4-day Guided ascent to Sajama in the Bolivian Andes

Follow José, IFMGA certified mountain guide, on this 4-day expedition to the summit of Nevado Sajama. Reach the highest point of Bolivia and enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes!

Private

4 Days

Mar - Nov

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Reach the top of the highest mountain of Bolivia, Nevado Sajama.
Spend an unforgettable 4-day mountaineering expedition in the Andes.
Enjoy amazing views of the Sajama National Park.

Description

Sajama is the highest mountain of Bolivia and a popular destination for mountaineering expeditions. This 4-day trip is your chance to reach its summit under expert guidance!

Because of its unique geographical features and its cultural diversity, Bolivia is one of the main attractions of South America. Its highest point, Nevado Sajama, is an extinct stratovolcano covered with glaciers. Located in the Oruro Department, within the Sajama National Park, this isolated peak was first climbed in 1939.

For this 4-day ascent we will meet in La Paz, the capital of the country, and drive to the starting point. The route traverses amazing forests, moraines, sand and rock slopes, and impressive glaciated sections. Finally, from the summit of Sejama we will enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes!

You can check the complete itinerary below.

Please note that this trip requires previous acclimatization. You must spend at least 3 days in the highlands doing light physical activity!

So, if you are up for a fabulous mountaineering adventure in the Bolivian Andes, please contact me. Let me guide you to the summit of Nevado Sajama!

And if you are looking for a mountain bike experience in the mountains of Bolivia, take a look at my Zongo Valley day outing!

Price includes

Guiding fee
Transport during the trip
Permit and entrance fees
Luggage transfer

Price details

Not including: flights, hotel and meals in La Paz, transfers from/to airport, personal camping and climbing equipment, insurance

Itinerary

Day 1: La Paz (3,650m) - Sajama National Park (4,466m) - Base camp (4,800m)

Pleasant drive through flat lands to Sajama National Park. After lunch we will head up to the base camp. Our traverse goes over the basin of a narrow valley, surrounded by a beautiful forest of local trees (“keñuas”). The camp is close to the only fresh water spring in the area. The muleteers will carry the group equipment.

Driving: 4-5Hrs (325km)
Hiking: 2-3Hrs (4.5km)

Day 2: Base camp (4,800m)- High camp (5,665m)

Passing through moraines, loose rocks, ashes and sand we reach the high camp. The campsite is situated over the steep slopes of the north ridge. We will probably have to work on the sandy slopes to build platforms for the tents.

Hiking: 5-6hrs (3.5km)

Day 3: Summit (6,549m) - Base camp (4,800m)

An early hiking will take us through the last sand and rock slopes. At dawn, after climbing the only steep section of the route, we will reach the top of a rocky ridge that we will scramble towards the glacier. Crossing the snowfields and small crevasses we will get to the summit. After taking some photos we will start the descent. At the High camp we will enjoy a delicious hot soup and a short rest. Then we will continue our way towards the Base camp.

Hiking: 13-15hrs (7km)

Day 4: Base Camp (4,800m) - La Paz (3,650m)

Our vehicle will be waiting on the head trail. The mules usually take much longer (at least one hour) than the rest of the group, so we can keep walking towards the hot springs for a relaxing hot bath. We can have lunch before going back to La Paz.

Walking: 1-2Hrs (4.5km)
Driving: 4-5Hrs (325km)

Details

More info

Don't forget your personal equipment! Climbing: plastic boots, crampons, harnesses, ice axe. Camping: sleeping bag, mattress, headlamps, and clothing.

Meeting point

La Paz, Bolivia

About the guide

José

Mountain Guide

IFMGA/UIAGM Mountain Guide from Bolivia

I first visited the Andes when I was 14 years old, and that's when the love of nature and Mountains started. Since then the "Call of the Hills" has not diluted and I dedicated my life to work as a mountain guide.

Proper training started in 1984 with the aid of the German government and the German Alpine Club (DAV). Then a group of Bolivians were certified as a mountain guide’s instructors. After many years of negotiation, Bolivia succeeded in becoming a member of the International Mountain Guides Association (IMGA, UIAGM, IVBV) in 2005. That's when I achieved the international Certification.

I also studied Film Making and hold a Masters degree on Script Writing and worked on some documentary projects with the BBC.

I lead trekking and climbing groups in Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina and Chile and speak Spanish, English and French.

Languages

French | English

Certificates

AGMTB

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What people are saying about Explore-Share

Man

Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!

Maxine

Luis Silva was a great climbing guide and belayer! He taught me how to do moves that were difficult and encouraged me to try routes that were challenging for me! Because of his encouragement, I managed to complete these routes! I really enjoyed the climbs and completed 8 routes in the Sesimbra/Azoia area. The weather was perfect, no direct sun and cool enough to enjoy the climbs. Explore-Share made booking an outdoor climbing experience in Lisbon extremely easy. Luis, our guide, was fantastic, and the platform’s organization was flawless.

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