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Mountains & Ascents

Parinocata Ascent

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  4. Parinocata Ascent

The Volcano Parinacota is part of the Western Cordillera. It is located in Sajama Park on the Bolivian and Chilean border. It offers spectacular views of its twin, the Pomerape. Its ascent is without any technical difficulty but is physically hard (AD / II). Volcanoes have caused the suffering of more than one mountain dweller, endless slopes, false summits and strong winds are their daily lives.

Overview
  • Duration 2 days
  • Transport Private vehicle
  • Site fees Comprise
  • Guide IFMGA english speaking guide (subject to availibity)
  • Altitude 6.333 m asl
  • Best time From May to October

Indicative price, excluding international flights. All nights, meals, guides and transfers included.

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Main stops
  • – Splendid crater at the top.– Breathtaking views over the volcanoes Pomerape and Sajama
Day 1 Day 2
Day 1

LA PAZ - SAJAMA – PARINACOTA BASE CAMP (5.135 meters / 16 847 feet asl.)

  • Start 07:00 am
  • Accommodation tent
  • Meals lunch, dinner
  • Altitude 5.135 m asl
  • Transport 4/5h
  • Walk / Bike 1h

Departure in the morning to cross the Altiplano. From Sajama village: transfer in 4WD vehicle to the place called Inkamarka (4995 meters / 16 387 feet asl.). Approach march to the bottom of the Parinacota volcano (5135 meters / 16 847 feet asl.). Night at the base camp (It is also possible to reach the base camp by 4WD vehicle).

Day 2

ASCENT OF THE VOLCANO PARINACOTA (6.330 meters / 20 767 feet asl.) – HOT SPRINGS - SAJAMA – LA PAZ (3600 meters / 11 811 feet asl.)

  • Start 02:00 am
  • Accommodation none
  • Meals breakfast, lunch
  • Transport 4/5h
  • Walk / Bike 9/11h

Ascent without technical difficulty but physically demanding (AD/II). Departure in the night (around 2 am). Progressive climb on the volcano side, until the edge of the glacier (Approx. 5800 meters / 19 028 feet asl.). Presence of penitent which makes the progression more difficult. However, at the end of the winter season, it is sometimes possible to reach the summit without crampons. Ascent of the glacial dome (45º/50º max.). Long climb to the crater rim. 6 to 8 hours ascending from base camp. Descent to base camp (2 to 3 hours). Possibility to descent on the rocky part through another route.Descent to base camp where the vehicle awaits us to go to the hot spring for a very well deserved bath. Back to Sajama with the vehicle. Back to La Paz. Arrival by the end of the day.

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