Sajama National Park — Bolivian AltiplanoCrossing.
Distance
480 km
Duration
2 days
Climb
2,400 m
Sajama National Park — Bolivian Altiplano Crossing.
A two-day ride from La Paz across the Bolivian altiplano to the country's highest peak — Nevado Sajama (6,542m), an extinct stratovolcano in Bolivia's oldest national park. The route crosses bone-dry altiplano at 4,000m, passes the Sistine Chapel of the Andes (a 17th-century church covered in Aymara murals), and descends into the queunua forest — the world's highest-altitude tree species — at the foot of Sajama itself.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance480 km
Days2
Total climb2,400 m
DifficultyChallenging
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2 days, 2 moods.
A suggested split across 2 days with 10 waypoints to discover along the way.
La PazStart · Start in La Paz (3,640m), the world's highest administrative capital. Take the Oruro highway south. Fuel up — distances on the altiplano are deceptive.
El Alto Altiplano EdgeScenic Point · Climb out of the La Paz canyon onto the altiplano. The Cordillera Real wall stretches east — Illimani (6,438m) the prominent giant.
PatacamayaRestaurant · Junction town on the Oruro–La Paz highway. Lunch — charquecan (dried llama meat with corn) is the regional dish. Fuel here.
Curahuara de Carangas — Sistine Chapel of the AndesScenic Point · A 1608 chapel covered floor-to-ceiling in Aymara-Catholic syncretic murals. Open by request — a caretaker has the key.
Sajama VillageOvernight · Overnight at Sajama village (4,200m), at the base of the volcano. Aymara-run lodges with hot springs. Ridiculously thin air — drink water, walk slowly.
Sajama Hot Springs (Aguas Termales)Scenic Point · Geothermal pools at 4,300m with Sajama framed in the steam. Pre-dawn dip is unforgettable. Locals only soak fully clothed.
Nevado Sajama ViewpointPhoto Spot · The 6,542m extinct volcano — Bolivia's highest peak. World's highest treeline, with queunua trees growing to 5,200m on its flanks.
Tambo Quemado — Chile BorderScenic Point · The Chilean border crossing for travelers continuing to Lauca National Park. Turnaround point for this loop. Fuel scarce on Chilean side.
Patacamaya ReturnRestaurant · Coffee stop. The wind has usually picked up by afternoon — ride steady. Vicunas often beside the road.
La PazEnd · Return descent into the La Paz bowl at sunset — the city lights come on as you drop from El Alto. One of South America's great approaches.
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