If you love llamas, alpacas and vicuñas then Sajama National Park is where you want to be. You will see thousands of these cute camelids in the park and hundreds more on the drive. It’s a remote spot in Bolivia, but worth the drive if you’re a llama lover like us.
We didn’t even know about the thousands of camelids in the area when we decided to go to the park. We came to see its famous tall volcanos, geysers and thermal baths. Imagine our happy surprise to see so many llamas and alpacas too!
Sajama National Park is located high on the Altiplano in western Bolivia, not far from the border with Chile. The drive to the park passes very interesting landscape. It begins as a flat plain covered with ichu grass. Occasional small coulees break up the monotony of the flat land. After a while the soil becomes red and interesting rock features dot the side of the road. Up ahead we saw the distinct cone shape of a volcano. Soon we were below Nevada Sajama, Bolivia’s tallest mountain. At 6,543 m (21,467 ft), the snow-capped peak commands your attention.
Across the plain are the twin volcanoes of Parinacera (6,348 m/20,827 ft) and Pomcrape (6,282 m/20,610 ft). Parinacera sits on the border between Bolivia and Chile.
Being on the Altiplano means that the park is located at a very high elevation. The town of Sajama is within the park boundary and is set right beneath its namesake, Nevado Sajama. Located at 4,250 m (13,945 ft ft) it is extremely cold in the village and the constant strong winds make it feel even colder.
The dusty town felt more like a ghost town than a viable village. When we were there in August 2022, most of the houses appeared to be empty and almost all of the businesses were closed. Whether it was the time of year, or a post-Covid victim, we’re not sure, but it is a lonely place. Surprisingly though, in this desolate village there is a lovely old stone church. Iglesia Natividad is very picturesque on its own, but with Nevado Sajama in the background it becomes the perfect scene for a postcard.
The best part of this area are the number of llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. There were hundreds, if not thousands of the furry camelids. Most of course were on farms; bred for their wool and even their meat. Llama is on the menu in most parts of Bolivia. Don’t worry though, no llamas were harmed at our expense.
It felt like a dream to walk in the middle of the huge herds. Many were skittish and would walk away as you approach. If you stand still though, their curiosity kicks in and they start to walk toward you! Llama lovers will understand the thrill of this experience.
In addition to practicing to be llama herders, we visited a few other places of interest in the park.
Lago Huanacota
Located 12 km from town, Lago Huanacota is set near the base of Nevada Sajama. On the walk to the lake we soaked in the views of this unusual landscape. Small farms with rustic buildings can be seen in the distance. The fields are filled with Ichu grass growing in distinctive triangular tufts. It seems incredible that much survives over 4,000 m.
We were actually a little disappointed when we first saw the lake because it’s set on the side of a gravel road in a bare field. Once we walked around to the other side though, we were pleasantly surprised. The view of the lake in front of the tall volcanos is outstanding.
A herd of llamas were wandering around the lake with us. They kindly stopped to pose for a few pictures in front of the lake and volcanos.
You can walk or drive from town on the relatively flat road (12 km). We had expected a hike, but it was all on the dirt road.
Thermal Baths
Between the town and Lago Huanacota are a few natural thermal baths. When we visited one was open to the public. Before reaching the bath we crossed over streams and small coulees which added interest to the bare land.
Natural hot water continuously flows through the large bath. It is built up with stone walls, but the floor is natural rock and sand. The steamy baths are a real treat, especially in this cold, forsaken place.
There is a small fee to enter (30 Bolivianos). It includes a towel and access to the change rooms. The fee was more than worth it.
Queñua Forests
Surprisingly Sajama National Park was not created to protect the country’s highest peak. It was actually formed to protect the interesting looking queñua tree (also spelled queñoa). Until 1939 when it was declared a natural reserve, the trees were being cut down for their timber at an alarming rate. Today, small forests of queñua, cling to the sides of the lower slopes of Nevado Sajama. These curious looking trees are easy to spot with their gnarled branches and paper-thin red bark.
