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Bolivia🇧🇴 | national parksSajama National ParkNevado Sajama, queñua forest, geysers, Manasaya springs | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Sajama
🏆 Top picknational park ranked #2
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Sajama National Park holds Bolivia’s highest peak, the 6,542-meter Nevado Sajama, and also the world’s highest forest, a stand of queñua trees growing above 4,000 meters. It sits in the west of Bolivia, in the Oruro department against the Chilean border. I got here on a shared minibus from the highway, and the driver stopped dead so everyone could watch a line of vicuñas cross the dirt road in front of us. That is the tone of the place: volcano on the horizon, wildlife in your path. Trails run through golden grassland, past geysers and steaming hot springs where you can soak after a day on the altiplano. Crowds are thin, the village of Sajama is tiny, and getting here takes effort and patience. Don’t expect polish. Hikers who like big skies, solitude and a long walk will love it. Anyone wanting comfort, quick transport or a packed itinerary will find it too remote.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #2 national park in BoliviaWhy visitors keep coming back

Sajama National Park rewards backpackers who like to move on their own schedule. The village sits at the foot of Nevado Sajama, and almost every worthwhile walk starts from the doorstep, so you can skip tours and simply head out with a map and a full water bottle. Local community guides are available for the harder routes, and hiring one supports the families who run the park’s tourism.

The variety is the other draw. Within a few days you can wander through the queñua forest, climb to a viewpoint above the plain, and finish with a soak in the Manasaya hot springs while llamas graze nearby. Climbers use the village as a base for the summit, and the neighboring volcanoes Parinacota and Pomerape, which sit just across the border, dominate the western skyline. Camping and simple lodging keep … read more 👉
Sajama National Park rewards backpackers who like to move on their own schedule. The village sits at the foot of Nevado Sajama, and almost every worthwhile walk starts from the doorstep, so you can skip tours and simply head out with a map and a full water bottle. Local community guides are available for the harder routes, and hiring one supports the families who run the park’s tourism.

The variety is the other draw. Within a few days you can wander through the queñua forest, climb to a viewpoint above the plain, and finish with a soak in the Manasaya hot springs while llamas graze nearby. Climbers use the village as a base for the summit, and the neighboring volcanoes Parinacota and Pomerape, which sit just across the border, dominate the western skyline. Camping and simple lodging keep costs low, and the quiet at night is extraordinary. For anyone comfortable with altitude and a bit of logistics, this is independent travel at its most rewarding.

💡 HighlightsDon't-miss highlights and experiences

  1. Nevado Sajama: Bolivia’s highest mountain, a near-perfect cone of ice and rock rising to 6,542 meters. Even if you never climb it, the view from the plain is the park’s defining image.
  2. Queñua forest: Twisted, papery-barked trees growing at over 4,000 meters, among the highest woodlands anywhere. Walking among them with the volcano behind is surreal.
  3. Manasaya hot springs: Natural thermal pools a short walk from the village. Soaking here with a snowy peak in view is the ideal end to a hiking day.
  4. Sajama geysers: A field of steaming vents and bubbling mud pots at high altitude. Go early, when the steam is thickest and the ground is crisp with frost.
  5. Tomarapi: A small community with a lodge and a simple eco-tourism setup on the park’s edge. The surrounding landscape is wide open, good for spotting
… read more 👉
  1. Nevado Sajama: Bolivia’s highest mountain, a near-perfect cone of ice and rock rising to 6,542 meters. Even if you never climb it, the view from the plain is the park’s defining image.
  2. Queñua forest: Twisted, papery-barked trees growing at over 4,000 meters, among the highest woodlands anywhere. Walking among them with the volcano behind is surreal.
  3. Manasaya hot springs: Natural thermal pools a short walk from the village. Soaking here with a snowy peak in view is the ideal end to a hiking day.
  4. Sajama geysers: A field of steaming vents and bubbling mud pots at high altitude. Go early, when the steam is thickest and the ground is crisp with frost.
  5. Tomarapi: A small community with a lodge and a simple eco-tourism setup on the park’s edge. The surrounding landscape is wide open, good for spotting vicuñas.
  6. Payachata twin volcanoes: Parinacota and Pomerape rise across the border and make a dramatic skyline from several viewpoints in the park.
  7. Sajama village church: A small colonial-era adobe church in the village, with a plain interior and a doorway that frames the volcano.
  8. Vicuña and flamingo spotting: Vicuñas graze on the open plain, while flamingos and other birds feed on shallow lagoons nearby. Bring binoculars.
The hot springs and the geysers fit neatly into a single day, with the soak saved for the afternoon.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

