Sajama

21,484 ft/6,550 m

Tour Overview

The participants of this world record included members of the Club Andino Boliviano, High Altitude Pathology Institute, Bolivian Journeys, Military Geographical Institution, bolivian mountain guides and porters, television crews like CNN, ESPN, Television Boliviana and international press among others.

"about half an hour later, and with tremendous excitement, we saw the fireworks, tiny smoke spots as they blasted high above the Sajama summit. They had played the first half time of an historic game! And these young formidable men, that had followed the instructions precisely, would show the world their incredible capacity for exercise at extreme altitudes ...".

Sajama stands alone as an eroded volcano, dominating over all other mountains in the area. This is a truly beautiful climb and a slightly harder ascent in icy years than any of the other major peaks in the Cordillera Occidental. Although most routes on this mountain are straightforward, strong winds and high altitude make this a challenging summit . A unique approach, through desert to an altogether different high Andean mountain, makes Bolivia's highest summit, a worthwhile climb.

    Highlights

  • One of the most beautiful volcanoes in the World.
  • High summit rate 80%.
  • Beautiful views over Sajama (Bolivia) and Lauka (Chile) Nationals Parks.
  • Plenty of photo opportunities.
  • Ideal for beginners.

    • Suitable for:

  • Average fitness.
  • Acclimatized and determined people.
  • Beginners to experienced climbers.

    Land costs include:

  • Transportation. Bolivian Journeys has a private driver to provide in country transport, thus ensuring our safety and facilitating an independent schedule that does not depend on public transportation.
  • Food. We eat high quality meals using fresh local ingredients.
  • All group climbing gear.
  • Mules.
  • Professional mountain guide.

    • Land costs do not include:

  • Meals except while climbing.
  • Park fee .
  • Gratuities to guides and staff.
  • Insurance.
  • Rescue or medical expenses that may occur during the trip.

  • Day 1

    In the morning we depart La Paz bound for the Village of Sajama 4,250m (13,944 ft) situated near the base of Volcan Sajama. Travel is via 4x4 vehicles for approximately five hours. We arrive at the village of Sajama and we load up our mules and set out on foot for a short hike to basecamp 4,800m (15,749 ft). by the Rio Aychuta. The remaining afternoon can be spent taking a few photos or just relaxing.

  • Day 2

    After a late breakfast, expedition members depart basecamp bound for high camp 5,800m (19,030 ft). The route involves a series of traverses through rock scree, snowfields and massive andesite towers. High camp is reached after 4 hours of travel. Once again, as the sun goes down and dinner is served the temperature drops dramatically. High Camp is normally very windy.

  • Day 3

    After a pre-dawn wake up, we rope up and ascend in order to reach the summit. We'll go up in a snow gully that leads straight up to a ridge. This ridge leads to the broad base of the snow dome, sometimes we have to deal with "penitentes" (snow spikes). After ascending for 8 hours, the expedition arrives at the summit. After a well-deserved round of congratulations and photos, the expedition begins the 3 to 4 hour descent to basecamp.

  • Day 4

    Today the expedition departs basecamp on foot for the short hike to trailhead where we immediately load up into the 4x4 vehicles for the five-hour journey back to La Paz. Plenty of photo opportunities are available as we traverse the Cordillera Occidental on our way back to the capital city.

    Tops

  • 1 lightweight, long sleeve polypropylene shirts
  • 1 medium weight fleece shirt or wool sweater
  • 1 fleece jacket
  • 1 outer shell jacket with hood *

    • Bottoms

  • 1 pair long underwear bottoms
  • 1 pair wind pants *

    • Footwear

  • 1 pairs wool socks
  • 1 pair light weight trekking

    • Boots

  • 1 pair trekking boots
  • 1 pair plastic expedition boots *
  • 1 pair gaiters *

    • Hand wear

  • 1 pair fleece mittens
  • 1 pair overmitts

    • Head gear

  • 1 wool hat
  • 1 pair glacier glasses
  • 1 sunhat

    • Sleeping gear

  • 1 down or synthetic sleeping bag (rated to 15 F) *
  • 1 full length closed cell foam pad

    • Pack

  • 1 daypack for approach hike and possible use on summit day and carry-on bag
  • 1 large (7,500+ cu.in.) duffle bag for gear, include small padlock

    • Climbing gear

  • 1 climbing harness *
  • 1 pair crampons *
  • 1 ice axe (60-70 cm) *
  • 1 locking carabiner *
  • 1 regular biner *
  • 1 equipment sling (1" tubular webbing, approx. 6' long)
  • 1 helmet *

    • Misc

  • 1 first-aid kit
  • 1 headlamp, include extra batteries *
  • 1 one quart water bottle
  • Lip balm (spf 30) and sun screen (spf 40)
  • Pocket knife
  • Adjustable ski poles (highly recommended)*

( * ) Items can be rented from Bolivian Journeys

Contact Us

Tour details:

Altittude: 21,484 ft/6,550 m

Days: 4 days

Difficulty: Beginner

Location: Cordillera Occidental