With its simple architecture, the colonial church of Tomarapi appears to travellers like a small fortress of the spirit protected by a natural giant.
The white walls and dark roof of this simple church blend with the colours of the stone and snow of Nevado Sajama, Bolivia's highest peak, which rises behind it.
Tomarapi Church is certainly one of the most striking images in Sajama National Park. Unlike other churches in the area, which were built in the 16th century, this one dates back only to 1872.
The church is built inside a rectangular enclosure, with four corner towers serving as chapels. The walls enclosing the church feature small openings and separate the sacred building from the rest of the city. An arch in the wall provides access to the holy space and a short paved path leads to the church, which is very plain, with large stone and adobe buttresses supporting the roof. A crude bell tower is attached to the side of the church.
The white walls produce a strongly spiritual atmosphere and help appreciate the essential architectural contours of the church. In the form of a Latin cross, the façade of the church is covered by an unusual projecting pitched roof made of queñua logs joined by strips of llama skin and covered with straw. The roof is strong enough to bear the weight of the heavy snowfall in the area.
The predominant white is interrupted by only a few decorations, such as small wall paintings, surrounding an image of the Redeemer, which are visible in the main arch, with depictions of plants and animals. The high altarpiece is made of polychrome wood decorated with geometrical, animal and vegetable motifs, painted on the side walls of the presbytery.
These decorations have clear similarities with the paintings of the ancient chullpas, the pre-Hispanic burials found in the area of Sajama and which demonstrate the strength of the culture of the ancient native civilizations that have come down to us through the colonial era.
A secluded and remote place that combines the solemn beauty of Sajama with the mystical simplicity of a small rural church: contact us to arrange your visit to the gem of Tomarapi.
Additional Info
We recommend to wear warm windproof clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, and to bring a sleeping bag, a cap, sunglasses and a camera.
Suggested periods
- Autumn
- Spring
- Summer
- Weekend
Where
Tomarapi community, Curahuara de Carangas municipality, La Paz department.
Transportation
By public transport
With microbus from the city of La Paz to Patacamaya. Once there, take a microbus to the Sajama National Park; from this point with private transport to Tomarapi.
By private transport
From La Paz take Highway 1 La Paz-Oruro to Patacamaya; once there, take highway 4 Patacamaya-Tambo Quemado until the detour to the park; You enter through the first or second entrance to the Sajama protected area identified with the signage. From this point a dirt road is followed until reaching Tom
Visiting Rules
For your own health and that of the local population, remember to respect all biosecurity protocols and codes of conduct before and during your stay: bring a mask and hand sanitizer, as well as a first aid kit, with sunscreen and medication for altitude sickness.
During your visit, remember to protect the region's cultural and natural heritage.