Code: TPACOTAN Duration: 3 days
Acotango is an inactive volcano located on the border between Bolivia and Chile. Together with its two brothers Maria Capurata and Guallatire (the only smoking volcano in the area) are known as Quimsa Chatas (meaning the triplets). This group is located within the boundaries of Sajama National Park in Bolivia and Lauca National Park in Chile.
To climb it from the Chilean side is a real dangerous task as there may still be landmines planted by the military during the dictatorship of Pinochet. Fortunately, Bolivian Army is not as aggressive and our side is free from such a hazard. This is certainly the easiest climb volcano in Sajama and probably one of the easiest 6000m in the whole world; the ultimate trekking peak experience.
Please note that to take this trip alone, you must already be acclimatized to the highlands. This means that you must have spent at least 3-5 days at the highlands doing light physical activity. For more information about this subject, please refer to the page acclimatization at our website.
Short Itinerary
Day 1. Transport to Sajama camp.
Day 2. Climb of Acotango return to Sajama. Camp
Day 3. Transport to La Paz.
Highlights
- Non technical ascend to Acotango 6,056m (19,864ft)
- Extraordinary view point to survey the whole Sajama National Park in Bolivia and Lauca National Park in Chile.
Services Included
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary.
- Full land transportation during the trip.
- Common camping equipment: 3 season tents, dinning and kitchen tents & tableware.
- Common climbing equipment: short emergency rope
- Bilingual guide during the trip.
- Luggage transportation with porters and/or animals (15 kg/33 lb per person max weight).
- Cook when camping.
- National Park entrance fees.
Services Not Included
- International & local flight tickets & fees.
- Transfers IN/OUT to airports.
- Meals & accommodation while in La Paz.
- Personal camping equipment: sleeping bag, mattress, headlamps, and clothing.
- Personal climbing equipment: plastic boots, crampons
- Insurance of any kind.
- Any expense due to a rescue operation (rescuers fee, transportation, or medical cost).
Day to day details
A pleasant drive traversing the flat highlands will take us to Sajama National Park to enjoy a great landscape in this microclimatic high-altitude valley dotted by thousands of Alpacas, Vicuñas and Llamas, and surrounded by the highest volcanoes in Bolivia. Despite its height this protected land host a bizarre forest of Keñua trees (Polilepsis Tarapacana), some of them subsist up to 5100m (16728ft) or higher, according to some scientists being the highest forest in the planet.
On the way, if we can find the key keeper, we may visit the church of Curahuara de Carangas, considered the “sixteenth chapter” of the Bolivian Andes because of its magnificent mural paintings. Before getting to our lodge we will make a short visit to the geysers and the hot springs; those who want can enjoy a relaxing bath (the local community charge a small extra cost). Our campsite will be located relatively close to the hot springs.
Overnight: Camping
La Paz: 3,650m (11,972ft)
El Alto: 4,100m (13,450ft)
Sajama campsite: 4,260 m (13,973 ft)
Driving: 4-5Hrs (300km)
L,D
An early start will be required to drive from our campsite to the trail head located at an elevation of 5300m (17,384ft) following a secondary dirty road to a sulfur mine.
The route from this point it is not technically difficult but quite demanding and requires to be well acclimatized to the altitude. To get to the summit we basically follow the rim of an old and almost completely eroded crater, walking either on snow, ice or soft sandy terrain.
From the top of the ridge from where we can admire both national parks at each country side: Sajama and Lauca. The summit has normally a small ice or snow field, and sometimes late in the season there can be “Penitentes”.
On the descent we will get into the crater and follow the frozen stream towards the vehicle and return to the campsite in Sajama.
Overnight: Camping
Acotango road-head: 5,300m (17,384ft)
Acotango: 6,056m (19,863ft)
Sajama campsite: 4,260m (13,973ft)
Driving: 3-4Hrs (120km)
Walking: 8-10Hrs (7km)
B,L,D
No more walking today. Since we have plenty of time, we will spend some time having a well-deserved relaxing hot bath before having lunch and heading back to La Paz.
Overnight: None
El Alto: 4,100m (13,450ft)
La Paz: 3,650m (11,972ft)
Driving: 5-6Hrs (284km)
B,L