May to September is the window for Sajama National Park, with dry, sunny days and the clearest views of Volcán Sajama (6,542 m / 21,463 ft).
  • Dry Season (May to September): Days reach 12 to 18°C (54 to 64°F), but nights at about 4,200 m drop to -15 to -5°C (5 to 23°F). Daylight runs roughly 11 to 12 hours. Climbing and trekking are at their peak, and June to August is busiest, though crowds stay small.
  • Shoulder Months (April, October, November): Days are 14 to 19°C (57 to 66°F) with colder nights and occasional afternoon cloud. Trails are quiet, and the geysers and hot springs are almost empty.
  • Wet Season (December to March): Afternoon storms, mud and often cloud-covered summits. Highs are 14 to 18°C (57 to 64°F) with nights near freezing. Climbing is rarely attempted, and snow can block the road.
… read more 👉
May to September is the window for Sajama National Park, with dry, sunny days and the clearest views of Volcán Sajama (6,542 m / 21,463 ft).
  • Dry Season (May to September): Days reach 12 to 18°C (54 to 64°F), but nights at about 4,200 m drop to -15 to -5°C (5 to 23°F). Daylight runs roughly 11 to 12 hours. Climbing and trekking are at their peak, and June to August is busiest, though crowds stay small.
  • Shoulder Months (April, October, November): Days are 14 to 19°C (57 to 66°F) with colder nights and occasional afternoon cloud. Trails are quiet, and the geysers and hot springs are almost empty.
  • Wet Season (December to March): Afternoon storms, mud and often cloud-covered summits. Highs are 14 to 18°C (57 to 64°F) with nights near freezing. Climbing is rarely attempted, and snow can block the road.
Book a guide and lodging a few weeks ahead for July, and bring a sleeping bag rated to at least -15°C (5°F).


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: good for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
bolivia-national-park-sajama-national-park
© Google | Francisco López

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🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

Most backpackers sleep in the village of Sajama, inside the park, where simple family-run lodges and a few community guesthouses sit below the volcano. Expect basic rooms with shared bathrooms and thick blankets, usually US$10 to 20 per person, often with meals available for US$4 to 8. Heating is limited, so nights are cold even indoors. Several lodges arrange guides, horses and rides to the Termas de Manasaya hot springs and the Sajama geysers. Hot water is not guaranteed.
Camping is possible near the village and along trekking routes such as the Payachatas trails, but you must carry a four-season … read more 👉
Most backpackers sleep in the village of Sajama, inside the park, where simple family-run lodges and a few community guesthouses sit below the volcano. Expect basic rooms with shared bathrooms and thick blankets, usually US$10 to 20 per person, often with meals available for US$4 to 8. Heating is limited, so nights are cold even indoors. Several lodges arrange guides, horses and rides to the Termas de Manasaya hot springs and the Sajama geysers. Hot water is not guaranteed.
Camping is possible near the village and along trekking routes such as the Payachatas trails, but you must carry a four-season tent and a very warm bag. The park office in Sajama village can advise on sites.
The nearest town is Curahuara de Carangas, about 70 km (43 miles) from the park village. It has a few cheap basic guesthouses, and it is a place to stock up on supplies. Larger bases are Patacamaya, on the La Paz to Arica highway, and La Paz itself, roughly four to five hours by road from Sajama. Many visitors also continue to Chile via Tambo Quemado, about 40 km (25 miles) away.
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👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

