Get ready for a journey to one of Bolivia's least famous but most authentic national park. From a pristine lagoon teeming with Andean wildlife to steaming hot springs and boiling geysers, this pocket of Bolivia is something of a natural paradise. Enjoy a perfect mix of culture, adventure, wildlife and relaxation as we explore the natural beauty of Sajama National Park and its surroundings for three days allowing for plenty of adventure.
DAY 1
LA PAZ - SAJAMA NATIONAL PARK
We begin our Sajama National Park expedition in the vibrant city of La Paz early morning. Leaving the city behind we drive west, past the city of El Alto towards the Chilean border through a modern highway. We make several stops along the way, including a couple of stunning viewpoints, an archaeological site and other scenic spots.
A whole morning drive later brings us into Sajama National Park where lunch awaits just past noon. The rest of the afternoon is spent exploring the park with the option of choosing among geysers, hot springs, a short hike or a cultural activity. Spend an evening at leisure in our local lodge where warm dinner will be served.
ACCOMMODATION
BASIC: Local shelter run by local family. Private room, shared bathroom (may require going outside) IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures
STANDARD: Local hostel run by local family. Private room or cabin with private bathroom and hot shower IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures
PLUS: Tomarapi Ecolodge with private room, bathroom and hot shower as well as heating IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures
MEALS
LUNCH, DINNER
DAY 2
LAGOONS, FLAMINGOS & VOLCANOES
A short 2-hour morning drive south of Sajama park brings us to a region adjacent to Chile’s Lauca National Park that offers a perfect opportunity to discover authentic countryside. Nestled at the base of Bolivia’s Cordillera Occidental (the great Western Range), a couple of secret, pristine lagoons are prime spots to observe Andean fauna amid awe-inspiring scenery, including llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and hundreds of pink flamingos. We also get to learn about the region’s fascinating past by visiting a sacred burial site home to the only multi-colored pre-Inca tombs in Bolivia known as chullpas. After our Lauca circuit exploration, we return to Sajama later in the afternoon for a well-deserved time relaxing in the natural hot springs or strolling around town. Last night of accommodation in our lodge with warm dinner prepared on site.
ACCOMMODATION
BASIC: Local shelter run by local family. Private room, shared bathroom (may require going outside) IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures
STANDARD: Local hostel run by local family. Private room or cabin with private bathroom and hot shower IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures
PLUS: Tomarapi Ecolodge with private room, bathroom and hot shower as well as heating IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures
MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
DAY 3
SAJAMA TO LA PAZ
Our last morning is left exclusively to discover more of Sajama National Park’s natural beauty. We are able to choose among a hike to Mt. Sajama’s base camp (moderate) or the “high altitude lagoons” (demanding) or alternatively spend a relaxing morning soaking the medicinal powers of the hot springs or both. Sit back and relax in the afternoon as we make our drive back to La Paz stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way.
Arrival in La Paz: 18:00 – 19:00
ACCOMMODATION
NONE
MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH
- This trip is suitable for those who enjoy a moderate to advanced level of hiking in mountainous terrain
- Accommodation in Sajama National Park is basic with no actual heating though plenty of blankets on a soft bed are available
- Sajama is a high altitude, mostly cold weather environment
- Offroad driving is involved, although an average of only 3 hours’ driving per day is needed
PLEASE NOTE THAT PARK AND OTHER SITES' ADMISSION FEES - IF APPLICABLE - ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE (READ BELOW)
WWHAT TO BRING
- Appropriate sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Warm layers for the morning and evening
- Camera
- Comfortable walking shoes, preferably hiking shoes
- Small money for your own purchases
- This trip is ideal for travelers looking to get out of hectic La Paz and experience traditional countryside not so far from the city
- Ideal trip for those who like a mix of off-road driving, sightseeing and physical activity
- It is important to be at least moderately acclimatized to be able to hike up and down for a few hours at high elevation. In addition, you should be decently fit to be able to enjoy the available hikes though not mandatory
- Many of the areas, particularly on the second day are literally unknown in the tourist world (guidebooks, maps, etc.). You should like to get off the beaten path to enjoy this trip
- The landscape and temperature are those of the typical Bolivian highlands, dry, sunny and cold (during the day when it is sunny temperature is pleasant, around 10-15°C). Bring appropriate clothing and sun protection
The following are dates in which other people have shown interest in forming a group for this tour. Use the ENQUIRY tab to request a new date or join one of the dates below to form a group and obtain the respective price. The number of interested persons is shown for your reference and you will be updated via email if other people are interested in the same date. If your party consist of four persons, we suggest booking a tour outright to confirm departure.
Summary | |
CODE: | SAJ-3 |
DURATION: | 3 days, 2 nights |
TYPE: | Adventure expedition |
AVAILABILITY: | Year-round* (*best from June to December) |
GROUP SIZE: | As requested (Max 5 with guide, 6 without, per vehicle) |
DEPARTURE: | Hotel in La Paz, 8 am |
DROP OFF POINT: | Hotel in La Paz approx. 6-7 pm |
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS: | Basic, Standard, Plus |