Two mountain ranges, two ways of life and a common devotion to Pachamama, Mother Earth, which has filled these areas with beauty.
The landscapes crossed by this route have shaped the life and character of their inhabitants. Here we will meet two communities with different lifestyles, both living in perfect harmony with the mountain environment.
The route alternates between two diverse geographical areas, which reveal the exceptional biodiversity of the Bolivian Andes. We start our route from the valleys tucked away among the mountains that surround the municipality of Luribay. Despite the altitude of almost 3,000 meters, the fertile land is favoured by a relatively mild climate and exuberant nature, which have made it a famous fruit production area. Luribay is particularly renowned for its quality winemaking tradition, due in part to the exceptional height of the vineyards. During the tour we will have the opportunity to check this out by visiting the cellars in the area, getting to know the members of the community and their centuries-old winemaking traditions, with their wayucha baskets for the grape harvest. Finally, we will enjoy the best selection of high-altitude wines and singani in the area. In Luribay, we will be the guests of La Cabaña Unión, one of the most successful community tourism projects in Bolivia.
The second part of the route will take us inside the Sajama National Park, among high mountain landscapes with vast horizons and majestic snow-capped mountains, among which Mount Sajama stands out, at 6,542 meters, as the highest peak in Bolivia. A primordial unspoilt nature, inhabited by wildlife and rich in natural attractions, such as lagoons, geysers and hot springs, an authentic array of Andean delights. In this part of the tour, we will stay at Tomarapi, where we will be introduced to an extraordinary heritage of culture and traditions.
Services
- Accomodation
- Food and beverage
- Local guides
- Overland transport
Additional Info
Difficulty level
Medium-low.
Packing list
Personal documents, sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat or cap, bathing suit, comfortable clothes and shoes, warm clothes and woollen hat for the night, raincoat for the rainy season (December to April), camera, snacks. Personal medication for altitude sickness.
Included services
Transportation: private round-trip transportation
Accommodation: one night at the Luribay community lodge and one night at the Tomarapi ecotourism lodge
Meals: traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner with local produce; enquire about vegetarian food
Local guides
Entrance to the Sajama National Park
Pick up at the hotels, if located in the city centre and subject to arrangement with the operator. Elsewhere, a meeting point will be arranged possibly at extra cost.
Services not included
Breakfast on the first day
Dinner on the last day
Beverages
Any services not agreed on
Tips
Extra charges.
Info Reservation
Minimum group: 10 people.
Minimum time to reserve: one week.
Where
frontera de Chile- Bolivia Luribay
Transportation
by public transportation, by car, by walk
Day 1
From La Paz to the winemaking community of Luribay.
Duration: 1,5 days
La Paz–Patacamaya–Luribay
Departing in the early hours of the day from La Paz, there will be a stop in Patacamaya for some shopping or other needs. After recharging our batteries at the Cabaña Unión, with a typical dish, we will visit the La Viña Winery, with a guided tour of the vineyards and a look at the production methods of the grapes, peaches, pomegranates and other typical fruits grown there, returning to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon we will visit the Bodega La Cabaña Unión, with an explanation of the ancient artisanal methods for making the high-altitude wines and singanis, rounding off the tour with a tasting session of selected products. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 2
From the wine community of Luribay to Tomarapi
Duration: 1,5 days
Luribay–Patacamaya–Sajama National Park–Tomarapi community Shelter
In the morning, after breakfast, we will visit Luribay and several cultural attractions in the area before heading to Tomarapi community Lodge. Along the way we will observe the chullpas, pre-Columbian burial tombs. Once we arrive at Sajama National Park, we'll head to Tomarapi community Lodge for lunch and a rest. In the afternoon we will visit the Wañaquta Lagoon and walk through the queñuas forest on the slopes of Mount Sajama. At the foot of this imposing mountain, the highest in Bolivia, we can enjoy sensational views and observe vicunas, llamas and alpacas feeding in the wetlands of the park. We return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3
From Sajama National Park to La Paz
Duration: 1,5 days
Parque Nacional Sajama–Patacamaya–La Paz
After breakfast we will visit the park's geothermal area and observe the volcanic activity of the Walla Keris geysers, after a soak in the area's hot springs. We will then return to the lodge, where we can browse handicraft products and also have a look at how they are made. On the way back to La Paz we will see the Valley of the Rocks and, on the last stop of the day, we will visit the church of Curahuara de Carangas, known as the Sistine Chapel of the Andes.