MAJESTICAL LAKE TITICACA AND BOLIVIA’S HIGHEST MOUNTAIN

We first visit mythical Lago Titicaca and Isla del Sol, where early inhabitants believed the sun was born and the Incas saw it as the birth place of their civilization. This first part will help with acclimatizing for Sajama mountain. After a few days around the lake we head over to Sajama to climb Bolivia’s highest mountain. Sajama lies west of La Paz near the chilean border in the Nacional park Sajama. Other mountains in the park are volcanoes Parinacota (6330m) and Pomerata (6222m). The slopes of this volcano also support the highest forest in the world. Although it is not technically de-manding to climb Sajama it’s high altitude and ice conditions (later in the season) make the peak more challenging than it initially appears.

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Classic Volcano climb

LAKE TITICACA AND

SAJAMA (6549M)

PROGRAM DETAILSType of activity: Easy technical Climbing with ropes, trekking up to high camp (5400m)

Difficulty: 3 – moderate fitness

Experience required: 2 - 3 – basic climbing skills / some experience

Grade of climb: II/AD, 50°

Number of days: 9 days, 8 nights

Tour starts in La Paz

Tour ends in La Paz Best time of year: May to September

Season: Dry season: days are mild and nights are cold

Highlights: Visiting Lake Titicaca, Isla del Sol, Inca ruins on Isla del Sol, town of Copacabana. Reaching the summit of one of the best known peaks in Bolivia. Visiting the hot springs found in Parque Nacional Sajama and the village of Sajama

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High up on

Sajama

PHOTOS FROM THE AREA

PROGRAMDay 1: Airport(400m) - La Paz (3600m) Transfer to hotel. Meet up with guide and gear check. Welcome dinner. 40 minutes (D) Hotel 4*

Day 2: La Paz (3600m) - Copacabana (3820m) – Yumani (3890m) Isla del SolWe leave La Paz early in the morning and drive through the Altiplano (4000m), passing the Cordillera Real on our right. This area is very dry but we will be able to see the campesinos (farmers) herding their llamas. At village of Tiquina, is where we need to cross the lake by boat (about 30mins). After Tiquina we have a short drive to Copacabana. In Copacabana we stop for lunch before taking the boat to Isla del Sol. On Isla del Sol we will first visit the ruins of Pilko Kaina. After a short walk we will reach the village of Yumai, where we can see another impressive Inca site, Escalera Del Inca.3 – 4 hours of driving, 1 hour by boat, 40 minutes walking (BLD) Hotel 3*

Day 3: Yumani – Challapampa - CopacabanaIn the morning we make a walk from the South of the island to the north. Along the way we have great views of the Cordillera Real and the surrounding area. We will visit the Inca ruins of Chincana. In the afternoon we take the boat back to Copacabana were we spend the night and have time to see some of the sights in Copacabana.2 – 3 hours walking, 1 1⁄2 hours boat, (BLD) Hotel 3*

Day 4: Copacabana - La Paz - Tomarapi (4220m)In the morning we head back to La Paz. We stop in Al Alto for lunch before heading onto Sajama. On the drive out we pass small communities, these people mainly live form herding their llamas. A few hours before the village of Sajama we get our first views of Sajama mountain, lonely by itself. We will stay the night in the village of Tomarapi village and have the opportunity to visit the village and some small lakes near by.7 - 8 hours driving with stops (BLD) Hotel 2*

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Lake Titicaca

Day 5: Tomarapi – Base camp (4600m)From Tomarapi village we drive to the start of the trek up to base camp. At the start of the trek we meet the mules and head up the valley to the base camp. We have great views of Sajama in front of us walking up the valleyAfter a fairly short days walk we will reach base camp. Mules will carry our gear up to base camp. 3 - 4 hours (BLD) camping

Day 6: Base camp – High camp (5450m)Walking on rock and moraine we will cross up over a ridge and continue to climb up to high camp. We will make our high camp on a ridge next to a rock tower were we have views of the Altiplano. Camp is on small ledges dug out on the side of the mountain. Porters take our equipment to high camp4 - 6 hours (BLD) camping

Day 7: High camp – Summit (6549m) – High camp - Base camp – Tomarapi VillageAn early start from our high camp as it will be a long day. We will follow the ridge and climb through snow fields, to finally reach the summit. From the summit we can see the Twins and on a clear day we can see the Cordillera Real. After a short break we start the descent, stopping at the high camp to meet the porters who will carry all the equipment and personal gear back down. We will finish back at Sajama village10 - 16 hours (BLD) Hotel 2*

Day 8: Tomarapi village – La PazIn the morning a short visit of the hot springs. After lunch we will drive back to La Paz. Farewell dinner in La Paz4 hours driving (BLD) Hotel 4*

Day 9: La Paz - Airport Transfer to Airport 40 minutes (B)

END of SERVICES

NOTE: LATER IN THE SEASON PENITENTS (LARGE ICE SPIKES) CAN FORM. MAKING THE CLIMB PHYSICALLY A LOT MORE DEMANDING.

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PRICESPrices include:

• Professional English speaking mountain guide, guide ratio 2 clients to 1 guide• Meals as mentioned, including drinks at camp meals (B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner)• All private transport• Private boat to and from Copacabana to Isla del Sol• Mules, up to base camp and back down• Porters to carry all equipment, up to high camp and back down to base camp• Full camp• Cook • Equipment for the mountain, ropes and protection• 6 night’s Hotel (Copacabana, Isla del Sol, La Paz and Tomarapi)• Entrants fees to all archaeological sites, park

Sajama and hot springs• First Aid kit• Oxygen bottle

Not included:

• Personal equipment• Personal insurance• Extra services not mentioned in the program• Tips

Prices:

1 person $3380 US2 people $2220 US each

Contact details:Calle Linares #940 Email: Info@climbingsouthamerica.com

1st Floor Web page: www.climbingsouthamerica.com

La Paz Office phone number: 591-2-2971543

Bolivia Cell Phone number: 591-71903534

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Trekking on Isla del Sol