Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
cluding those just visiting the village. SERNAP will help climbing expeditions organize
mules and porters to carry equipment to the base camp; guides cost around B$560 per day,
porters about B$140 for the climb.
Getting There & Away
There is a daily bus from the town of Patacamaya to Sajama village (B$25, 12pm, 3½
hours); a return bus departs Sajama village at 6am. Patacamaya is easily reached on most
buses from La Paz to Cochabamba, Oruro and Arica. La Paz-Arica buses pass through
Parque Nacional Sajama - the border crossing between Tambo Quemado (Bolivia) and
Chungará (Chile) 12km away is straightforward and open from 8am till 8pm. You could
conceivably ask the bus driver to drop you at the park entrance and walk the 11km into
Sajama village, or call the Hostal Sajama and ask for a lift.
CURAHUARA DE CARANGAS
This scenic village halfway between Oruro and Sajama has a lovely adobe-and-thatch church, a community hostel,
and plenty of hiking and adventure opportunities nearby. Attractions worth visiting include the following:
Sistine Chapel of the Altiplano This lovely adobe-and-thatch church (admission B$30, inquire at the hostel for en-
trance) contains a wealth of lovely naive 17th-century frescoes depicting typical mestizo-style themes. There are
plenty of Biblical scenes as well as, plus some interesting artifacts in a small room behind the altar.
Palestra Calachua Just 2km from town, this climbing spot has interesting natural formations, and makes for a good
afternoon jaunt.
Monterani Get up early to hit the summit of this nearby mountain, which has been revered by local indigenous
communities for centuries.
Pukara de Pichaca Ask around for directions to this nearby Aymará fortress.
Accommodations options include the community-run Hostal Kory Wara ( 6708-5005; hkory-
wara@hotmail.com ; near the entrance to town; r per person incl breakfast B$50) , which offers cozy rooms,
friendly service, a fun common area draped with Andean textiles, as well as plenty of tips on trips to the nearby
countryside. There are heaters in the rooms, but it's still good to bring a sleeping bag if you've got one.
To get here, inquire at Trans Sajama ( 7407-1385; Plaza) for the regular service to Patacamaya (B$10, 2½
hours). You can also grab an Arica-bound bus from La Paz and ask to be dropped at the cruce (crossroads), where
you can hump it the 5km into town or get a taxi (B$25).
 
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