Top 8 Natural Monuments in Oruro

Sajama National Park is Bolivia's oldest national park. The park lies within the Central Andean dry puna ecoregion. It features a spectacular Andean landscape, with elevations ranging from 4,200 to 6,542 meters (13,780 to 21,463 ft). It contains the snowy cone of the volcano Sajama, the highest mountain in Bolivia at 6542 meters. The park also includes the Payachata volcanic group. The area was declared a nature reserve in 1939 because of the native Queñoa De Altura (Polylepis tarapacana) that grows on the hillsides of this region. This shrub-like tree has adapted to the high elevations and harsh climate of the Andes. At the time that the area was declared a national park, rampant harvesting of this tree was taking place to create charcoal to supply Bolivian mines. On July 1, 2003, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List due to its universal cultural and natural significance. (Wikipedia)

In the barren gravel valley between Parinacota and Pomerape you could think you were on the moon. You walk on volcanic gravel and sand between the mighty mountains past large boulders, no trace of vegetation.

Parinacota is a stratovolcano with a height of 6,348 m on the border between Chile and Bolivia in the Atacama Desert area. It is located in the Lauca National Park, 145 kilometers east of Arica in the Cordillera Occidental of the central Andes. Together with the neighboring Pomerape volcano, which lies northeast of it, it forms the Payachata complex. At its feet lies Lake Chungará. His current activity is limited to fumarole activity. More general information can be found on Wikipedia. The normal route from the Bolivian side starts between the two volcanoes Parinacota and Pomerape and can only be reached with off-road vehicles. The climb goes quite directly towards the summit, although the path is usually not visible because it is covered by snow or snow. However, that's not a problem, you just go straight up until you reach the highest point. You won't be confronted with any major technical difficulties, but the climb will take longer due to the high altitude and the quite a few meters in altitude that have to be covered. Acclimatization in advance is definitely recommended. Breaking into the frozen snow cover on the surface also doesn't make the climb any easier. However, the gigantic view of the enormous crater, of the Parinacota and the Sajama, as well as the Altiplano, Acotango and much more, rewards all the effort.

There are hot springs here where you can go swimming with a wonderful view of Volcán Sajama. There are showers and you get a towel for 30 Bs entrance fee (as of 10/2023)

At this point, the glacial water of the high mountains, heated by magma, comes to the surface in the form of hot springs and small vultures.

At 6052, the Acotango is a fairly easy 6000m on the border of Chile and Bolivia. The normal route leads from the Bolivian side through the huge crater of the extinct volcano and offers hardly any technical difficulties, but the altitude should not be underestimated. The view of the southern Altiplano and the neighboring mountains of the Cordillera Occidental such as the Sajama, Parinacota and Pomerape, as well as Gullatiri and much more on the Chilean side are very impressive.

On the way to the Salar de Uyuni you should not miss this highlight. Unfortunately, there is almost nothing to be found on the Internet about this meteorite crater. That makes it even more of an insider tip! It is located directly at the very small village of Comunidad Uru Chipaya, north of the Salar de Uyuni. The crater has an impressive diameter of 1.18km. In the center is a pink crater lake. A truly unique experience. But its incredible beauty only really comes into its own from the air.

We did the Cerro Acotango from the Bolivian side. A great tour, both alone and above all for acclimatization for another 6000m peaks in Sajama National Park. Sajama can take you to the trailhead. At this time of year (end of April) crampons are essential.