Parque Nacional Sajama

Some 290 km to the west of Oruro is Parque Nacional Sajama, Bolivia's oldest national park (1939). Ranging from 4200 to over 6500 m above sea level, it was created to protect 100,230 ha of high-Andean flora and fauna and geothermal springs. It is home to Nevado Sajama, the country's highest peak at 6542 m. It contains the world's highest forest, consisting mainly of the queñua tree (Polylepis tarapacana), which grows up to 5500 m. Also of interest are the slow-growing cushion plants, such as the yareta (Azorella compacta), threatened because they are used as fuel. The fauna includes vicuñas, quirquinchos(armadillo), puma and among birds the suri(rhea), condor, flamingos and coots. The scenery is wonderful, fringed by the Cordillera Occidental there is an impressive array of snow-capped volcanoes in addition to Sajama - Parinacota and Pomerape (the two also known as Payachatas), Quisi Quisini, Condoriri and Anallajcha - as well as lakes, geysers and thermal springs. The park borders Chile's Parque Nacional Lauca. Five communities live within the park and raise llamas and alpacas. Some provide services to visitors to supplement their income, the village of Sajama has accommodation and places to eat and the community of Caripe runs Tomarapi Lodge. Alpaca woolens are knitted and sold in the communities. If your interest is high-altitude flora or fauna or climbing, Sajama is a must.
Tourist info at  www.sajamabolivia.com.

Park sites

There is much to explore in and around the park so it is advisable to stay a few days. A private 4WD vehicle is an asset as the area is extensive, but there is much to see even on foot. La Paz and Oruro operators offer tours here and you can hire a basic vehicle with driver. The area is high, with the plains at 4200 m and the mountains going up from there. Be prepared for very cold and windy conditions and extreme sun exposure.

Nevado Sajama, or Tata(grandfather) Sajama as locals call it, is a prime climbing destination. This dormant volcano became in 1939 the last major peak scaled in South America. Crampons, ice axe and rope are needed for climbing this and other volcanoes in the park. Some gear can be hired in Sajama village, where local guides (not certified but experienced) and pack animals are also available. There are four routes to the summit. Climbing season is April to September.

There is excellent trekking and wherever you go there are grand views. Both Sajama and Tomarapi are good bases for day walks, from either village you can easily reach the flanks of Sajama to see the queñua forests. At Junthuma, 8 km west of Sajama, are some 30 thermal springs and geysers.

South of Parque Nacional Sajama, along the border with Chile, is a scenic region in the basin of the Río Lauca. The main attraction here are the unique polychrome chullpas, funerary structures from the Inca period. The red and white designs resemble those found in Inca textiles and are part of the adobe rather than being painted on. Nearby are the Macaya and Sakewa lagoons rich in birdlife including three species of flamingos, Andean gulls, ducks and migratory birds. The communities of Macaya, Sacabaya and Julo have a community tourism project and offer meals and guiding in the area. La Paz and Oruro operators also offer tours.