Acotango 2 day

2 Days 1 Night

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

  • 2 days - 1 night
  • 6,052 meters - (19,856 feet)
  • Border of Bolivia and Chile, in the Andes’ Western Cordillera .
  • Private transportation
  • April to October

ITINERARY:

  • Day
    1

    LA PAZ (11,810 ft./3600 m). – SAJAMA VILLAGE (13,779 ft./ 4200m.)

    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.

  • Day
    2

    SAJAMA VILLAGE (13,779 ft./ 4200m.) – ACOTANGO SUMMIT (19,855 ft. / 6052m.) – LA PAZ (11,810 ft./3600 m).

    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.

INCLUDED FOR THE TOUR:

  • Professional Mountaineering Guide
    Experienced, certified guide for the entire ascent.
  • Technical Mountain Equipment
    Includes crampons, harness, double boots, ice axe, gaiters, and helmet.
  • Optional Clothing (if needed)
    If you do not have your own, we can provide:
    • Windproof jacket and pants
    • Mittens (mitts)
  • Private Transportation
    • La Paz – Sajama – La Paz (comfortable private vehicle)
    • 4WD transport from Sajama town to the Acotango trailhead (5,400 meters) and back
  • Meals
    All meals included during the tour (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
    • Day 1 (lunch, hot drink in the afternoon, dinner)
    • Day 2 (Breakfast, Lunch)
  • Accommodation
    Hostel in Sajama with private bathroom

PACKING LIST:

Backpacks

  • Daypack (35 liters) – for summit day essentials

Clothing (Layered System for High-Altitude Climbing)

  • Base Layer – thermal underwear (top and bottom)
  • Mid Layer – fleece or insulated jacket and pants
  • Outer Layer – waterproof and windproof jacket and pants
  • Down Jacket – for cold summit conditions
  • Gloves – lightweight liner gloves and insulated mittens or expedition gloves
  • Socks – Choose appropriate socks for mountaineering 6000 meters
  • Beanie – should be warm, breathable, and moisture-wicking, made from materials like merino wool or synthetics to keep your head and ears insulated and dry in cold, high-altitude conditions.

Footwear

  • Hiking Shoes – sturdy and broken-in for comfort
    • If you have your own mountaineering boots, it’s better to use them, as you’re already accustomed to them and they will likely be more comfortable during the climb.
      • However, no worries if you don’t have your own—we can provide a suitable pair for you.

Accessories & Essentials

  • Sunglasses – with strong UV protection
  • Headlamp – with extra batteries
  • Sunscreen – high SPF
  • Personal Medication – any prescription or altitude-related meds
  • Toilet Paper – personal supply
  • Personal Hygiene Items – toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.

Other Items

  • Snacks – energy bars, nuts, dried fruit for the summit attempt
  • 100 BOB (Bolivianos) – entrance fee for the national park
  • Cash for Guide Tips – tipping is appreciated and customary

When is the Best Season to Climb Acotango?

The best time to climb Acotango is during the dry season, from April to October. These months offer clear skies, stable weather, and generally dry trail conditions, making the ascent safer and more enjoyable.
  • April to June – Ideal for early season climbs with crisp, dry air and good snow conditions.
  • July to September – Coldest but clearest months; minimal snowfall and excellent visibility.
  • October – The weather remains dry but becomes slightly warmer as spring conditions begin, typically accompanied by the formation of penitentes—tall, thin ice formations common at high altitudes.

Avoid the rainy season (November to March), when weather is unpredictable and snow or rain can make the route more dangerous.

CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT

The mountaineering and hiking tours that we offer are highly risky, the customers decides to take the tour with their own experience and travel under our conditions. 1.-  Confirmation and payment:    
  • After confirming the tour with payment
  • The confirmation is  valid for the date and time indicated on it.
  • The customer is responsible for the tour and must prevent factors that can make themselves sick or injure
  • that can cause to loss the trip
2.-  Tour cancellations :
  • 12 days  before trip day  30% penalty from total price.
  • 7 days  before trip day  45% penalty from total price,
  • a day  before trip day    60% penalty from total price,
  • on  departure  day    100% penalty from total price,
3.-  Postponements:
  • 7 days or more  before the tour day  30% penalty from total price,
  • A day  before tour day  40% penalty from total price,
  • on  departure  day    100% penalty from total price
5.- Insurance:
  • The customer will make the tour on his/her own and full responsibility.
  • The price does not include travel insurance against accident, life and medical expenses of any kind.
8.- Climatological Factors:
  • The customer is responsible for choosing his/her travel date.  If, because of bad weather, the tour can not be completed. there is not refund.
9.- Equipment losses or damages during the tour:
  • The customer is responsible for taking care of all the equipment that we provide. In case of damages or losses of any of the gear, the customer must pay for it at the end of the tour.