Sajama National Park

Sajama National Park is Bolivia's oldest national park, established in 1939, and one of the most spectacularly scenic destinations in the entire country. Located in the western Oruro Department (administered under La Paz) along the Chilean border, the park centres on Nevado Sajama (6,542 m), the highest peak in Bolivia. The landscape ranges from 4,200 m to over 6,500 m and resembles the altiplano and lagunas near San Pedro de Atacama, but with a crucial difference: Sajama is oriented toward hiking and mountain climbing rather than mass tourism. Vast grasslands, snow-capped volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and pristine lagoons make this one of the most rewarding wilderness areas in South America.

The park is a place of profound quiet. Hiking through the plains you are often surprised by the silence — barely a sound for kilometres except your own footsteps. Despite its beauty, Sajama does not draw the masses that flock to Uyuni or Atacama, and it retains an off-the-beaten-path character with exceptional flora and fauna. Wildlife includes vicunas, llamas, alpacas, viscachas, armadillos, Andean cats, pumas, condors, pink flamingos, hummingbirds, and rheas. The most iconic bird is the rare horned coot, found at Laguna Sora Pata.

The climate is harsh and high-altitude. Except from November to March, nighttime temperatures are generally below freezing. During the day, sun pushes temperatures to 15–30°C, especially in summer. The high season is July and August, when the weather is driest but coldest at night. The village of Sajama sits at 4,240 m. Acclimatise properly before attempting any hikes — altitude sickness is a real risk.

By Plane

The nearest major airport is Juan Mendoza International Airport (ORU) in Oruro, approximately 270 km southeast. Alternatively, fly into El Alto International Airport (LPB) in La Paz, about 280 km northwest. From either city, you will need to continue overland.

By Car / Road

Sajama is reached via the main highway between La Paz and the Chilean border. The key waypoint is the Sajama Junction, a turn-off on this highway about 10 km from the village. From the junction, local vehicles charge Bs. 5, or you can walk.

From Oruro: Four daily vans run between Oruro and Tambo Quemado (the Chilean border town) at 06:00, 10:00, 14:00, and 18:00. The 270 km journey takes about 3 hours and costs Bs. 45 (you may negotiate Bs. 5 less for a drop at the Sajama Junction). In Oruro, vans depart from the southwest ring road near Plaza Circunvalacion.

From Patacamaya (on the La Paz–Oruro highway): One daily direct minibus departs around noon (arrives at 11:00, leaves when full) from in front of the Capitol Restaurant, returning at 05:30 from Sajama. Price: Bs. 35 one way. Frequent vans (every 30–60 minutes, 05:00–20:00) also run between Patacamaya and Tambo Quemado, dropping you at the Sajama Junction for Bs. 25–30.

From La Paz: Take any southbound transport to Patacamaya (minibus Bs. 10, van Bs. 15), then connect to Sajama from there. Morning Arica buses (departing 05:30–06:30) pass the Sajama Junction and should cost no more than Bs. 40 from La Paz.

From Arica (Chile): Buses leave Arica around 15:00; get off at Tambo Quemado or the Sajama Junction after crossing the border. Unlike Lauca National Park in Chile, Sajama village has accommodation and is a practical base.

Fees: The national park ticket office is about 1 km from the Sajama Junction, opening at 08:00. Entry: Bs. 100.

Walking is the primary mode of transport and the whole reason most visitors come. The village is tiny. Trails and tracks used by locals connect the surrounding sights — consult OpenStreetMap (via OsmAnd or Mapy.cz) for GPS navigation and Waymarked Trails for GPX downloads. There are no official taxis, but locals with cars can be hired for Bs. 30–40 to reach distant sites like the hot springs or Tambo Quemado. No 4WD is needed for most destinations.

• Nevado Sajama (6,542 m) — Bolivia's highest peak towers over the park. Even without climbing it, the views from the plains and surrounding hills are magnificent.

• Laguna Sora Pata — Reached only via the Tres Lagunas Trail. Home to the rare horned coot with its surprisingly large nests, set against a snow-covered mountain backdrop. Viscachas are regularly spotted along the trail northeast of the lagoon.

