Sajama is a Natural Park located in western Bolivia, between 4,200 and 6,542 meters above sea level. It is a paradise of the Bolivian Andes, situated in the municipality of Carahuara de Carangas, province of Sajama, department of Oruro. Its highest point is the Sajama Volcano, which is also the highest point in the country. Though extinct, it continues to dazzle with its beauty from every angle.
Sajama is Bolivia’s oldest National Park, established back in 1939 — It is not only the highest in the country, but also the most beautiful. It is the ideal destination for lovers of nature, Andean culture, adventure, and long-distance trekking.
Sajama, Bolivia’s highest National Park
The National Park charges an entry fee of 100 Boliviano ($14USD) per person. It is highly recommended to hire a guide, especially for high-altitude expeditions, to acclimatize properly, and to arrange scheduled transportation, as there are no internal transit routes within the park.
The park features high Andean ecosystems spanning 100,230 hectares. Its wildlife, flora, and residents are adapted to living in extreme conditions: low temperatures reaching as far as -31°C, strong winds, and rapidly changing climates.
What makes this place truly remarkable is the wealth of attractions it offers: active geysers, 100% natural hot springs, high snow-capped peaks, queñua forests that rank among the highest in the world, diverse lagoons, and the opportunity to observe wild animals (llamas, vicuñas, alpacas, rheas, foxes, pumas, and high Andean birds) as well as Andean flora (queñua trees, yareta, grasslands, and wetlands).
Best of all, visiting this place means participating in community tourism. The area is 100% managed by local indigenous communities. With no large industries, skyscrapers, or mass tourism, simplicity, authenticity, and nature take center stage. The Sajama village is just made of 12 blocks, home to 276 inhabitants from the Aymara, Tomarapi, and Sajama communities. The people are cheerful, open, and welcoming. Most visitors come from Europe, and community tourism involves staying in locals’ homes, eating with locals, and living as locals do.
Built with traditional adobe architecture, the small town square features a colonial church known as Curahuara de Carangas, complete with a museum and surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Known as the Sistine Chapel of the Altiplano, it is the heart of this small village.
We recommend bringing appropriate clothing suited for cold, wind, and intense sun; a swimsuit for the hot springs; sunscreen; good hydration; proper nutrition; and allowing time for prior acclimatization.
Sajama National Park is home to several mountains including the Sajama Volcano( 6,542 m above sea level), Parinacota (6,342 m), Pomerape (6,282 m), Acotango (6,052 m), Capurata (5,990 m)
The most popular routes in the area
Trekking to the Active Walla Keris Geyser: 17.5 km hike, 1-day duration, moderate difficulty, starting from the village of Sajama. This is the ideal walk for acclimatization, while enjoying panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks and wetland landscapes. Free entry, with the option of arranging a scheduled taxi.
Walk to the Manasaya Hot Springs: 12 km round trip, half-day duration, low difficulty. Enjoy 100% natural hot springs with views of the Sajama snowcap, alternating between heat and cold in a dream landscape — the perfect setting to experience wild nature. Entry fee: 30 Bs at any of the hot springs. Scheduled taxi option available.
High-Altitude Lagoon Circuit: 33 km hike, 1–2 days duration, high difficulty. This circuit starts in the village of Sajama, passes through the geysers, the Chilean lagoons of Casiri Macho and Sora Pata, the Bolivian lagoon Chiar Kkota, with panoramic views of the Sajama, Parinacota, and Pomerape volcanoes, and ends at the Manasaya hot springs — perfect for relaxing after a long hike. No entry fee for the circuit; hot springs entry: 30 Bs. Option to arrange a taxi from the hot springs back to Sajama village.
Complete Sajama National Park Circuit: 59 km hike, 3–4 days duration, high difficulty, with camping options along the extensive route. Includes the ascent of Cerro Wisalla, the 3 high-altitude lagoons, and a relaxing finish at the Manasaya Hot Springs. No circuit entry fee; hot springs entry: 30 Bs. Option to arrange a taxi from the hot springs to Sajama village.
Ascent to Snow-Capped Peaks: From 4,550 m to 6,542 m above sea level. You can choose which high-altitude excursion you wish to undertake. Cost varies depending on the peak selected.
Monte Cielo Viewpoint: 4 km hike, 350 m elevation gain, 4,550 m above sea level, 1-hour duration, moderate difficulty. This walk begins in the town center and offers a panoramic view of the village and the snow-capped peaks. Free entry.