Located in Bolivia’s remote southwest, Sajama National Park is home to the majestic Sajama Volcano, an impressive stratovolcano that rises to 6,542 meters (21,463 ft), making it the highest peak in the country. Part of the Occidental Mountain Range, this awe-inspiring natural wonder is surrounded by vast altiplano landscapes, dotted with grazing llamas, serene lagoons, and ancient rock formations.
Your journey begins in La Paz, winding through Andean valleys and small traditional villages before reaching the tranquil beauty of Sajama. Along the way, visit the Chullpares of Macaya—mysterious pre-Columbian burial towers that hold centuries of history—and admire the breathtaking Sistine Chapel of Curahuara de Carangas, renowned for its vivid colonial frescoes.
Once inside the park, discover a land shaped by geothermal activity: see the bubbling geysers of Walla Keru, and soothe your body in the natural hot springs with mineral-rich, medicinal waters—perfect for relaxation after a day of exploration. For nature lovers, a gentle walk through the enchanting queñua forests, known as the highest-altitude forests in the world, offers both tranquility and incredible photo opportunities.
With clear skies, stunning sunsets, and a chance to spot native wildlife such as vicuñas, flamingos, and Andean foxes, Sajama National Park is a place where nature, culture, and spirituality converge. Conclude your adventure by returning to La Paz with renewed energy and unforgettable memories of Bolivia’s wild highlands.
ITINERARY:
8:00 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. Sometimes the church may be closed. In this case, we will not have the opportunity to enter.
Before reaching Sajama village, we will stop to visit Laguna Isla, a unique place that we cannot miss on this adventure. From here, we will enjoy stunning views of Sajama Volcano and the Pomarape and Parinacota volcanoes.
At approximately 2:00 p.m., we arrive at the village of Sajama, where our hostel awaits us.
After settling in, we set out to explore the park’s stunning landscapes. You can choose your preferred trail: an easy one-and-a-half-hour walk (one way). To make it easier, we can also drive part of the way by car. Once we reach the park’s natural hot springs, we relax, soak, and refresh. Afterward, we return to our hostel.
At 7:00 p.m., we enjoy dinner together and then spend the night at a hostel with private bathrooms.
7:30 AM: Breakfast.
After breakfast: Take a short morning drive (≈20 min by car) or a one-hour walk from Sajama Village (hostel) to a nearby Geyser Field, where jets of steam and bubbling hot water rise dramatically from the earth. Set against the stunning backdrop of snowcapped peaks, this natural wonder offers a surreal landscape perfect for exploration and photography. In this area, we can also admire the unique queñua trees, part of one of the highest-growing forests in the world.
After visiting the geysers, we’ll visit Sajama Church, and then we will have lunch.
After lunch, we will continue to the community of Tomarapi, just a 40-minute drive from Sajama. Along the way, we will visit Huayna Khota (Wañaquta) Lagoon, a true natural paradise. During the drive, the impressive queñua forest that lines our route will provide breathtaking scenery. Once we arrive in Tomarapi, we’ll explore its historic church (Tomarapi church).
We are expected to arrive in the city of La Paz at approximately 7:00 PM.
