Volcano Sajama 4 day Climb, 6549 Meters
Climbing Bolivia 4 Days – Sajama – This is the highest mountain in Bolivia standing at an impressive 6549 meters (21486 feet). The mountain itself is is located on a plain and is a neat conical shape. The openness of the plain can mean this climb can get quite windy sometimes but also means the views can be fantastic. The area of Sajama is sparsely populated and you will only see a handful of dwellings outside of the small village of Sajama. In the area the main activity is Alpaca and Llama farming. Nearby there are natural hot springs, “Chullpas” burial chambers and also other great mountains to climb such as Parinacota and Pomerata (The twins).
To climb this mountainn you do not need any experience and be very well acclimitised. We recommend that you have spent at least 7 days above 3000 meters and have done some high altitude trekking or climbed another 5500 meter plus peak.
DAY 1
We leave La Paz early in the morning to drive to Sajama village (5 houurs approx) where we will sign in to the visitors office and pay the national park fee (30bs – subject to change). Sajama mountain is clearly visable as it stands alone on a plain and has a perfect conical shape. The foothills around are home to the worlds highest forest which is made up of a bush like tree called Queñua. From the village we will have a walk of about 3 or 4 hours to the base camp where we will spend the night (4600 meter – 15091 feet) Pack mules will be used to carry the equipment.
DAY 2
Today we have a trek of around 4 to 5 hours to get to the high camp at an altitude of 5500 meters (18044 feet). The terraine is rock and moraine and we will camp on a ridge with great views of the highland plain. Obviously at this height it will be cold at night and the openess of Sajama can also mean it can get quite windy. For this section we will use porters for carrying the equipment.
DAY 3
We wake up early (around 1am) and start to climb on the snow line so will need our crampons and be roped up. We will be steadily walking up the ridge on snow until we reach the summit. There are no technical sections to climb but the altitude will make the going difficult and a steady pace is best. The asecent takes aroudn 6 to 8 hours to the summit. Here we will rest and take in the views before starting out descents down the same route until teh high camp where we will stay the night
DAY 4
We will pack up camp after breakfast and return down the same trail (with the porters carrying the equipment) until we reach low camp and then we will decend to meet our vehicle once again for the return journey to La Paz.
INCLUDED IN TOUR
- Private transportation to and from the climb
- Qualified Mountain Guide , Spanish speaking
- Camping equipment – tent, mattress, cooking equipment
- Equipment – Climbing Boots, Crampons, Ice Axe, Mountain jacket and Trousers, harness, ropes, gloves etc
- Meals including drinks at camp meals
- Pack animals add porters where indicated
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR
- Sleeping Bag (required to at least -10) – you can rent a sleeping bag -18 from us if required (deposit required)
- Head torch – if you dont have your own we can supply this – you supply batteries
- Thermal under trousers , fleece jacket and thermal upper body wear, fleece hat, perosnal gloves for inside mountain gloves
- Backpack 50 to 60 liters for carrying personal equipment
- Water (2 liters bottle required – refills available)
- Chocolate or high calorie sweets /snacks
- Warm gloves for wearing inside Mountain Gloves, Warm Hat
- Sunglasses, Sun cream and Lip balm – essential.
- Travel Insurance – recommended
- Any camp or national park fee.
