The twisted trunks of the queñua seem to express through their shape the effort made by these small trees to survive in an ecosystem where any form of life seems impossible.
A precious tree, which has always been an essential resource for the settlers of this Andean region, is in danger of disappearing.
On the slopes of Nevado Sajama and in the surrounding foothills you can visit one of the most unique natural ecosystems in the world: the highest forest in the world, composed of queñua trees and shrubs, an endemic plant to the Andean altiplano ecosystem. The queñua, which normally grows at an altitude of 3,900 to 4,700 meters, is widespread not only in Bolivia but also in some areas of Peru and Chile. In the Sajama area, specimens can be found at an altitude of up to 5,200 metres: they are the “highest” trees in the world.
One of the main reasons that led to the creation of the Sajama National Park in 1960, during the presidency of Germán Bush, was to protect this precious environmental resource, after centuries in which queñua wood had been used in various ways: as a building material, for protection against wild animals or simply as firewood to fight the cold. In the traditional medicine of the Andean peoples, queñua bark was used in infusions to treat respiratory and kidney diseases.
The indiscriminate use of this natural resource by industry, even during the 20th century, brought the queñua close to extinction; fortunately, the conservation policies implemented in recent years are beginning to bear fruit and the forests in the Sajama region are being revived.
Today, the queñua wood of Sajama National Park is composed of specimens that do not exceed three metres in height, with twisted reddish trunks and small evergreen leaves on the branches, which are used as shelter by small birds and rodents. From a distance, the trees growing isolated in the snowy landscape look like surreal inhabitants with squat profiles.
Write us to visit the queñua forest with our local guides: you will contribute to the sustainable development of the Sajama communities, as well as to the conservation of the fragile ecosystem of this area.
Additional Info
It is recommended to wear warm clothing, comfortable footprint shoes, a cap, a hat, sunglasses and to bring a camera.
Suggested periods
- Autumn
- Spring
- Summer
- Weekend
Where
Sajama National Park, Curahuara de Carangas municipality
Transportation
By public transport
From La Paz or Oruro take the direction towards Patacamaya; once there, go down the main road to Tambo Quemado; You enter through the first or second entrance to the Sajama protected area identified with the signage.
By public transport
You can only get to the town of Lagunas, the closest point of entry to the Sajama National Park on the border with Chile.
Visiting Rules
For your health and the health of local population, remember to comply with all biosecurity protocols and codes of conduct before and during your stay: wear a mask and carry hand sanitizer, plus a first aid kit, with sunscreen and medications for altitude sickness.
During your visit remember to protect the cultural and natural heritage of the region.