Bolivia's adventures
Discover the raw beauty of Sajama National Park in this 10-day 53 km adventure. Acclimatize at Lake Titicaca, visit geysers and hot springs and ascend two iconic volcanoes: Acotango an easy 6,052 m and iconic Sajama, Bolivia’s highest summit 6,572 m.
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Arrival in La Paz
Arrive at El Alto airport at 4,063 m that will take your breath away due to the altitude and the views of the mountains. The clear, crisp sky of the highlands gives the impression that you could touch them. Make an impressive drive to La Paz city, with hanging buildings within a valley surrounded by glacial mountains. Enjoy a light lunch, do the briefing with the guide and then take a short city tour using the modern cable car system.
Trek to Yumani
Leave early and head west to Lake Titicaca, cross the Tiquina Strait by ferry and continue along the shores to the village of Sampaya. Enjoy lunch at a spot with views of Isla del Sol, Isla de la Luna, Cordillera Real and Apolobamba mountain ranges. Hike traversing narrow, steep alleys of the village of Sampaya, mostly built of stone and thatched roofs and follow the ridge top to Yampupata. Meet the boatman and take a 15-minute boat ride to Isla del Sol, visit the archaeological site of Pilcocaina and hike to the town of Yumani where we will spend the night at a friendly hostel.
Trek to Challapampa
Hike north to the archaeological site of Chincana crossing the entire length of the island, following a very scenic path with views of Lake Titicaca’s cobalt waters. Continue to the village of Challa Pampa, take the boat to Wakani where lunch is Apthapi, a typical andean lunch. Take the boat back to Yampupata where transport waits for you and will take you to Copacabana at 3,849 m, visit the church and the market before dinner. Optionally, hike 2 km to Calvary Hill for sunset.
Transport to Sajama
Drive back to La Paz enjoying views of Cordillera Real, have lunch at El Alto viewpoint and drive through the southern altiplano region switching to the volcanic mountain range. Enjoy wild rock formations in the way.
Hike to Laguna Kasiri. Visit Geisers
Spend a full day in Sajama. Hike to Laguna Casiri at the border with Chile for further acclimatization, enjoy stunning views of Sajama Volcano and visit the Geysers to explore volcanic activity.
Climb Acotango
Wake up early, drive east up the parking spot at 5,402 m to get the last of your equipment ready and ascent Acotango Volcano 6,052 m through a hike that offers unrivaled views of the mountain range: Sajama 6,542 m, Pomarape 6,282 m, Parinacota 6,348 m and Wallatiri 6,071 m the only active one, located in the Chilean side.
Rest Day
Have a proper rest day in Sajama town with the possibility of visit artisans, alpaca herds of bath in warm thermal waters. If still active, hike 4 km to Montecielo a viewpoint close to Sajama town.
Ascend to Sajama High Camp
Drive to Sajama’s volcano base camp 4,863 m through beautiful Queñua (polilepis) trees an area considered one of the highest forests of the world and ascent through the sandy and slopy east side of Sajama volcano to reach high camp and set the campsite.
Climb Sajama and return to Sajama town
Wake up early, climb through rocky slopes and glaciers to ascent to Samaja Volcano 6,542 m, Bolivia's highest mountain, enjoy unprecedented views of the hole national park and descend to the trailhead where our vehicle is waiting for us to return to Sajama town.
Transport to La Paz
Journey back to La Paz, passing through Sajama National Park. Visit Curahuara de Carangas to visit the 16000 historic church often called the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes".
Type
Trekking, Mountaineering, 4x4
Grade
Altitude range
3,594 - 6,542 m
Total duration
14
Accommodation
Min - Max people
4 - 12
Countries
Bolivia
Region
Lake Titicaca, Sajama
Ask availability
Every adventure starts with a plan
Our adventures are subject to Dynamic Andean Availability — shaped by weather conditions, seasonal windows, and minimum group size. Reach out to us to find the best time to embark on your journey.
FRECUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
How is the current political situation in Bolivia?
Even though there is constant political unrest in Bolivia, normally the situation is limited to road blocks and manifestations in the city. During our 30 years of experience, we always find ways to complete our itineraries or if needed, propose changes to overcome different situations.
Think about it as an adventure experience but nothing really dangerous to worry about.
What is the most common reaction to high altitude environments?
The physical responses to the reduced oxygen levels, also known as hypoxia, are quite common. Many visitors experience shortness of breath, mild headaches, dizziness or lightheadedness. Fatigue can set in quickly as the body uses more energy to function. Some individuals may feel nausea, lose their appetite, or experience disturbed sleep.
These are typical signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which usually resolves with rest, acclimatization, staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and ascending gradually can help minimize these effects.
What is the minimum acclimatization process to climb a 6000m mountain?
At least 7 days of sleeping and doing mild exercise between 3000m and 5000m. An average itinerary can include:
- Flight or bus to La Paz at 3600m
- Drive to Lake Titicaca and hike 5 km in Isla del Sol at 3840m
- Hike 8 km in Copacabana or the shores of Lake Titicaca
- Drive to Condoriri and hike 4 km to ChiarKota at 4670m
- Hike 9 km and ascend Pico Austria at 5350m
- Drive to Huayna Potosí and hike to Glaciar Viejo to do glacier practices at 5100m
If you complete this you are ready to climb a 6000m mountain like Huayna Potosi, Chachacomani, Chearoko, Illampu, Ancohuma, Illimani, Cololo, Chaupi Orko, Acotango, Parinacota, Pomarape or Sajama.
What is included in our trips?
As an all-inclusive company that wants to take care of everything so you don’t worry about anything but enjoying your adventure. Depending the type of trip you choose, the average trip includes:
Included services:
- All land transportation included buses, 4x4 and boat rides
- Hotel accommodation in La Paz, Sajama, Uyuni, Lake Titicaca
- Common climbing equipment: ropes, carabiners, slings, ice screws
- English speaking UIAGM/IFMGA certified mountain guide
- English speaking UIMLA certified trekking guide
- Meals during the itinerary
- Cook and assistant during camping stages
- Luggage transportation and pack animals up to 15 kg per person in trekking and Base Camp, 10 kg to High Camp with porters
- National Park and Community Land entrance fees
Not included:
- Transfer In/Out from La Paz
- International and local flights
- Soft drinks and spirits
- Personal equipment: sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, headlamps
- Personal climbing equipment: ice axe, helmet, boots, harnesses, crampons
- Insurance of any kind
- Rescue operations, rescuers fees, transportation or medical treatment
How does Andean Summits ensure safety on our trips?
Since our establishment in 1994, we design our trips and procedures to ensure safety and enjoyment for your adventures.
- Working only with certified UIAGM/IFMGA certified mountain guides and UIMLA certified trekking guides
- Employing trustful drivers, cooks, muleteers and porters some of which we work up to 15 years with
- Constantly monitoring political unrest or social problems
- Permanent weather tracking
- Constant communication between hiking party and base camp in trekking trips
How do I reserve and confirm services with Andean Summits?
Pay a predefined deposit around 10% of the total cost. And then make the full payment one month before departure. Payments are accepted via bank transfer, wire or electronic wallets.
How are cancellations and refunds handled?
Submit cancellations in writing via email. Refunds depend on timing:
- 60+ days before departure: Full refund (minus $100 fee).
- 31-59 days: 50%.
- 15-30 days: 25%.
- 14 days or less: No refund.
Can Andean Summits cancel a trip?
Yes, trips may be canceled due to insufficient participants, extreme weather, or safety/logistical issues. Refunds or rescheduling options are provided case-by-case.
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