Parinacota, one of the iconic Payachatas (“The Twins”), is a stunningly symmetrical, cone-shaped inactive volcano that captivates climbers and nature enthusiasts alike. Its impressive open crater, measuring 700 meters in width and 240 meters in depth—larger than Ecuador’s famous Cotopaxi—adds to its allure.
Nearly 8,000 years ago, Parinacota’s collapse triggered a massive rockslide that traveled 22 kilometers westward, blocking waterflows and giving rise to the serene and reflective Lake Chungará at its Chilean base. For climbers ascending from the Bolivian side, the breathtaking view of the lake nestled against the towering volcano is an unforgettable surprise, adding another layer of magic to this remarkable ascent.
This pristine snow-capped, nearly symmetrical mountain is the photographer’s (and tourist’s) dream.
It is the only volcano in Bolivia with an open crater, and the crater’s magnitude is always astounding.
Climbing Parinacota is graded 1/F. Itis not a technical mountain but being a cone-shaped volcano, it has aa continuous incline of 40°. The most difficult part is the climb up to the snow line, which is long and arduous due to loose sand and ash. As always, the high altitude makes the climb more of a challenge.
We embark on a 4-hour journey from La Paz, traversing the expansive Bolivian highlands. Along the way, you'll marvel at stunning volcanic rock formations that vividly narrate the region's ancient geological history. Our destination is the renowned Sajama National Park, Bolivia's first protected area, where natural beauty and cultural heritage come together. Finally, we arrive at the picturesque village of Sajama, nestled at an impressive altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level. Surrounded by the serene grandeur of the Andes, we’ll settle into a cozy hostel to rest and prepare for the adventures ahead.
After breakfast at approximately 1 am, we head by 4x4 to the end of a deserted trail, which leaves us in the middle of the Payachatas, the high camp (5,170 m). We start the ascent walking over sand and volcanic rock until we reach the glacier, where the famous penitents measuring 1 m high or more are found, depending on the season. After a few more hours we reached the summit of Parinacota (6,330 m), and the edge of its impressive crater with a deep drop of 100 m. back to the stop camp in 3 hrs, and another 2.1/2 hrs back to Base Camp. The 4x4 takes us back to the town of Sajama. We enjoyed the hot springs and spent a quiet night at the hostel.
After an early breakfast at approximately 1 a.m., we set off in a 4x4 vehicle to the end of a deserted trail, reaching the high camp at 5,170 meters, situated amidst the majestic Payachatas. From here, our ascent begins, trekking across a mix of sand and volcanic rock before arriving at the glacier. Along the way, we encounter the remarkable penitentes—natural ice formations that can reach over 1 meter in height, depending on the season.
The climb continues as we ascend to the summit of Parinacota (6,330 meters), where the breathtaking sight of its immense crater, with a vertical drop of 100 meters, awaits. After soaking in the views and celebrating the achievement, we descend back to high camp in approximately three hours. From there, a further two-and-a-half-hour descent brings us to Base Camp.
Our 4x4 vehicle then takes us back to the charming village of Sajama. To round off the day, we take a long rest and spend a peaceful night at the hostel, reflecting on the day’s incredible journey.
We begin the day with a relaxing morning at the hostel, enjoying a hearty breakfast to recharge. Later, we visit the soothing natural hot springs, a perfect way to unwind amidst the stunning landscapes. After this serene experience, we start our journey back to La Paz, carrying unforgettable memories of our adventure in Sajama.
+591 76563939
+591 76563939
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