Growing at altitudes between 4,300 and 5,200 m (14,100 and 17,060 ft) these forests in Sajama are considered to be the highest forests in the world.
Other Things To Do
There are a few active geysers 8 km from town. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to visit them.
You can also hike to the summits of each of the three volcanoes, but they do involve crossing snow and glaciers. Guides and equipment need to be hired in La Paz as there are no tour companies in Sajama.
Where to Stay
It appears that there used to be quite a few hotels and hostels in town but when we were there only two were open. We were glad to find a nice, family run budget hotel. Oasis Sajama has hot showers and heaters in some rooms. Even with the heater turned on we used 4 blankets on our bed at night.
What to wear
The entire park is at or above 4,200 m and is very cold. Make sure you bring plenty of layers of warm clothes for the day and at night to sleep. It can get to -30° C at night in the winter and not all hotel rooms have heaters.
How to get to Sajama National Park
Many tour companies in La Paz offer trips to the park and include guides for different activities. It’s also easy to get there on your own. Buses leaving La Paz destined for Oruro will drop you off in the town of Patacamaya. From the bus stop, walk toward town until you see a busy street filled with collectivos (mini-buses). There is only one a day to and from Sajama. It leaves Patacamaya around 12:30 pm and leaves Sajama at 6 am every day. If you catch a bus in La Paz by 8 am you will arrive in time to catch the minibus. Once in Sajama you can easily walk to most destinations.
Park Fee
The national park entry fee is 100 Bolivianos.
To read about out other adventures in Bolivia, click here.
Coming Next – Cochabamba, Bolivia’s Garden City
For pictures from other blogs go to Gallery at monkeystale.ca
To read about more of our adventures go to Destinations.
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87 responses to “Llamas, Alpacas & Volcanos in Sajama, Bolivia”
I have a wonderful cardigan from Arequipa, Peru…soon to be enjoyed with the coming of autumn
Maybe the wool came from Sajama! 🙂
Stunning!! A wonderful collection of so many great views that I am struggling to pick a favourite!! What a wonderful experience you guys are having!!!
As a lover of both llamas and mountains, Sajama was one of the tops so far 🙂 Maggie
It all looks fantastic! A real feast for the senses!!
Wow, I’m amazed that there are forests – or any type of plant – growing at such high elevation. What a harsh environment. I can’t imagine living there.
I know, it’s quite amazing at how resilient everything is in Bolivia – plants, animals, people. Quite the place 🙂 Maggie
Great photos
Thank you Joseph, Maggie
I may need to go see those llamas 🙂 What a gorgeous place!
Yes, it’s unbelievable how many there are, everywhere you look! Thanks! Maggie
I love bleak landscapes like these, especially with the backdrop of the mountains! This reminds me a lot of parts of the Atacama in Chile, except we saw few camelids there – many more in the south in the Torres del Paine NP. I especially love the vicuñas 🙂 That little church is beautiful and the hot baths sound very tempting, especially in those temperatures!
It’s not far from Atacama, so it doesn’t surprise me that you say that. As we walked through the desolate town, we were so surprised to see the cute old church. It’s a bleak, but wonderful place to visit. Thanks for you thoughts Sarah, Maggie
So many of my favorite things in one place- mountains, llamas, national parks, and old churches. What a great place to follow along with you today!
I know, my favourite things too! It was such a great place to visit, even though it was incredible cold. Thanks for coming along 🙂 Maggie
That first llama shot is really beautiful, and how lucky for them, those fleecy warm coats!
Thanks Jo, Their coats must be very warm because they didn’t seem to mind the cold temperatures 🙂 Maggie
So much beauty in such desolation. It is awe inspiring.
Very true 🙂 Maggie
Beautiful photos! I adore llamas and alpacas, and seeing so many of them at once would have been one of my life’s highlights. I would not even mind an empty “ghost” town. Sometimes, it is these desolate landscapes that form part of a special charm.
