Sajama National Park
Park High-altitude park with Bolivia's tallest volcano
Sajama National Park surrounds the snow-capped Sajama volcano with high puna grassland, thermal springs and Aymara villages; visitors hike volcanic slopes, photograph wetlands and watch vicuñas on the high plateau.
Sajama National Park protects high Andean ecosystems in western Bolivia and includes Nevado Sajama, the country’s highest mountain. The park conserves puna grasslands, high-Andean wetlands and scattered Polylepis woodlands.
The park is visited for high mountain landscapes, thermal springs, traditional Aymara communities and for trekking or climbing approaches to Nevado Sajama. Wildlife observation and visits to ancient stone structures and relict Polylepis stands are other draws.
Areas around Sajama have long-standing human presence, including Aymara communities and pre-Columbian stone structures; the park was designated to protect its unique highland environments and cultural sites. Conservation and community use have shaped park management.
Sajama National Park sits in Oruro Department in Bolivia’s far west, near the border with Chile, on the high Andean Altiplano; the nearest larger towns are several hours’ drive away across high mountain roads.
- Altitude: High-altitude conditions dominate - expect strong sun, cold temperatures and thin air near the summit; acclimatization is essential for climbers.
What to See #
- Nevado Sajama: An andean stratovolcano whose summit is the highest peak in Bolivia at about 6,542 meters, a focal point for high-altitude ecology and mountaineering approaches.
How to Get to Sajama National Park #
Sajama National Park is accessed from the Oruro region; the town of Sajama is reached by road from La Paz or Oruro with long mountain drives required. Regional buses and private 4x4 transfers are the standard access methods.
Tips for Visiting Sajama National Park #
- Stay in the village of Sajama or nearby hostels and use local Aymara guides for hikes to the base of the volcano.
- Acclimatise before attempting higher walks-Sajama sits at very high altitude and weather can change rapidly.
- Visit the thermal pools near Sajama village for a restorative soak after trekking.
Best Time to Visit Sajama National Park #
May-September offers the most stable weather for high-elevation hiking and photography.
Weather & Climate near Sajama National Park #
Sajama National Park's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in December) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -12°C to 14°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (111 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -5°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -8°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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June
June is freezing with highs of 9°C and lows of -11°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is the coldest month with highs of 9°C and lows of -12°C. Almost no rain.
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August
August is freezing with highs of 10°C and lows of -11°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -8°C. Almost no rain.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -6°C. Almost no rain.
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November
November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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