SAJAMA (6549M) Classic Volcano climb BOLIVIA S HIGHEST West of La Paz near the border with Chile, there is a desert plain out of which rises the snow-capped cone volcano Sajama, found in Parque Nacional Sajama where there are other volcanoes such as The Twins Parinacota (6330m) and Pomerata (6200m). Sajama is in the northern part of the Cordillera Occidental and is the highest peak in Bolivia. The slopes of this volcano also support the highest forest in the world. Although it is not technically demanding to climb Sajama its high altitude and ice conditions make the peak more challenging than it initially appears. [1]
PROGRAM DETAILS SAJAMA Type of activity: Technical Climbing with ropes, trekking up to high camp (5450m) Difficulty: 3 - moderate fitness Experience required: 2-3 basic climbing skills / some experience Grade of climb: North west ridge II/AD 50 Number of days: 5 days, 4 nights Tour starts in La Paz Tour ends in La Paz Best time of year: May to September Season: Dry season: days are mild and nights are cold Highlights: Reaching the summit of one of the best known peaks in Bolivia.Visiting the hot springs found in Parque Nacional Sajama and the village of Sajama Base camp [2]
PROGRAM Day 1: La Paz (3600m) Sajama village (4220m) We will drive from La Paz through El Alto and onto the Altiplano (4000m), which is open and dry. On the drive out we pass small communities, these people mainly live form herding their llamas. A few hours before the village of Sajama we get our first views of Sajama mountain, lonely by itself. We will stay the night in the village of Sajama and have the opportunity to visit the hot springs. 4-5 hours driving (LD) Hostel Day 2: Sajama village Base camp (4600m) We will head north from the village of Sajama, walking across the open lands, with views of Sajama in front of us. After a fairly short days walk we will reach base camp. Mules will carry our gear up to base camp. 3-4 hours (BLD) camping Day 3: Base camp High camp (5450m) Walking on rock and moraine we will cross up over a ridge and continue to climb up to high camp. We will make our high camp on a ridge next to a rock tower were we have views of the Altiplano. Camp is on small ledges dug out on the side of the mountain. Porters take our equipment to high camp 4-6 hours (BLD) camping Hot springs at Sajama [3]
Day 4: High camp Summit (6549m) High camp - Base camp Sajama Village An early start from our high camp as it will be a long day. We will follow the ridge and climb through snow fields, to finally reach the summit. From the summit we can see the Twins and on a clear day we can see the Cordillera Real. After a short break we start the descent, stopping at the high camp to meet the porters who will carry all the equipment and personal gear back down. We will finish back at Sajama village 10-16 hours (BLD) Hostel Day 5: Sajama village La Paz In the morning we make a visit of the hot springs. After lunch we will drive back to La Paz. Drop off at hotel. 3-4 hours driving (BL) END of SERVICES NOTE: LATER IN THE SEASON PENITENTS (LARGE ICE SPIKES) CAN FORM. MAKING THE CLIMB PHYSICALLY A LOT MORE DEMANDING. [4]
PRICES Prices include: Professional English speaking mountain guide, guide ratio 2 clients to 1 guide Meals as mentioned, including drinks at camp meals (B breakfast, L lunch, D dinner) All private transport Mules, up to base camp and back down Porters, up to high camp and back down to base camp Full camp, includes: tents, kitchen equipment, chairs, tables, dinning tent etc Cook Equipment for the mountain, ropes and protection 2 night s Hostel (Sajama village) Entrants fees to park Sajama and hot springs Not include: Personal clothing Personal insurance Rescues at clients cost Extra services not mentioned in the program Tips Kids playing football Prices: 1 person $1630 US 2 people $1075 US each 3 people $945 US each 4 people $925 US each Prices with Spanish speaking guide: 1 person $1470 US 2 people $915 US each 3 people $875 US each 4 people $855 US each Contact details: Calle Linares #940 Email: Info@climbingsouthamerica.com 1st Floor Web page: www.climbingsouthamerica.com La Paz Office phone number: 591-2-2971543 Bolivia Cell phone number: 591-71903534 [5]