Lago Titicaca and Sajama, 9 days #565

LAKE TITICACA AND
SAJAMA (6549M)
Classic Volcano
climb
MAJESTICAL LAKE TITICACA AND
BOLIVIA’S HIGHEST MOUNTAIN
We first visit mythical Lago Titicaca and Isla del Sol, where early inhabitants believed the sun was
born and the Incas saw it as the birth place of their civilization.
This first part will help with acclimatizing for Sajama mountain.
After a few days around the lake we head over to Sajama to
climb Bolivia’s highest mountain. Sajama lies west of La Paz
near the chilean border in the Nacional park Sajama. Other
mountains in the park are volcanoes Parinacota (6330m) and
Pomerata (6222m). The slopes of this volcano also support the
highest forest in the world. Although it is not technically demanding to climb Sajama it’s high altitude and ice conditions
(later in the season) make the peak more challenging than it
initially appears.
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PROGRAM DETAILS
Type of activity: Easy technical Climbing with ropes,
trekking up to high camp (5400m)
Difficulty: 3 – moderate fitness
Experience required: 2 - 3 – basic climbing skills /
some experience
Grade of climb: II/AD, 50°
Number of days: 9 days, 8 nights
Tour starts in La Paz
Tour ends in La Paz
Best time of year: May to September
Season: Dry season: days are mild and nights are cold
Highlights: Visiting Lake Titicaca, Isla del Sol, Inca ruins
on Isla del Sol, town of Copacabana. Reaching the
summit of one of the best known peaks in Bolivia. Visiting
the hot springs found in Parque Nacional
Sajama and the village of Sajama
High up on
Sajama
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PHOTOS FROM
THE AREA
PROGRAM
Day 1: Airport(400m) - La Paz (3600m)
Transfer to hotel. Meet up with guide and gear check. Welcome dinner.
40 minutes (D) Hotel 4*
Day 2: La Paz (3600m) - Copacabana (3820m) – Yumani (3890m) Isla del Sol
We leave La Paz early in the morning and drive through the Altiplano (4000m),
passing the Cordillera Real on our right. This area is very dry but we will be able to
see the campesinos (farmers) herding their llamas. At village of Tiquina, is where we
need to cross the lake by boat (about 30mins). After Tiquina we have a short drive to
Copacabana. In Copacabana we stop for lunch before taking the boat to Isla del Sol.
On Isla del Sol we will first visit the ruins of Pilko Kaina. After a short walk we will
reach the village of Yumai, where we can see another impressive Inca site, Escalera
Del Inca.
3 – 4 hours of driving, 1 hour by boat, 40 minutes walking (BLD) Hotel 3*
Day 3: Yumani – Challapampa - Copacabana
In the morning we make a walk from the South of the island to the north. Along the
way we have great views of the Cordillera Real and the surrounding area. We will visit
the Inca ruins of Chincana. In the afternoon we take the boat back to Copacabana
were we spend the night and have time to see some of the sights in Copacabana.
2 – 3 hours walking, 1 1⁄2 hours boat, (BLD) Hotel 3*
Day 4: Copacabana - La Paz - Tomarapi (4220m)
In the morning we head back to La Paz. We stop in Al Alto for lunch
before heading onto Sajama. On the drive out we pass small
communities, these people mainly live form herding their llamas.
A few hours before the village of Sajama
we get our first views of Sajama
mountain, lonely by itself. We will stay
the night in the village of Tomarapi
village and have the opportunity to
visit the village and some small lakes
near by.
7 - 8 hours driving with stops (BLD)
Hotel 2*
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Lake Titicaca
Day 5: Tomarapi – Base camp (4600m)
From Tomarapi village we drive to the start of the trek up to base camp. At the start
of the trek we meet the mules and head up the valley to the base camp. We have great
views of Sajama in front of us walking up the valley
After a fairly short days walk we will reach base camp.
Mules will carry our gear up to base camp.
3 - 4 hours (BLD) camping
Day 6: Base camp – High camp (5450m)
Walking on rock and moraine we will cross up over a ridge and continue to climb up
to high camp. We will make our high camp on a ridge next to a rock tower were we
have views of the Altiplano. Camp is on small ledges dug out on the side of the
mountain. Porters take our equipment to high camp
4 - 6 hours (BLD) camping
Day 7: High camp – Summit (6549m) – High camp - Base camp – Tomarapi Village
An early start from our high camp as it will be a long day. We will follow the ridge and
climb through snow fields, to finally reach the summit. From the summit we can see
the Twins and on a clear day we can see the Cordillera Real. After a short break we
start the descent, stopping at the high camp to meet the porters who will carry all the
equipment and personal gear back down. We will finish back at Sajama village
10 - 16 hours (BLD) Hotel 2*
Day 8: Tomarapi village – La Paz
In the morning a short visit of the hot springs. After lunch we will drive back to La
Paz. Farewell dinner in La Paz
4 hours driving (BLD) Hotel 4*
Day 9: La Paz - Airport
Transfer to Airport
40 minutes (B)
END of SERVICES
NOTE: LATER IN THE SEASON PENITENTS (LARGE ICE SPIKES) CAN FORM. MAKING THE CLIMB
PHYSICALLY A LOT MORE DEMANDING.
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PRICES
Prices include:
• Professional English speaking mountain guide, guide ratio 2 clients to 1 guide
• Meals as mentioned, including drinks at camp meals (B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner)
• All private transport
• Private boat to and from Copacabana to Isla del Sol
• Mules, up to base camp and back down
• Porters to carry all equipment, up to high camp and back down to base camp
• Full camp
• Cook
• Equipment for the mountain, ropes and protection
• 6 night’s Hotel (Copacabana, Isla del Sol, La Paz and Tomarapi)
Trekking on
• Entrants fees to all archaeological sites, park
Isla del Sol
Sajama and hot springs
• First Aid kit
• Oxygen bottle
Not included:
• Personal equipment
• Personal insurance
• Extra services not mentioned in the program
• Tips
Prices:
1 person $3380 US
2 people $2220 US each
Contact details:
Calle Linares #940
Email: [email protected]
1st Floor
Web page: www.climbingsouthamerica.com
La Paz
Office phone number: 591-2-2971543
Bolivia
Cell Phone number: 591-71903534
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