Plan on about US$47 to 85 per day for Sajama National Park if you stay in simple lodges and eat local meals, though a guided climb costs much more.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Park EntranceUS$4 to 7Foreign visitors pay a one-time fee at the park office in Sajama village, paid in bolivianos.
Accommodation (High Season)US$10 to 20Basic lodge bed with shared bath and thick blankets. Camping is cheaper, though gear must be brought along.
FoodUS$10 to 18Lodge meals of soup, quinoa, llama or trout. Bring snacks from La Paz because the village shops are tiny.
Local TransportUS$8 to 15Buses from La Paz cost about US$5 to 8 each way. Shared rides within the park, or to the geysers and hot springs, run a few dollars.
Guides and ActivitiesUS$15 to 25Day guides for hikes cost roughly US$25 to 40 per group.
… read more 👉
Plan on about US$47 to 85 per day for Sajama National Park if you stay in simple lodges and eat local meals, though a guided climb costs much more.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Park EntranceUS$4 to 7Foreign visitors pay a one-time fee at the park office in Sajama village, paid in bolivianos.
Accommodation (High Season)US$10 to 20Basic lodge bed with shared bath and thick blankets. Camping is cheaper, though gear must be brought along.
FoodUS$10 to 18Lodge meals of soup, quinoa, llama or trout. Bring snacks from La Paz because the village shops are tiny.
Local TransportUS$8 to 15Buses from La Paz cost about US$5 to 8 each way. Shared rides within the park, or to the geysers and hot springs, run a few dollars.
Guides and ActivitiesUS$15 to 25Day guides for hikes cost roughly US$25 to 40 per group. Hot spring entry is about US$1 to 2. A Sajama summit expedition typically runs US$250 to 400 per person.
Total Daily BudgetUS$47 to 85Mid-range estimate for one day excluding summit attempts, with a high-season lodge bed.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsExploring Sajama: trails, terrain, and views

Sajama National Park is Bolivia’s oldest national park, and its walking is high, dry and open, with the 6,542 meter Nevado Sajama (the country’s highest peak) filling the horizon at almost every turn. The village of Sajama sits at roughly 4,200 meters, so your first day should be gentle while your lungs catch up. Terrain is windswept altiplano grassland, volcanic scree, polylepis forest (some of the highest-growing trees on earth) and steaming geothermal fields. Wildlife is easy to spot: vicuñas graze near the village, llamas and alpacas are everywhere, and with patience you can pick out rheas, … read more 👉
Sajama National Park is Bolivia’s oldest national park, and its walking is high, dry and open, with the 6,542 meter Nevado Sajama (the country’s highest peak) filling the horizon at almost every turn. The village of Sajama sits at roughly 4,200 meters, so your first day should be gentle while your lungs catch up. Terrain is windswept altiplano grassland, volcanic scree, polylepis forest (some of the highest-growing trees on earth) and steaming geothermal fields. Wildlife is easy to spot: vicuñas graze near the village, llamas and alpacas are everywhere, and with patience you can pick out rheas, foxes, vizcachas and flamingos on the lagoons.
  • Geysers and Thermal Baths Walk: About 8 to 10 km round trip from the village or a short drive, 2 to 4 hours. Easy to moderate, gently rolling terrain. You reach steaming geysers, bubbling pools and hot spring baths where you can soak with the volcano in view.
  • Tomarapi Polylepis Forest Trail: About 3 to 4 hours on easy to moderate paths. You cross open grassland to a small stand of queñua trees with sweeping views and good chances of vicuña sightings.
  • Mirador and Lagoon Loop: Roughly 3 to 5 hours, moderate. Gentle climbs lead to viewpoints over the plain, then to lagoons where flamingos feed and the volcano reflects on still mornings.
  • Sajama Base Camp Walk: A full day on rocky, steep slopes, hard because of altitude. The route climbs toward the moraines and the lower camps used by mountaineers, with dramatic views of the glacier-capped summit.
  • Payachata Viewpoint Hikes: Half-day outings, moderate. Longer routes head toward the twin volcanoes Parinacota and Pomerape on the Chilean border, across wide open plains.
Climbing Nevado Sajama itself is a technical, multi-day mountaineering objective that needs a guide, crampons and acclimatization. Most backpackers stick to the walks above, which need no technical gear. Local guides from the village can be hired for the longer routes, and a guide is worth having for the base camp walk.
Getting to Sajama National Park by public transport is straightforward but slow. Buses and minibuses run from La Paz toward Patacamaya and Curahuara de Carangas, and from there you can arrange a shared ride or a pickup into the park. Roads are paved for much of the way, but services thin out quickly, so allow a full day.
Crowds are light. Even in the busiest months you may share a trail with only a handful of people. An entrance fee is charged at the park office in the village, and you pay in local currency. Bring sun protection, a windproof layer, and plenty of water.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyTraveler Safety Guide

