The flocks of vicunas that roam free across the Andean landscapes are one of the most beautiful postcards of the Sajama National Park and one of the symbols of the recovery of the Andean wildlife.
The extraordinary quality of its wool, a raw material coveted by textile markets around the world, has brought the vicuña close to extinction.
The high desert meadows of the Andean mountain range are the natural habitat of the vicuña: small, agile camelids that can reach speeds of up to 70 km per hour. Like other animals in the region, vicunas have demonstrated an enormous capacity to adapt to the extreme physical conditions of the Andean region. Their wool, brown on the back and white on the chest and legs, is very thick and allows them to stay warm in the rain, snow and cold. It is one of the most sought-after natural fibres in the world.
And so, the excellent quality of the vicuña's woolly coat has proved to be their doom. For many years, these elegant animals were slaughtered senselessly, and poaching brought them to the brink of extinction. Only recently has the introduction of environmental conservation policies enabled them to start increasing again in the Andean range. The vicuña has thus become one of the symbols of the rebirth of wildlife in the Andes and proof of this is clearly visible in the Sajama National Park. Until only a few years ago there were about 300 of these animals in the entire area of Curahuara de Carangas, while today more than 3000 vicuñas graze peacefully on the slopes of Sajama.
In recent years, given the success of the measures that have led to the recovery of this species, the locals have the right to start exploiting their amazing wool once again. Although they are wild animals that live freely in the park, they may now be temporarily caught to be sheared, although it is forbidden to hunt them. It should be borne in mind that, compared to other members of the camel family or even sheep, the vicuña produces a much smaller amount of wool per year, which, together with the reduced number of animals, explains the outrageous price of vicuña wool.
Contact us for a unique experience in the Sajama National Park and up close views of the Andean fauna: we will take you for a few hours to discover the elegant vicunas which, thanks to the new conservation policies, are once again the true rulers of the landscape.
Additional Info
It is recommended to wear warm clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves, a scarf, a windproof and rainproof jacket, a hat, and to bring a camera and a sleeping bag.
Where
Sajama National Park, municipality of Curahuara de Carangas, department of Oruro.
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.