• Laguna Huayna Khota (Huanakota) — 12 km north along the main road (taxi Bs. 30–40). Excellent birdwatching: Andean avocet, Andean lapwing, horned coot, ruddy duck, cattle egret, Puna teal, yellow-billed pintail.

• Laguna Isla — 2 km beyond the Sajama Junction toward Chile. Calm waters with llamas grazing in front of the mountain ranges; very photogenic.

• Quenual forests — Among the highest forests in the world, these ancient Polylepis trees are a remarkable sight in the otherwise treeless altiplano.

• Geyser and hot spring field — 9 km walk (or Bs. 30–40 by taxi) from the village. Surprisingly versatile with hot pools, geysers, and mud pools. Free natural soaking pools are available along the river — test the temperature and control heat with rocks. Watch out: the soil can be very hot.

• Termales Donia Theodora — A small hot spring, Bs. 10 or free if unattended. Go early or late for a free soak.

• Private hot springs — Several privately operated hot springs nearby charge around Bs. 30. Additional free springs can be found along trails north of the paid ones.

• Hike the plains — The rolling altiplano grasslands are ideal for aimless walking, meditation, and exploration. Pick a direction and hike for hours through the silence.

• Mt. Huisalla (5,053 m) — A medium-difficult day trek offering amazing views of Nevado Sajama, the village, and surrounding plains. Start from the village; the trail is visible.

• Mt. Quewina (4,550 m) — The small hill east of the village; an easier climb, but skip it if you plan to do Huisalla, which has better views.

• Guided volcano climbs — Properly guided ascents of Nevado Sajama and other surrounding peaks can be arranged through local guides in the village. Multi-day expeditions require experience and acclimatisation.

Food options in Sajama are very limited. The few family-run hospedajes in the village offer simple meals — typically soup followed by a main course of chicken or llama meat with rice and potatoes. Expect to pay Bs. 15–30 per meal. There are no restaurants in the Western sense. Pack snacks and supplementary food from Oruro or La Paz, especially if you plan multi-day treks. Vegetarian options are extremely limited; inform your hosts in advance.

• Mate de coca — Coca leaf tea, widely offered and helpful for altitude acclimatisation. Your hosts will likely serve it.
• Hot chocolate and coffee — Available at some hospedajes.
• Water safety — Do not drink tap water. Bring water purification tablets or buy bottled water in Oruro/La Paz before arriving, as availability in the village is uncertain.
• Alcohol — Limited to what you bring. There is no bar or liquor store in Sajama village.

• Budget: Several family-run hospedajes in Sajama village offer basic rooms for Bs. 40–80/night. Expect simple beds, shared bathrooms, and meals available on request. Names and availability change seasonally; ask around on arrival.
• Mid-range: A few small lodges in and around the village offer slightly more comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, Bs. 100–200/night. Hot water and heating may be available at some properties.
• Upscale / heritage: Limited. For a more comfortable experience, some tour operators in La Paz offer multi-day packages with private transport and upgraded lodging.

Shopping is essentially non-existent in Sajama village. The tiny community has no markets or shops beyond basic provisions. Bring everything you need from Oruro or La Paz: sunscreen, snacks, water, warm layers, and any specialised gear. Local villagers may sell hand-knitted alpaca-wool items (hats, scarves, gloves) as souvenirs.

• Oruro — About 3 hours east; a major transport hub known for its Carnival (one of South America's largest).
• La Paz — About 5–6 hours northwest via Patacamaya; Bolivia's administrative capital with a dramatic canyon setting.
• Tambo Quemado / Lauca National Park (Chile) — The Chilean border is just 15 km from the village; Lauca National Park with its flamingo-filled lagoons lies just across the frontier.
• Salar de Uyuni — Bolivia's famous salt flat, reachable via Oruro (overnight train/bus) or from the south.
• Potosi — A colonial mining city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, reachable via Oruro (6–8 hours by bus).