Yes that’s true, it did have a special quality, but maybe it was the massive amounts of llamas and alpacas that added it 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thoughts Diana, Maggie
I absolutely ADORE llamas and alpacas! They were my favorite animals growing up and I still love them to this day. My aunt is a huge fan of alpacas too 👍 Always dreamed of visiting one of these countries (Peru is on my bucket list, also known for these majestic creatures) and I can only imagine how breathtakingly beautiful it is to see in person! ♥️
Hilary. it was a dream come true. We saw quite a few from the bus in Peru and Bolivia, but to be able to get so close to them was incredible. I could hardly believe it! Thanks for taking the time to comment, Maggie
That sounds amazing, Maggie! 🌈🦙
Another great post with stunning scenery. My kids are llama/alpaca crazy and their home décor revolves around these cuties. Thanks for sharing Maggie. Allan
Well they would love Sajama then. They had the largest concentration of llamas that we’ve ever seen. Richard said there are more llamas in Sajama than cows in Alberta 🙂 Maggie
When I “herd” you had a post about camelids, I had to see it! Thanks for the stunning photos. We love vicuñas.
hahahaha, thanks for visiting! Maggie
A desert-like area filled with animals. You don’t see that every day.
No exactly, there are many unusual places like this in Bolivia. Thanks for taking the time to comment, Maggie
I love that first picture – the range of colours in the animals and then that stunning backdrop… I’d love to visit….
Thanks Marie, The llamas were so thoughtful to stand and pose for us under a volcano 🙂 Maggie
Ha… you must have paid them a fortune
wonderful
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Thank you 🙂 Maggie
Great photos. It is such a desolate and yet beautiful landscape. The church is such a grace filled looking place.
It was a strange thing to find such a beautiful church in this isolated landscape. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Katelon, Maggie
Lovely photos – gave me a good sense of ‘being there.”
Oh good, glad you visited with us 🙂 Maggie
Stunning scenery and photography. I love the sunset caught in the snow and those oddly proportioned llamas. A very interesting read throughout. Their winters soud like what I’ve heard of Canada.
Yes, the temperatures in Canada can be the same. 🙂 We had the right clothes with us, but in Canada our homes have insulation and central heating. These ones just had one layer of brick! I don’t know how they can live there! Maggie
The high altitude light makes everything so sharp and colourful. I haven’t been to this park, but it seems like a good recommendation as it looks less crowded than the parks around Uyuni which offer the same characteristics.
We only saw 4 other tourists, which is too bad because the people need the income, but it also was nice for us to see the untouched natural beauty. Maggie
I can’t look at llamas without thinking of the Monty Python sketch in which they describe the llama as a quadruped, which has two ears, a heart, a forehead, and a beak for eating honey and if you see one when you are swimming, you have to shout out ‘Look out, there are llamas!’
They should have added ‘Llamas are good at posing for photographs!’
I love your beautiful pictures. I want to pack up and go there right now.
Thank you for sharing.
That’s hilarious! I don’t know that skit but now I’ll look for it!! There were sooo many llama pictures we didn’t include, it may have been llama overload!
Is there such a thing as llama overload?! They are lovely!
This is a link to the sketch on YouTube. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxD6QiLrX28
hahahaha!!! Look out there are llamas!!
I am drawn to the rough architecture and how it integrates with the environment. The camelids are amazing creatures that are well adapted to the surroundings, too.
The homes are the perfect example of the buildings on the altiplano and your right they add their own aspect to the natural views around them. Maggie
Wow, I love it. The landscape looks bleak but in an enchanting and open way, like it makes you realise how small we are in this big wide world. And I LOVE the llamas 🙂
That’s very true the open spaces, tall volcanos really make you appreciate how vast and different the world is. Through in a thousand llamas and it’s even better 🙂 Maggie
Oh, what a beautiful place. The landscape is absolutely stunning! And not to mention the gorgeous llamas and alpacas. I just love them!
