PARINACOTA & POMARAPE

5 day(s)

4 night(s)

THE PAYACHATAS: ONE SINGLE ANDES SPIRIT

Located on the border between Bolivia and Chile, within the Sajama National Park, the Parinacota and Pomarape volcanoes form the majestic Payachatas range, whose name in Aymara means “the twins.” These mountains stand out not only for their impressive height but also for their perfectly symmetrical shapes, geological history, and unique natural surroundings, dominated by deserts, vizcachas, geysers, and hot springs.

This five-day program is designed for mountaineers who wish to conquer two peaks over 6,000 meters in a single trip—a safe and enriching experience in one of Bolivia’s most spectacular Andean regions.

Video Parinacota

High Mountain Climbing

Highlights

Parinacota and Pomarape Volcanoes
Two symmetrical giants towering over 6,000 meters in altitude. Parinacota is renowned for its perfectly conical shape, while Pomarape offers a more technical route with spectacular views of the high plateau.

Sajama National Park
A natural gem of Bolivia, home to Andean wildlife such as vicuñas, vizcachas, rheas, and condors. It also houses the Sajama snow-capped peak, the highest mountain in the country.

Natural Hot Springs
Relaxing outdoor hot springs, perfect for unwinding after ascents, surrounded by puna landscapes and endless skies.

Andean Culture and Traditions
Engage with the local communities of Sajama, where ancient languages, textiles, and customs are still preserved.

Technicality

Climbing Parinacota
The ascent of Parinacota is classified as 1/F. It is not a technically challenging mountain, but being a conical-shaped volcano with a constant 40° incline, it presents its own challenges. The most difficult section is the climb to the snow line, which is long and strenuous due to loose sand and ash. As always, the high altitude makes the ascent a real challenge.

Climbing Pomarape
In contrast to Parinacota, the route to the southwest of Pomarape is classified as III/AD+ with a slope ranging from 50° to 60°. Snow penitentes add difficulty to the climb, and depending on the season, it can make the ascent physically impossible. The summit area is rocky and covered in scree.

DIFFICULTY

incluDed

UIAGM High Mountain Guide

Private transport from La Paz to Sajama Village, round trip.

4x4 transport to access the high camp of Parinacota, round trip.

4x4 transport to access the high camp of Pomarape, round trip.

Meals.

Climbing technical equipment.

Sleeping bag.

Hostel accommodations.

Park entrance fee to Sajama National Park.

not incluDed

Extra drinks.

Extra snacks.

itinerary

wepik-proyecto-sin-titulo-202411082241589yVo

DAY 1.

La Paz – Sajama Village (4,200 m)

After a 4-hour drive from La Paz, passing through impressive volcanic rock formations, we arrive at the picturesque Sajama Village, located at 4,200 meters above sea level. We will stay in a cozy hostel, where we’ll spend the night surrounded by the serenity and the majestic Andean landscape.

DAY 2.

Ascent to Parinacota (6,342 m) – Return to the Village.

After breakfast, around 1:00 AM, we head in a 4x4 vehicle to the end of a desert trail, taking us to the heart of the Payachatas range, to the high camp (5,170 m). We begin the ascent by walking over volcanic sand and rocks until we reach the glacier, where the famous penitentes, some as high as 1 meter or more (depending on the season), can be found. After several more hours, we reach the summit of Parinacota at 6,330 m and the edge of its impressive crater with a 100-meter drop. We then return to the high camp in half the time and take the 4x4 back to Sajama Village, where we can enjoy a well-deserved rest.

DAY 3.

Rest and Acclimatization Day (4,200 m)

A day reserved for rest at the hostel in Sajama Village. You can take short acclimatization walks or simply relax to improve altitude adaptation and recharge your energy.

DAY 4.

Ascent to Pomarape (6,282 m) – Return to the Village

We have an early breakfast and head in a 4x4 vehicle to the high camp at 5,100 meters. From there, we begin a 1.5-hour hike to approximately 5,500 meters, reaching the glacier (a mix of rocks and snow penitentes). We put on our technical gear and begin the climb, ascending a short and difficult rock section before reaching the ridge line (6 hours). Finally, we reach the southern summit of Pomarape at 6,252 m.

We descend the same route back to the glacier, gather our gear, and then hike back to the high camp. The 4x4 picks us up and takes us back to Sajama Village, where we spend a peaceful night at the hostel.

wepik-untitled-project-20241001223821OlMN

DAY 5.

Hot Springs – Return to La Paz

After a restful night and a delicious breakfast, we gather our belongings and head out to enjoy one final experience: a relaxing soak in the hot springs. We immerse ourselves in the warm waters, taking in the beautiful natural surroundings with Mount Sajama in the background. Refreshed and revitalized, we take our transport back to La Paz, carrying with us the memories of an unforgettable experience.