Code: 4WSAJAMA Duration: 2 days
A very old legend recounts that in times when there were no humans on the earth and only the mountains wandered over the highlands Mururata was the highest and most beautiful of the Andes. One day he contemplated his reflection in Lake Titicaca and his ego expanded to the extent that he wanted to be emperor of the earth. Wiracocha, the supreme god of the universe, did not take a liking to this rebellion so sent a warrior to behead Mururata (that literally means without head). It is said that - when cutting the mountain’s head -, the warrior said the Aymara word “Sarjam” (that means get away), so the head that landed hundreds of kilometers (miles) to the south was named as Sajama.
Today we can see Mururata to the northwest of Illimani with its flattened top, and his head; Sajama As an isolated cone nears the border with Chile. Nevertheless Sajama is still the highest mountain of Bolivia, actually an old volcano covered with glaciers.
This short 4WD journey has been designed for those who would like to visit Sajama National Park and enjoy great views of the volcanoes in this protected at the same time of experiencing the hospitability of the local Aymara indigenous in which Lodge we will spend the night. Our route will take you over the main highway towards Chile, then surround the mountain and back to La Paz.
Short Itinerary
Day 1. Transport to Sajama. Hotel.
Day 2. Transport to La Paz.
Highlights
- Sajama National Park, including: the highest Keñua tree forest in the planet, geysers, hot springs and spectacular views of Sajama volcano.
- Accommodation at Tomarapi Lodge; one of the most successful community-owned lodges in the Bolivian highlands.
- 650km total distance covered.
Services Included
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary.
- Full land transportation during the trip.
- Hotel accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
- Bilingual guide(s) during the trip.
- Luggage transportation in the vehicle (20 kg/44 lb per person max weight).
- National Park entrance fees.
Services Not Included
- International & local flight tickets & fees.
- Transfers IN/OUT to airports.
- Meals & accommodation while in La Paz and other main cities.
- Insurance of any kind.
- Any expense due to a rescue operation (rescuers fee, transportation, or medical cost).
Day to day details
A pleasant drive traversing the flat highlands will take us to Sajama National Park to enjoy a great landscape in this microclimatic high-altitude valley dotted by thousands of Alpacas, Vicuñas and Llamas, and surrounded by the highest volcanoes in Bolivia. Despite its height this protected land host a bizarre forest of Keñua trees, some of them subsist up to 5100m (16728ft) or higher, according to some scientists being the highest forest in the planet. There we will experience the hospitability of the local Aymara indigenous that own Tomarapi lodge where we will spend the night.
On the way, if we can find the key keeper, we may visit the church of Curahuara de Carangas, considered the “sixteenth chapter” of the Bolivian Andes because of its magnificent mural paintings. Before getting to our lodge we will make a short visit to the geysers and the hot springs; those who want can enjoy a relaxing bath (the local community charge a small extra cost).
Overnight: Tomarapi Lodge
El Alto: 4,100m (13,450ft)
Tomarapi: 4,260m (13,972ft)
Driving: 5-6 Hrs (325km)
L,D
After breakfast we will drive a dead-end road towards the highest ‘forest’ of the planet. The local species of trees are called keñuas (Polilepsis Tarapacana). With some luck we may see wild Vicuñas and Viscachas (kind of Marmots).
The road to La Paz traverses interesting highland landscape; the northern Altiplano that we will traverse is the most fertile part off the highlands and one of the most populated areas.
Overnight: None
El Alto: 4,100m (13,450ft)
La Paz: 3,650 m (11,972 ft)
Driving: 5-6 Hrs (325km)
B,L