Thanks Nat, it is really a special spot. Thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂 Maggie
I LOVE your pictures of the llamas and of the beautiful landscape. I am in cuteness overload at the moment. It sounds like I need to visit Sajama National Park! The thermal baths do sound like they were a real treat.
You would be completely overwhelmed by cuteness if you went. I didn’t stop smiling the entire time 🙂 Maggie
For me personally, the view of llamas and alpacas are each time an incredible joy to the eye. I love these animals, in particular llamas, which are extremely dignified, elegant and graceful, until they start fighting – I’ve heard that llama fights are visually dramatic, with spitting, ramming each other with their chests, neck wrestling and kicking.
Fortunately, for us, llamas are completely adaptable to an Irish climate and landscape. An acre of good land can support about four llamas, and that’s why lately we see them popping up in many places around Ireland. We even have an alpaca farm in Sligo which you can visit and if you wish, even go for a walk with these cute animals, so we don’t have to travel to Peru. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
I’ve never seen a llama fight, but we did get spit at by one in Peru! We have a few llamas in Canada too. It’s so much fun to spot them. Seeing thousands at a time though was unbelievable! Thanks for sharing your experiences Aiva, Maggie
amazing creatures llamas and the like – built for that climate, the altitude and vegetation!
They definitely are built for it, I can’t imagine much else would survive there 🙂 Maggie
The thermal baths look great, refreshing, but they eat llamas in Bolivia? Oh I just couldn’t go there knowing that. I love the llama, just not as dinner.
I know, it’s very hard to see on the menu. prefer to think of these farms of llamas and alpacas as being for their wool 🙂 Maggie
I fell in love with Peru, for similar views🙂 I found so many similarities between these 2 countries!
Christie
Yes they are very similar, but Peru is much wealthier than Bolivia and that’s quite apparent in the roads, houses, buses/cars etc, but their cultures share a lot of traditions. You’d love Bolivia too 🙂 Maggie
What a beautifully remote place, there’s something really alluring about the whole scene, despite the low temperatures. It certainly provided you with some stunning vistas.
It really did. I can see why not many people live there, but it’s strange that not more tourists to Bolivia visit. Maggie
The grass immediately caught my attention for their triangular shape. Then I realized I learned a lot about different species of high-altitude plants from your blog, which is very exciting for me as a person who loves plants. Well, in fact, I learn a lot about high-altitude places from your blog.
Plants that can survive in these conditions are truly amazing. Their odd shapes add even more to the landscape than most vegetation. The grass looks very bizarre, as if the farmer raked them into these shapes, but it’s natural. Maggie
wonderful , interesting, I had no idea about this beautiful place
detailed post
Thank you 🙂
If it’s that cold in August, I can’t imagine what it’s like in winter, but that thermal bath would be enough for me to brave it (perhaps).
Except that it is winter in SA. I wasn’t sure if I’d go in the thermal bath, because you never know what condition they’re in. I was so happy I did, but it was freezing when I got out! 🙂
Very cool. We travel all the time, but we’ve never been to that part of the world. Thanks for sharing.
We love South America and Bolivia is such a unique country. Keep it in mind 😊 Maggie
Definitely! My one-day list keeps growing all the time. 🙂
Beautiful pictures!
Thank you 🙂
The llamas (and their other furry friends) are adorable… and definitely make for great photos (especially with those mountains and the lake in the background). Oh, and the thermal baths are amazing – seeing that it’s surrounded by that barren landscape!
Yes, and the fact that they stopped to ‘pose’ for us made it even better 🙂
I love how furry llamas and alpacas are! Little divas!
Stunning geography. It reminds us of the high latitudes in Peru. Fantastic photography!
Yes quite similar to Peru or Chile’s high elevation plateaus, but much less populated. Thanks for your thought, Maggie
I so enjoyed these photos, imagining wandering among the animals. And the high mountain landscape with snow peaks.
It was incredible, best llama experience I have ever had!
Wow! Spotting Llamas and Alpacas unknowingly is probably the best surprise one can have. 🙂
It was!!! 😊😊
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