.jpg) Sajama
National Park has become one of the most important protected lands in
the Bolivian Andes. With the Chilean Lauca National Park, they both constitute
the largest protected area in the High Andes. The park is in the so-called
Occidental or Volcanic range which makes border between Bolivia and Chile.
Parinacota which meaning is “the flamingo’s lagoon”
is the highest peak of the extreme north of Chile and the second highest
in the Sajama National Park. This elegant cone-shaped volcano has its
twin called Pomarape and both are known as Paya Chatas (literally twin
peaks).
The route to the border of the main crater is basically a hike and a very
enjoyable experience and do not represent any technical difficulties being
the strong winds, the cold and the altitude the main problems to encounter.
Sometimes due to an extremely dry season, "penitentes" (icy
formations like standing feathers) are formed and can make the climb a
nightmare, or it can get too windy - as sometimes it use to be. Early
on the season it is also possible to do it on mountain skies.
This itinerary has been designed for those who want to attempt only Parinacota
Mountain. Please note that to take this trip alone, you must already be
acclimatized to the highlands. This means that you must have spend at
least 3-5 days at the highlands doing light physical activity and to have
already climbed at least a couple of peaks of about 5,500m (18,040ft),
ideally to have made the MECONDOR or MEJKOTA
trips. For more information about this subject, please refer to the page
acclimatization at our website.
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Itinerary:
D1. Transp.to base camp.
D2. Trek to high camp.
D3. Climb of Parinacota. Trek to base camp.
D4. Transp.to La Paz. |
Highlights:
- Great sightseeing
of the highlands and Sajama National Park on the way in and out.
- Spectacular route
to Parinacota 6,342m (20,801ft).
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| Day
1. Transport to base camp. |
Elevations
La Paz 3,650m (11,972f)
Parinacota Base Camp 4,750m (15,580f)
Timing
Driving: 5-7 Hrs
Meals
L,D |
A pleasant drive traversing
the flat lands will take us to Sajama National Park. After registering our
entrance to the park, we will agree with the porters for their help during
the following two days. We will have lunch at the geysers surrounded by
the highest ‘forest’ of the planet; the local specie of tree
called keñuas (Polilepsis Tarapacana). The drive up to the base camp
located at the eastern slopes of the twin peaks is very impressive and the
views of the valley astonishing. |
| Day
2. Trek to high camp. |
Elevations
Parinacota High Camp 5,250m (17,220f)
Timing
Walking: 3-4 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D |
With the help of the
high-altitude porters we will negotiate our way through moraines, loose
rocks, ashes and sand to the high camp. The campsite - always windy - is
located in a relatively flat terrain near the col between Pomerape and Parinacota.
We will probably have to work on the sandy slopes to make platforms where
to place our tents.
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| Day
3. Climb of Parinacota. Trek to base camp. |
Elevations
Parinacota 6,342m (20,801f)
Parinacota Base Camp 4,750m
Timing
Walking: 8-10 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D |
We will have an early
alpine start in order to climb the mountain and descend to base camp in
the same day. Before sunset and with the help of our torches, we will walk
a steep section to the glacier over a zigzagging trail through sand and
rock slopes. The ensuing walk over the snowfields and the very small crevasses
will steadily take us to the crater and following the carter ridge to the
very small summit. Although tired, you will find that descending towards
high camp over soft sand can not only be fast but also fun, after a very
welcomed hot soup and a short rest we will get down to base camp.
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| Day
4. Transport to La Paz. |
Elevations
La Paz 3,650m (11,972f)
Timing
Dricing: 5-7 Hrs
Meals
B,L |
No more walking today.
Since we have plenty of time, we will pay a visit to Sajama National Park.
Our vehicle will take us first to the village and then to the hot springs
where besides having a well-deserved relaxing hot bath we can have lunch,
and later head back to La Paz.
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