Located in Bolivia’s remote southwest, Sajama National Park Bolivia is home to the towering Sajama Volcano, a stratovolcano rising to 6,542 meters (21,463 ft), making it the highest peak in Bolivia. Part of the Occidental Mountain Range, this breathtaking park features vast altiplano landscapes, dotted with grazing llamas, serene lagoons, and ancient rock formations—perfect for travelers seeking natural beauty and adventure.
Traveling from La Paz to Sajama National Park
Your journey begins in La Paz, winding through scenic Andean valleys and traditional Bolivian villages before reaching the tranquil beauty of Sajama National Park. Along the way, visit the Chullpares of Macaya, mysterious pre-Columbian burial towers, and admire the Sistine Chapel of Curahuara de Carangas, renowned for its vivid colonial frescoes.
Discover Geothermal Wonders and Majestic Peaks
Inside the park, experience a landscape shaped by geothermal activity. See the bubbling geysers of Walla Keru, hike to Wisalla Peak (4,990 m / 16,371 ft) and Mirador Peak (5,500 m / 18,044 ft), and explore Tomarapi village and its historic church. Don’t miss the serene Huayna Khota lagoon, and relax in natural mineral-rich hot springs, ideal for soothing your body after a day of exploration.
Queñua Forests and Nature Experiences in Sajama
For nature lovers, a gentle walk through the queñua forests, the highest-altitude forests in the world, offers both tranquility and stunning photo opportunities. Sajama National Park is a destination where Bolivia’s history, culture, and natural beauty converge, making it an unforgettable experience for travelers, hikers, and adventure seekers.
ITINERARY:
8:30 a.m. – We begin our journey to Sajama National Park from the vibrant city of La Paz. Leaving the city behind, we drive west, passing through El Alto.
After approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes of travel, we arrive at the Chullpas de Curahuara de Carangas, ancient stone burial towers built by pre-Incan cultures.
Next, we visit the Church of Curahuara de Carangas, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Altiplano” for its exquisite colonial frescoes.
Before reaching Sajama village, we will stop to visit the town of Lagunas and The Lagunas Lagoon is a unique place that we cannot miss on this adventure.
3:00 p.m. (approximately) – We arrive at the village of Sajama, where our hostel awaits us.
We continue toward the Geyser Field, where we observe volcanic activity, steaming vents, and bubbling geysers. In the area, we can also appreciate the unique queñua trees, one of the highest-growing forests in the world.
7:00 p.m. – We enjoy dinner together, then spend the night at a hostel with private bathrooms.
8:00 am, breakfast
“Today, we set out on an exciting journey to Wisalla Peak (4,990 m./ 16,371 ft). Starting from Sajama Village ( 4200m. / 13,779 ft.), we’ll hike for approximately three and a half hours, followed by a one and a half hour descent. Along the way, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. After lunch, we’ll head to the hot springs in the afternoon to relax, recharge, and enjoy a well deserved moment of rest.”
7:00 p.m. – We enjoy dinner together, then spend the night at a hostel with private bathrooms.
8:00 am, breakfast
After breakfast, we depart for a full-day high-altitude adventure in Sajama National Park. Today’s objective is a scenic hike to a 5,500-meter Pico Mirador offering sweeping panoramic views of the town of Sajama, the surrounding Andean landscape. From the summit, you’ll enjoy unforgettable views of the Sajama, Parinacota, and Pomarape volcanoes, as well as nearby lagoons and the region’s unique high-altitude flora and fauna.
We begin with a 45-minute 4×4 drive across rugged terrain to reach the trailhead. The hike consists of a gradual 4-hour ascent, allowing time for acclimatization, rest breaks, and photography. After enjoying the views at the summit, we descend over approximately 2 hours before returning to our vehicle and heading back to our accommodation.
7:00 p.m. – We enjoy dinner together, then spend the night at a hostel with private bathrooms.
8:00 am, breakfast
After breakfast, we will begin our journey back to the city of La Paz, but first we will explore the corners we have yet to discover in the area—places full of beauty and charm!
Along the way, we will visit the community of Tomarapi, just 20 minutes from the town of Sajama, where we will see its historic church and be amazed by Huayna Khota (or Wañaquta) Lagoon, a true natural paradise. In addition, during the journey we will enjoy the impressive queñua forest that lines our route.
We are expected to arrive in the city of La Paz at approximately 3:00 p.m.