The majestic Nevado Sajama, at 6,542 meters in height, is the roof of Bolivia and the iconic image that welcomes all visitors to the park.
Sajama National Park is the oldest protected area in the country and one of the best known and most visited attractions in the department of Oruro.
Sajama National Park was declared a protected area on August 2, 1939, with the aim of safeguarding the rich biodiversity it hosts. It is located in the Cordillera Occidental and is part of an impressive chain of volcanic cones, plains and mountains that are visible from a distance even with the naked eye.
Among the peaks of the chain are the Payachatas, twin volcanoes with an unmistakable profile, and Mount Sajama, the symbol of the entire park. Getting to the foot of Sajama to contemplate its extraordinary beauty is not difficult, given the good road network that connects the Park with other parts of the country. A greater effort is required to climb to the summit, which is always covered with snow; Sajama is not only the highest mountain in Bolivia but also one of the highest in the entire American continent.
Considered sacred by the pre-Hispanic civilization of the Caranga, the ancient inhabitants of these lands, Mount Sajama continues to be respected by the descendants of these ancient peoples, who pass down the stories and legends inherited from their parents. The local oral tradition says that this volcano, now extinct, was haughty and liked to impose its dominant position over the other peaks, such as Illimani, Ilampu and Mururata. It is said that its name comes from the Aymara expression sarjam meaning "to go away or to leave": a word that the other mountains would have pronounced to chase it away, in reaction to its arrogant attitude.
There are many natural attractions in the Park besides Nevado Sajama. Besides the queñua forest, an endemic tree of the Andes, there is also a rich variety of ecosystems: forests, pastures, wetlands and lakes, such as Wañaquta, populated by different species of birds, hot springs and geysers. The Park is also home to an important number of animal species such as the endangered suri, the quirquincho, a curious armadillo, and the vicuña.
Today, as in the past, the inhabitants of the area are the main defenders of this immense natural heritage and ensure its preservation by opening their doors to travellers through sustainable tourism projects which respect the environment and the communities. Numerous outdoor activities, such as climbing or hiking, await you in this nature reserve, where there is no shortage of cultural attractions as well.
Contact us to discover the Sajama National Park and experience all the emotions offered by this exceptional place.
Additional Info
It is recommended to use warm nd windproof clothing, comfortable shoes, hat and sunglasses and to bring a sleeping bag.
Suggested periods
- Autumn
- Spring
- Summer
- Weekend
Where
Sajama National Park, Curahuara de Carangas municipality, Oruro department.
Transportation
By public transport
With minibuses from La Paz to Patacamaya. Once there, take a microbus to the Sajama National Park. You can only get to the town of Lagunas, the closest entry point to the park.
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.
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.