Sajama National Park is a straightforward destination where altitude and cold cause far more trouble than crime or wildlife. The village sits near 4,200 m (13,800 ft), so arrive from La Paz with a day to spare and walk slowly the first afternoon. Headaches and poor sleep are common. Drink plenty of water and skip alcohol early on.
Weather swings fast. Strong afternoon winds and intense UV at this height burn skin quickly, so bring a hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen. Night temperatures fall well below freezing even in the dry season.
Trails are open and often unmarked on higher routes, so hire a local guide for the Sajama climb or multi-day treks. Higher routes need crampons, an ice axe and glacier experience. Vicuñas, llamas and flamingos are harmless if you keep your distance. Dogs near … read more 👉
Sajama National Park is a straightforward destination where altitude and cold cause far more trouble than crime or wildlife. The village sits near 4,200 m (13,800 ft), so arrive from La Paz with a day to spare and walk slowly the first afternoon. Headaches and poor sleep are common. Drink plenty of water and skip alcohol early on.
Weather swings fast. Strong afternoon winds and intense UV at this height burn skin quickly, so bring a hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen. Night temperatures fall well below freezing even in the dry season.
Trails are open and often unmarked on higher routes, so hire a local guide for the Sajama climb or multi-day treks. Higher routes need crampons, an ice axe and glacier experience. Vicuñas, llamas and flamingos are harmless if you keep your distance. Dogs near the village can bark but rarely bother walkers. Carry cash, since there are no ATMs, and fuel up before arriving.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Two to three days is enough for Sajama National Park, and a full week suits trekkers or climbers. Spend day one acclimatizing and visiting the Termas de Manasaya hot springs, then use day two for the geysers and the Payachatas lagoons. Summit attempts on Volcán Sajama need three to four days with a guide.
Yes, Sajama National Park can be reached without a car using buses from La Paz toward Arica or Tambo Quemado, then a connecting minibus or shared taxi to Sajama village. The trip takes roughly four to five hours from La Paz. Once in the village, most sights such as the hot springs and geysers are within walking distance or a short ride arranged through your lodge.
Yes, Sajama National Park charges a one-time entrance fee of roughly US$4 to 7 for foreigners, paid at the park office in Sajama village in bolivianos. Keep the receipt for any further checks. Climbing Volcán Sajama requires a local guide, and hiring one costs about US$25 to 40 per day for treks, with summit trips priced higher.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Many travelers rush in from La Paz and try a big hike on day one, then spend the evening with a pounding headache. Sajama National Park sits above 4,200 meters, so give yourself an easy first day, walk to the hot springs, and save the geysers and forest loop for the next morning.

✈️ When did I visit Bolivia?
Bolivia I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Bolivia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

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