Sajama National Park

Bolivia’s first protected area is one of the most arid and desertic areas where the world’s highest-altitude forests homes to woody queñua trees; geysers, bofedales used by Andean camelids as food, lagoons, where a variety of flamingos, horned coots (in danger of extinction) gather, as well as natural drinking fountains for groups of vicuñas, llamas and alpacas.

The Nevado Tata Sajama is the highest peak in Bolivia (6,542 m) with the twins Parinacota (6,350 m) and Pomerape (6,222 m) are part of the group of mountains to be conquered by the Andinistas.

Curahuara de Carangas is a small town at the foot of Tata Sajama, where the so-called Sistine Chapel of the Andes is located. This small construction dates from the late 16th century, and is one of the oldest churches in South America. It has been declared National Monument. In its vault, built in adobe and straw, you can see frescoes that represent scenes of the Final Judgment or the Last Supper, and it is believed that the dyes used were from plants, minerals and even animal blood. There is also an image of the patron saint of the town: Santiago de Curahuara de Carangas, a clear example of religious syncretism, since Santiago Matamoros is a representation of the Andean deity Illapa, the Andean God of Lightning.

You can also make an extension of your trip to Chile to continue your Andean traverse in South America.