Sajama Expedition - Andean Heights

Sajama Expedition

6,280 m / 20,630 ft

Altiplano, Bolivia | 3-Day Expedition

Overview

Nevado Sajama (6,280 m / 20,630 ft) is the highest peak in the Altiplano and one of Bolivia's most iconic snow-capped volcanoes. This magnificent peak offers climbers a challenging yet accessible mountaineering experience with spectacular panoramic views of the Andean landscape and serves as an ideal objective for experienced mountaineers seeking to achieve a significant high-altitude milestone.

Located in the stunning Altiplano, the climb features diverse terrain including loose scree, rocky ridges, and glaciated slopes. The upper sections present icy conditions with notable ice formations (penitentes) that vary by season. From the summit, a vast snow-covered crater with ice and snow welcomes climbers with breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks and the endless expanses of the Bolivian highlands. This expedition is perfect for climbers looking to combine cultural exploration with high-altitude mountaineering in one of South America's most pristine regions.

Expedition Highlights

Climb the highest peak in the Altiplano
Complete summit in just 3 days with proper acclimatization
Visit the colonial "Capilla Dieciséis del Altiplano" in Curahuara de Carangas
Explore the remote village of Sajama and its unique culture
Navigate diverse terrain from scree to glacier
Experience the pristine beauty of Bolivia's highest volcano

Trip Details

Duration

3 Days / 2 Nights

Difficulty

Challenging - High altitude mountaineering

Max Altitude

6,280 m / 20,630 ft

Best Season

May to September (dry season)

Starting Point

La Paz, Bolivia (3,650m)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

La Paz – Pueblo de Sajama - Campo Base (4,700 m)

We depart early in the morning from La Paz, crossing the Altiplano with spectacular scenic views. We make a stop at the village of Curahuara de Carangas to visit the colonial church known as "Capilla Dieciséis del Altiplano," a remarkable historical site showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage. We continue our journey to the remote village of Sajama and then to the base camp at 4,700 meters. Along the way, we observe the diverse flora and fauna of this pristine highland region. We establish our first campsite and rest for the night. 🏕 Camp at Sajama Base Camp (4,700 m)

Day 2

Base Camp – Sajama High Camp (5,700 m)

In the morning, we begin our ascent to the high camp with the support of our porters. We traverse the outer face of the mountain and follow the northwest ridge. The final corridor leads us to the high camp at 5,700 meters, where we will rest and acclimatize for our summit attempt. The views from this altitude are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the Altiplano and surrounding peaks. 🏕 Overnight at Sajama High Camp (5,700 m)

Day 3

High Camp – Summit Sajama (6,280 m) – La Paz

We begin our summit attempt at 1:00 AM. The first section features loose scree terrain requiring careful footwork. We then traverse a rocky ridge until reaching the snow line. Depending on seasonal conditions, the glacier may feature penitentes (ice formations) of varying sizes that add to the technical challenge. After overcoming these obstacles, we arrive at an immense flat summit crowned by a snow and ice-filled crater. We take time to enjoy the incredible 360-degree views before descending via the same route back to base camp. We then return to the city of La Paz. 🧗 Total summit day: 8-10 hours approximately.