CLIMBING SAJAMA

Duration: 4/5 days.
Difference in Altitude: 1380 msnm
Technical Difficulty: AD (difficult)
Average Gradient 50/55 degree.
Base Camp I: Pueblo de Sajama 4,400m
Base Camp II: 4,760m
High Camp: 5,700m

This mountain is very big and beautiful and is located at a distance of 5 to 6 hours by car from La Paz. It offers a magnificent view of southwestern Bolivia, and the opportunity for hiking and, of course, especially climbing on the dormant volcano is amazing.
The first ascent was in 1939 by the Austrians Josef Prem and Wilfrid Kumm (Kuhmo) and the Italian Piero Ghigione.
The volcano is located in the protected park Sajama. There is a constant cooling: 6 to 30 degrees below zero at night and 5-10 degrees Celsius during the day. In the months from May to August, the winds blow in from the Argentinian Patagonia area with 90 to 180 km / h.
The normal route is not technically difficult, but you must take precautions, because the road is mostly covered by snow and strong winds usually blow from the southwest.

The Route:

Day 1:
Departure from La Paz in a private vehicle. On the way we stop at “Curawara” where we will have the opportunity to visit a beautiful chapel. In the church we find many colonial paintings on the walls, therefore the church is known as the “Sistine Chapel” of the highlands, and we also see many “chullpares” (ancient tombs of the Aymara);
Arrival and accommodation in the camp at 4,400 meters.

Day 2:
We take a leisurely walk of about four hours walking through the vast forests of the Queñua (Andean-type tree), and we discover the wildlife of the region with the Vincuñas and rheas (Rhea Andes). Then we will use the mules to help us with our luggage on the ascent to the base camp at 4760 meters.

Day 3:
On this day we make the climb to the high camp with the support of our team of porters for the mountain camping equipment and the food (5,700 m); Camping.

Day 4:
In the morning we begin our ascent to the Summit of the Colossus (6.542m). The view from the top is impressive. Then we will go back to the base camp and have a well-deserved break; Camping.

Day 5
We begin our descent with the help of porters and come back to the city Sajama. Further along the same route, after 4 or 5 hours we will have the opportunity to bathe in the hot springs and arrive later in the city of La Paz.

The tour includes:

Accommodation:

 1 night in a hostel in the village of Sajama.

 3 nights in a tent.

Food:

Adequate and fresh food during the expedition.

 Cooking.

Guide:

 Guide / Driver with experience.

 specialized mountain guide / 1 guide for every 3 persons.

Vehicle:

 Round-trip on the road.

Other:

 mules

 local insurance against accidents.

 Camping equipment (mats, igloo-type tents: Wolf 3500 German brand).

 Dining room, kitchen tent.

 All entrances into the park.

 porters to help us with carrying most of the equipment from base camp to high camp.

No Incluye:

 Personal climbing equipment, plastic boots, leggings, belts, ice axes, sleeping bag (optional rental).

 Medical care and / or evacuation.