La Paz: 2-Day Guided Tour of Sajama National Park

Highlights

• See Andean flora and fauna in their natural habitat. Discover the yareta!
• Relax in natural hot springs surrounded by Andean landscapes
• Hike to high Andean lakes at almost 5,000 meters
• Discover the Aymara funerary towers and the Altiplano Sistine Chapel
• Stroll through the ancient high-altitude queñua forests

Description

Day 1: La Paz - Funeral Towers - Sistine Chapel - Sajama National Park

Departure from La Paz at 7:00 AM. We'll start our journey by vehicle from La Paz, crossing the spectacular landscapes of the Bolivian Altiplano. After about 3 hours and 30 minutes by car, we'll stop to see the pre-Hispanic funerary towers known as chullpas. These ancient structures were used by ancient Andean cultures, such as the Aymara lordships, to honor and preserve the remains of their dead.

We'll then continue to the Church of Curahuara de Carangas, known as the Sistine Chapel of the Altiplano. This colonial church, built in the 16th century, is known for its impressive murals that cover much of its walls and ceilings, depicting biblical scenes and religious motifs.

After the visit, we'll drive for about 1.5 hours to Sajama National Park, located at over 4,000 meters above sea level. Here lies Mount Sajama, which rises to 6,542 m and is the highest point in Bolivia.

In the afternoon, we'll visit the queñua forest, one of the natural forests with trees that grow at the highest altitudes in the world. The queñua is adapted to the bitter cold, strong winds, and low oxygen levels.

To round off the day, we'll enjoy the park's natural hot springs, heated by geothermal activity. Bathing in these waters can promote muscle relaxation and provide a pleasant feeling of well-being.

Day 2: Geysers – Hike to the Three Lagoons – Return to La Paz

We'll start early with breakfast and a visit to the park's geysers. We'll observe how hot water and steam rise from underground through cracks and natural conduits, driven by geothermal heat. This activity creates a fascinating show in the middle of the cold Altiplano landscape.

We'll discover the park's unique biodiversity. Its fauna includes the vicuña, the llama, the alpaca, the Andean fox, the viscacha, and various birds, such as Andean flamingos. Cold-resistant plants, such as yareta and other high Andean species, grow in the wetlands.

Next, we'll take a hike of approximately 3 to 4 hours to the area of the three lagoons. The duration and route will depend on the physical condition of the participants, the pace of the group, and the weather conditions. Depending on the time available, we can visit one or two lagoons, enjoying their waters, the mountain landscapes, and the panoramic views of the surroundings.

During this excursion, we will reach altitudes close to 5,000 meters above sea level, so it will be important to walk at a moderate pace, stay hydrated, and allow time for acclimatization.

After lunch, we'll begin our journey back to the city of La Paz, with an expected arrival time of approximately 5:30 PM.

Includes

• Hotel pickup
• Transportation for 2 days
• Bilingual guide in Spanish and English
• Accommodation for 1 night
• Meals (2 x lunch, 1 x dinner, 1 x breakfast)
• Entrance to Sajama National Park
• Entrance to Hot Springs
• Bottled water

Excludes

• Admission ticket to the Sistine Chapel (optional) Bs 50 or USD 6
• Personal souvenirs
• Tips

Important Information

• Please bring a copy of your passport for a possible immigration check

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund