Sajama 6,542m. -4DAYS

4 Days 3 Nights
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.
  • Private Transport for the group
  • 6500m.

Itinerary

  • Day
    1

    LA PAZ (11,810 ft./3600 m). – SAJAMA VILLAGE (13,779 ft./ 4200m.) -SAJAMA BASE CAMP (15,419ft./ 4700m.)

    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.

  • Day
    2

    SAJAMA BASE CAMP (15,419ft./ 4700m.) - HIGH CAMP OF SAJAMA (18,700 ft. / 5700m.)

    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.

  • Day
    3

    HIGH CAMP OF SAJAMA (18,700 ft. / 5700m.) - ASCEND TO SUMMIT (21,325 ft./ 6500m.) – BASE CAMP (15,419ft./ 4700m.) - SAJAMA VILLAGE (13,779 ft./ 4200m.)

    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.

     

  • Day
    4

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

    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.

INCLUDED FOR THE TOUR:

 

  • A Professional Mountaineering Guide for every 2 customers
    Experienced, certified guide for the entire ascent.
  • Technical Mountain Equipment: 
    • Crampons
    • Harness
    • Double boots
    • Ice axe
    • Gaiters
    • Helmet
  • Optional Clothing (We recommend bringing and wearing your own clothing based on your personal preferences.)
    no worries, if you don’t have your own — we provide:
    • Windproof jacket 
    • Windproof pants
    • Mittens (mitts)
    • Flecce Pants
    • Facemask
    • Flecce Jacket
  • Private Transportation
    • La Paz City – Sajama Village
    • Horse or Transport from Sajama Village to Base Camp to transport meals, kitchenware, climbing gear and personal belongs of customers.  
    • Base Camp - Sajama Village on Summit day
    • Sajama Village – La Paz  City
  • Meals
    All meals included during the tour (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
    • Day 1 (lunch, hot drink in the afternoon, dinner).
    • Day 2 (breakfast, lunch, hot drink in the afternoon, dinner).
    • Day 3 (breakfast, lunch, hot drink in the afternoon, dinner).
    • Day 4 (breakfast, lunch).
  • Porter
    •  Porter will be provided to transport meals, kitchenware, and tents from Base Camp to High Camp to Base Camp.

  • Accommodation:
    • Fist Night  at Base Camp (Mountaineering tent).
    • Second Night at High Camp (Mountaineering tent).
    • Third Night Sajama Village (Natural hot springs) Tent

Packing List (Required for All Participants):

To sleep:

  • Sleeping Bag (–15°C to –20°C rating): A high-quality, cold-weather sleeping bag designed to keep you warm during the night.

Backpacks:

  • Daypack (35 liters) – for summit day.
  • Bagpack (55 - 70 liters) – used at from Base Camp To High Camp. (If you here your own personal porter, you can use a backpack or duffel bag for the porter to carry).

Headwear:

  • 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.
  • Buff - A must-have for all outdoor activities
  • Sun Hat - Any style of lightweight hat for shading the head will work well
  • Sunglasses – with strong UV protection
  • Headlamp –A modern outdoor LED headlamp offering 200-300 lumens of output.

Handwear:

  • lightweight liner gloves
  • Insulated mittens or expedition gloves, no worries if you don’t have your own—we provide them.

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

Footwear:

  • Socks – Bring three pairs of light–midweight wool hiking socks, plus one heavyweight pair for cold weather.
  • Hiking Shoes – sturdy and broken-in for comfort
  • Mountaineering boots
    • We Recommend to bring your own muntaineering boots, because as you’re already accustomed on them and they will be more comfortable during the climb.
      • However, no worries if you don’t have your own—we provide a suitable pair for you.

Accessories & Essentials:

  • 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
  • Optional Rentals (If Needed):

    • Sleeping bag (-15 °C): USD 30
    • Trekking poles: USD 30
    • Personal porter: USD 100 , up and down from Base Camp to High Camp.

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

4.- 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.

5.- 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.

6.- 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.