Acotango Volcano, standing at 6,052 meters (19,856 feet), is a majestic stratovolcano located on the border between Chile and Bolivia, in the Western Cordillera of the Andes. It is part of a volcanic group known as the Quimsachatas, which means “Three Twins” in the Aymara language.
This impressive peak lies within the boundaries of Sajama National Park, a protected area in Bolivia that is home to some of the country’s highest and most iconic volcanoes. Among them is Nevado Sajama (6,542 m), the highest mountain in Bolivia, and the Payachatas, meaning “Two Twins” in Aymara — the volcanoes Parinacota (6,332 m) and Pomerape (6,282 m).
Why Climb Acotango?
Acotango is considered the most accessible 6,000-meter peak in Bolivia, making it an excellent choice for climbers looking to gain high-altitude experience. The ascent is non-technical, meaning it doesn’t require advanced mountaineering skills or technical climbing equipment. Also no glaciers, steep ice walls, or technical rock climbing are involved. You can even complete the climb with trekking poles—no crampons or ice axes required during the dry season.
Where does the trip to go up to Climbing the Acotango Volcano start from?
Climbing the Acotango start from the city of La Paz – Bolivia. Because you can easily reach the city of La Paz – Bolivia by plane, also take advantage of the mountains of the Cordillera Real to acclimatize.
If would like to enjoy more time in Sajama Village. you can take the 3 day option of Climbing the Acotango
TRIP INFO:
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2 days - 1 night
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6,052 meters - (19,856 feet)
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Border of Bolivia and Chile, in the Andes’ Western Cordillera .
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Private transportation
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April to October
ITINERARY:
Climbing the Acotango Volcano (6,052 m / 19,855 ft)
Your adventure begins at 8:40 AM, with pick-up from your hotel or our office in La Paz, Bolivia. We’ll head west across the stunning Altiplano, a scenic 4-hour drive to the village of Sajama.
Along the way, we’ll make a cultural stop to visit the “Chullpas”—ancient funerary towers built by pre-Columbian civilizations. These archaeological sites offer a fascinating glimpse into Bolivia’s rich history.
By the afternoon, we’ll arrive in Sajama Village, located at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,779 ft). You’ll check into a comfortable hostel with private bathrooms, where you can relax and acclimatize.
At 7:00 PM, we’ll enjoy a warm dinner and spend the night in Sajama, preparing for the climb ahead.
Summit Day – Acotango Volcano (6,052 m / 19,855 ft)
Around 2:00 AM, we depart from Sajama village in a 4WD vehicle, heading toward the Acotango trailhead at approximately 5,400 meters (17,716 ft). From here, we begin our progressive ascent toward the summit.
The ascent takes around 4 hours and is considered relatively easy for a high-altitude climb. Depending on the season, we may encounter snow or ice along the route. During the end of the dry season (winter), it is sometimes possible to reach the summit without the use of crampons and ice axes even complete the climb with trekking poles.
Upon reaching the summit at 6,052 meters (19,855 ft), you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Sajama National Park and the surrounding volcanoes—a truly magical experience.
We then begin the descent to 5,400 meters (17,716 ft), which takes approximately 2 hours. There is the option to descend via an alternate rocky route, offering a different perspective of the mountain. until where our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Sajama village. From there, we continue the return journey to La Paz, arriving by the end of the day 7:30 pm.
