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SAJAMA NATIONAL PARK, 2 Days
Code: 4WSAJAMA

Overland journey to visit Sajama National park; the first protected area created in Bolivia.

Dates: Upon request
Price: Upon request (land services only)
Single Room Supplement: N/A
Difficulty: Gentle
Accommodation: 1 nights in hotels (no camping).

View of Sajamavolcano form the town (S.Larose) A very old legend recounts that in times when there were no humans on the earth and only the mountains wandered over the highlands Mururata was the highest and most beautiful of the Andes. One day he contemplated his reflection in Lake Titicaca and his ego expanded to the extent that he wanted to be emperor of the earth. Wiracocha, the supreme god of the universe, did not take a liking to this rebellion so sent a warrior to behead Mururata (that literally means without head). It is said that - when cutting the mountain’s head -, the warrior said the Aymara word “Sarjam” (that means get away), so the head that landed hundreds of kilometers (miles) to the south was named as Sajama.

Today we can see Mururata to the northwest of Illimani with its flattened top, and his head; Sajama As an isolated cone near the border with Chile. Nevertheless Sajama is still the highest mountain of Bolivia, actually an old volcano covered with glaciers.

This short 4WD journey has been designed for those who would like to visit Sajama National Park and enjoy great views of the volcanoes in this protected at the same time of experiencing the hospitability of the local Aymara indigenous in which Lodge we will spend the night. Our route will take you over the main highway towards Chile, then surround the mountain and back to La Paz.

Itinerary:

D1. Transp.to Sajama National Park. Tomarapi Lodge.
D2. Transp.to La Paz.

Highlights:

Full tour to the main attractions into Sajama National Park, including: the highest Keñua tree forest in the planet, geysers, hot springs and spectacular views of Sajama volcano.
Accommodation at Tomarapi Lodge; one of the most successful community-owned lodges in the Bolivian highlands.

Day 1. Transport to Sajama National Park. Tomarapi Lodge.

Elevations
La Paz 3,650m (11,972f)
Tomarapi 4,260m (13,972f)
Timing
Driving: 5-6 Hrs
Meals
L,D

A pleasant drive traversing the flat highlands will take us to Sajama National Park. On the way we will visit the church of Curahuara de Carangas, considered the “sixteenth chapter” of the Bolivian Andes because of its magnificent mural paintings. After registering our selves at the park rangers hut, we will visit the town and the Alpaca and Llama farms, and continue towards the geysers. There we will have lunch and head to Tomarapi village where we will spend the night in the Lodge administrated by local Aymara indigenous.

Day 2. Transport to La Paz.

Elevations
La Paz 3,650m (11,972f)
Timing
Driving: 5-6 Hrs
Walking: 1-2 Hrs
Meals
B,L

Very early in the morning, we will drive a dead-end rod towards the highest ‘forest’ of the planet. The local species of trees are called keñuas (Polilepsis Tarapacana). With some luck we may see wild Vicuñas and Viscachas (kind of Marmots). Afterwards we head to the hot springs were we can take a relaxing bath before returning to La Paz.

ALTITUDE CHART

SERVICES

Included

Meals mentioned on the itinerary (three meals per day, snacks and boiled water).
Full land transportation on the trip.
Hotel accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary.
Professional bilingual guide(s) during the trip and transfers (on overland trips the guide usually drives as well).
National Park entrance fees.

Not included

International flight ticket.
Local flight tickets.
International & local airport fees.
Meals & accommodation in la Paz and other main cities.
Insurance of any kind.
Any expense due to a rescue operation (rescuers fee, transportation, or medical cost).

MORE INFORMATION

Please get into our “Resources” page in our website, there you will find plenty of information about pre-departure, National Parks, suggested reading, useful links and much more.

If you would like us to make additional hotel reservations besides the accommodation that is included in your trip, please get into our Reservations page