Parinacota

20,801 ft/6,342 m

Tour Overview

At 6,342 m (20,801 ft), Parinacota is a beautiful cone shaped volcano situated on the Chilean and Bolivian border. From its summit, incomparable views of its sister volcanoes Sajama 6,550 m (21,484 ft) to the northeast and Pomarape 6,222 m (20,408 ft) directly to the north are possible, and on a particularly clear day, the Pacific Ocean to the west can be discerned. After a straightforward climb up the snow capped volcano, mountaineers are rewarded with a panoramic view of the Cordillera Occidental and a glimpse down and into the enormous crater found at the snow covered summit.

    Highlights

  • One of the most beautiful volcanoes in the World.
  • High summit rate 80%.
  • Beautiful views over Sajama (Bolivia) and Lauka (Chile) Nationals Parks.
  • Plenty of photo opportunities.
  • Ideal for beginners.

    • Suitable for:

  • Average fitness.
  • Acclimatized and determined people.
  • Beginners to experienced climbers.

    Land costs include:

  • Transportation. Bolivian Journeys has a private driver to provide in country transport, thus ensuring our safety and facilitating an independent schedule that does not depend on public transportation.
  • Food. We eat high quality meals using fresh local ingredients.
  • All group climbing gear.
  • Mules.
  • Professional mountain guide.

    • Land costs do not include:

  • Meals except while climbing.
  • Park fee .
  • Gratuities to guides and staff.
  • Insurance.
  • Rescue or medical expenses that may occur during the trip.

  • Day 1

    In the morning we depart La Paz bound for the Village of Sajama 4,250m (13,944 ft) situated near the base of Volcan Sajama. Travel is via 4x4 vehicles for approximately five hours. We arrive at the village of Sajama and then continue to Parinacota's base camp 4,800m (15,749 ft). The remaining afternoon can be spent taking a few photos or just relaxing.

  • Day 2

    Departure at 4:00 am in a tentative ascent to the summit and return to the base camp. After a pre-dawn wake up, we rope up and ascend in order to reach the summit. No technical dificulties but a specific equipment can be required (ropes / crampons / ice axe) according to the snow conditions. Approximately 8h round-trip (depending on weather conditions). After ascending for 8 hours, the expedition arrives at the summit. After a well-deserved round of congratulations and photos, the expedition begins the 3 to 4 hour descent to basecamp. By the end of the day, return to the village of Sajama by jeep. Hot springs.

  • Day 3

    Return trip to La Paz. Plenty of photo opportunities are available as we traverse the Cordillera Occidental on our way back to the capital city.

    Tops

  • 1 lightweight, long sleeve polypropylene shirts
  • 1 medium weight fleece shirt or wool sweater
  • 1 fleece jacket
  • 1 outer shell jacket with hood *

    • Bottoms

  • 1 pair long underwear bottoms
  • 1 pair wind pants *

    • Footwear

  • 1 pairs wool socks
  • 1 pair light weight trekking

    • Boots

  • 1 pair trekking boots
  • 1 pair plastic expedition boots *
  • 1 pair gaiters *

    • Hand wear

  • 1 pair fleece mittens
  • 1 pair overmitts

    • Head gear

  • 1 wool hat
  • 1 pair glacier glasses
  • 1 sunhat

    • Sleeping gear

  • 1 down or synthetic sleeping bag (rated to 15 F) *
  • 1 full length closed cell foam pad

    • Pack

  • 1 daypack for approach hike and possible use on summit day and carry-on bag
  • 1 large (7,500+ cu.in.) duffle bag for gear, include small padlock

    • Climbing gear

  • 1 climbing harness *
  • 1 pair crampons *
  • 1 ice axe (60-70 cm) *
  • 1 locking carabiner *
  • 1 regular biner *
  • 1 equipment sling (1" tubular webbing, approx. 6' long)
  • 1 helmet *

    • Misc

  • 1 first-aid kit
  • 1 headlamp, include extra batteries *
  • 1 one quart water bottle
  • Lip balm (spf 30) and sun screen (spf 40)
  • Pocket knife
  • Adjustable ski poles (highly recommended)*

( * ) Items can be rented from Bolivian Journeys

Contact Us

Tour details:

Altittude: 20,801 ft/6,342 m

Days: 3 days

Difficulty: Beginner

Location: Cordillera Occidental