Nevado Sajama

Sajama, standing at 6,542 meters, is the highest peak in Bolivia and a majestic extinct stratovolcano located in the far western reaches of the country. It is the centerpiece of Sajama National Park, Bolivia's oldest protected area, situated near the border with Chile. The mountain's isolated position in the middle of the arid Puna plateau gives it a truly monumental presence. A unique botanical feature of the mountain is the presence of Queñua forests on its slopes; these are considered the highest-growing forests in the world, surviving at altitudes up to 5,200 meters. For the local indigenous people, Sajama is a sacred entity surrounded by myths, including a legendary battle against the giants of the Cordillera Real. The surrounding volcanic landscape is also famous for its geothermal hot springs and diverse wildlife, including vicuñas, alpacas, and Andean flamingos. Mountaineers favor Sajama for its relative technical simplicity compared to other 6,000-meter peaks, though the extreme altitude and fierce winds present significant hurdles.

Nearby cities

Putre

The Andean village at 3500 meters altitude is a center of ancient Aymara culture and an ideal acclimatization base for exploring Lauca Na…

History & landmarks

Iglesia de Curahuara de Carangas

A colonial church on the Altiplano, called the Sistine Chapel of the Andes due to its well-preserved frescoes.

Monumento a la Virgen del Socavón

A gigantic statue representing the patron saint of Oruro, majestically towering over the city on Santa Bárbara hill.

Santuario de la Virgen del Socavón

An important religious shrine in Oruro, dedicated to the patron saint of miners and the destination of the famous Oruro Carnival.

Lauca National Park

A spectacular national park in the high Andes with the Chungará Lake and volcanic peaks.

Nature

Uru Uru Lake

Uru Uru Lake is a shallow lake near Oruro, fed by the Desaguadero River.

Lake Poopó

Lake Poopó was once Bolivia's second-largest lake but has largely dried up due to climate change and water diversion.

More places

Acotango

Acotango is a prominent volcano in the Quimsachata Cordillera, known for old sulfur mines on its slopes.

Pomerape Volcano

Pomerape, together with the neighboring Parinacota, forms the distinctive Payachata volcanic system.

Parinacota Volcano

Parinacota is a massive, snow-capped stratovolcano on the border between Bolivia and Chile.

Cordillera Occidental

The western spine of the Bolivian Andes, forming a high volcanic border with Chile.

Tata Sabaya Volcano

Tata Sabaya is a volcano in the central Andes, known for massive prehistoric sector collapses.

Tunupa Volcano

The imposing Tunupa Volcano towers over the northern edge of the Salar de Uyuni and is a sacred mountain for the local people.

Santuario del Socavón

An important pilgrimage church in Oruro, deeply connected to the local mining culture and forming the center of the famous carnival.

Altiplano Alpaca Breeding

At extreme altitudes, indigenous herders raise alpacas and llamas, continuing an ancient tradition that provides wool and meat.