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
The season to climb Sajama goes from May to October. In my opinion, the best month to go is May.
What's included in the price?
Price includes the guiding fee, transportation during the trip, meals, camping and group technical equipment, porter and mules, accommodation in camps.
How's the altitude progression for this trip?
On day one we will go up to Sajama Base Camp, at 4800m.
On day 2 we will reach 5700m.
On Day 3 we will summit Sajama: 6542m
On day 4 we will go down to Sajama Village at 4400mm
How can I prepare for this trip? How can I do a good acclimatization?
Acclimatization is the single most important factor for summit success on Sajama. We recommend spending at least 3–4 days at altitudes between 4,500 – 4,700m before starting the expedition.
Recommended progression:
Arrive in La Paz (3,600m) — spend 1–2 nights
Travel to Tuni (4,400m) — sleep at altitude, day hikes to 4,700–4,800m
Attempt Pico Austria (5,350m) — ideal technical warm-up
Then: Sajama expedition (4 days)
We offer a dedicated 3-day acclimatization program in Tuni + Pico, Austria, that can be booked as a package before Sajama. Contact us for details and pricing.
For aerobic preparation, start training 2–3 months in advance with running, cycling, or hiking. The better your cardiovascular base, the better your experience at altitude.
Do you offer other hikes and climbs in the region?
Yes, there are other great tours that you can do in Bolivia.
A classic in Cordillera Real, close to La Paz, is Huayna Potosi: https://www.explore-share.com/trip/huayna-potosi-2-day-ascent/
And this 5-day trek is a great option to acclimatize for Sajama: https://www.explore-share.com/trip/tuni-condoriri-trek-5-days/
When and where will we meet?
We will meet in La Paz, in the morning of day 1. We will arrange the specific time and place closer to the date, but I can pick you up at your hotel or airport if needed.
Can I join a group, or is this a private trip?
Sajama can be done in groups of up to 4 people (the guide-to-client ratio of 1:2 is required by law for high-altitude mountaineering in Bolivia). Larger groups are possible with additional guides.
If you're traveling solo, contact us — we can let you know if another traveler with compatible dates is looking for a partner. Private bookings (solo) are also available.
Can I combine Sajama with other peaks?
Yes — combining peaks is the best way to acclimatize and get more out of your time in Bolivia. The most popular options:
Tuni + Pico Austria (5,350m) + Sajama — 7 days total. Best overall package for acclimatization and summit success. Includes 3 days in the Cordillera Real (Tuni) before heading to the Cordillera Occidental (Sajama).
Huayna Potosí (6,088m) + Sajama — Two 6,000m peaks. Huayna Potosí first as acclimatization and technical practice, then Sajama.
Sajama + Acotango (6,054m) — Both peaks are in Sajama National Park. Acotango is a great option if you need an extra acclimatization day or want a second summit.
Contact us for a custom package and price.
What safety measures does the guide provide?
Jaime brings oxygen and a portable hyperbaric chamber on all expeditions — one of the very few guides in Bolivia to offer this. This is a critical safety resource for managing altitude sickness in the field.
Guide ratio is 1:2 (one guide per two clients), as required by Bolivian mountaineering regulations. Jaime works with a team of certified guides (including his sons, UIMLA certified) to ensure availability and coverage.
What languages does Jaime speak?
Jaime's native languages are Spanish and Aymara. He also speaks French fluently and English at a basic-to-intermediate level (improving). For English-speaking clients, clear communication on safety procedures is fully covered; for more complex conversations, Jaime can bring a team member with stronger English.
Jaime works with a team of certified guides, including his sons (UIMLA certified). If Jaime is not available for your dates, a qualified member of his team will lead the expedition — you'll always know in advance who your guide is.
How is accommodation handled?
Day 1: Hostel or small guesthouse in Sajama village (~4,400m). Included in the price.
Day 2: Tents at base camp (~4,700m). Tents, sleeping How is accommodation handled"?mats, and group camping equipment are provided.
Day 3 (after summit): Hostel in Sajama village. Option to visit the natural hot springs nearby.
Day 4: Return to La Paz.
Hotels in La Paz before or after the expedition are not included. We can suggest options if needed.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
4.8
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Mountain Guide
IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide from Bolivia.
I organize mountaineering and trekking trips in different regions of Bolivia, and community tourism as well. I spend my free time exploring new destinations and discovering new mountains and cultures in remote regions.
I have more than 20 years of experience working in Cordillera Real, and I live in Tuni, Condoriri. I worked as mule driver, porter, cook, trekking guide assistant, trekking guide, and finally became IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide in 2008.
I made several ascents in Bolivia and neighboring countries like Argentina, Chile and Peru. Some of them: Ojos de Salado, Wallatiri, Urus, Azangate, Huayna potosí, Illimani, Chir oco, Chachacomani, Sajama, Illamapu, Acohoma, Chapi orco, Acotango, Parinacota… These experiences prepared me to organize and guide expeditions.
I like to provide a top level service to people from all around the world, help them get in contact with the local culture, and of course help them reach their objectives in the mountains.
Languages
French | English | Spanish
Certificates
IFMGA | AGMTB
Jordan
Great guide. Did a great job for us.
Anne
JD
The trip was awesome!
Anna
Our guide in Bolivia was Jaime. I climbed with my daughter age 14, so safety was very important to me. He was very professional and gave us extra tips on an acclimatization and using crampons. Whenever we forgot about something he was ready to help. Thank you Jaime, the memories from the climb will last a lifetime. Anna.
Vincent
Jaime is an excellent guide, coordinator and cook ! He knows how to make a relaxing atmosphere and ensure the ascent will go smoothly.
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