Climbing Sajama in Bolivia, At 6542 meters, Sajama is the highest mountain in Bolivia and the crowning peak of the Cordillera Occidental.
Sajama is a volcanic peak located in the department of Oruro. Located just 200 km Southwest from the capital city of Bolivia, La Paz, and also right on the border with Chile
Sajama is a great option for who is expecting a thrillling experience and challenging.
The ascending to Sajama is quite difficult. because its high altitude, cold and some times a lot of wind, also we find on route some very steep sections, which makes more challenging the climb.
The climbing is through sensational scenery on the volcano itself, ending with breathtaking view of landspape from the Summit, such as las Payachatas (Parinacota 6.342m. and Pomerape 6.28m.).
The área of Sajama national park is known too, for its unique high desert flora and fauna (wildlife), such us llamas, vicuñas, alpacas, pink flamingos. Including forests featuring quenua trees. And also the área is volcanoes and geothermal features. For that reason, on the área there are Geysers, natural hot springs to enjoy.
Physical Requirements
Climbing Nevado Sajama is very physically demanding, as the high altitude. And strong wind. Also as it is volcanic peak the air that we breathe is dry.
For that reason is recommended for who will climb it. Has a very high level of fitness and acclimatization, becasuse it will make the climb easier and more enjoyable.
From where do the trips starts to climb sajama?
Usually trips to Sajama strarts from la Paz City – Bolivia.
Because you can easily get to La Paz City – Bolivia by plane, also take advantage of the mountains on the Royal Range to do training and acclimatize.
How is the Climbing Route
The normal route is climbed by all the People.
From La Paz City 4 hours driving up to the village of Sajama, from there it is a 3 hour hike to base camp (4,700 m). then 6 hours walk up to the high camp (5,700 m), and summit attempt, which is roughly a 12 hour round trip. After that descent back to base camp, and then to Sajama.
Weather Conditions
As its extremely high altitude and being high up in the Andes, it is constantly cold all year round, with temperatures dropping below 0 degrees celsius.
Best season to climb Sajama
The best season to climb sajama is between May and October, as this is the dry season in Bolivia, and will ensure optimal climbing conditions.
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Private Transport for the group
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6500m.
At 8:30 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel and begin a scenic three-hour drive in private transport toward the village of Sajama (4,200 m. / 13,779 ft.), located within Bolivia’s spectacular Sajama National Park. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of high-altiplano landscapes, grazing llamas and alpacas, and the snow-capped peaks that dominate the region.
From Sajama village, we will begin a three-hour hike to the base camp of Sajama mountain or Volcano (4,700 m. /15,419 ft.). The ascent is gradual and offers plenty of opportunities to acclimatize while taking in the unique flora, wildlife, and panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes.
Upon arrival at base camp, we will enjoy hot drinks, while you settle into the high-mountain environment. Later, we will serve a freshly prepared dinner before resting for the night in comfortable expedition tents under the star-filled Andean sky.
9: 00 am After breakfast, we will begin our ascent toward High Camp. The hike takes approximately six hours and follows a challenging route over sand, scree, and rocky terrain as we steadily gain altitude toward 5,700 meters. Throughout the journey, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic high-Andean landscapes.
Upon reaching High Camp (5,700 m. / 18,700 ft.), we will set up our tents and take time to rest and continue acclimatizing. Your guide will review the plan for summit day, check climbing gear, and inform final tips for a safe and successful ascent. We’ll enjoy a warm meal at the end of the day and spend the night at High Camp in tents.
Our day will begin very early, with a wake up at around 2:00 a.m. We’ll get dressed in our climbing gear, check all equipment with the guide, and have a light but energizing breakfast to prepare for the ascent.
Once ready, we will start climbing under the starlit sky. The first part of the route takes us across sections of scree before reaching the glacier. Our first section on the glacier is inconsistent and loose. After that, we will follow a ridge until we reach the snow. Depending on the weather, the glacier may have penitentes of varying sizes. After overcoming these difficulties, we will reach a flat and immense summit, a crater filled with snow and ice.
Upon reaching the summit, we will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Cordillera Occidental, you’ll see the iconic twin volcanoes Parinacota and Pomerape, as well as the vast, colorful highland landscape illuminated by the sunrise—one of the most unforgettable moments of the expedition.
Our descent will be approximately three hours, via the same route back to High Camp.
After arriving to high camp, we’ll eat food and warm drinks to recover. We will then re-pack our gear and continue descending to Base Camp.
From Base Camp, our private transport will take us to the nearby hot springs, where you can relax your muscles and enjoy the natural thermal waters.
After breakfast, we will take some time to organize our gear and prepare for the journey back. Once everything is ready, we will return to La Paz, a scenic drive of approximately four hours.
