3-day Sajama National Park tour: Geysers, lagoons and stone city

Walk among centuries-old chapel walls and spot rare highland birds by steaming geysers

A 3-day guided tour of Sajama National Park in Bolivia's highlands, starting with pickup from Oruro and moving through Curahuara de Carangas, Turco and Pumiri. You visit geysers and hot springs, hike to altitude lagoons reaching 5,000 meters, explore Aymara burial grounds and the 1606 Sistine Chapel, and walk through the stone formations of Pumiri before returning to Oruro. A guide in English, Spanish or French leads the group. Children from age 6 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Oruro to Sajama via Curahuara

• Pick up from meeting point
• Visit Aymara burial grounds (chullpares)
• Visit Sistine chapel in Curahuara de Carangas
• Visit Qala Chua canyon and spring
• Travel to Sajama National Park
• Settle in lodging
• Visit queñuas forest and viewpoint
• Evening rest and gathering

Day 2: Explore Sajama National Park

• Visit geysers early morning
• Hike to high altitude lagoons
• Relax at hot springs
• Return to lodging

Day 3: Hike and return to Oruro

• Hike Pico Wisalla mountain
• Lunch and depart Sajama
• Visit Pumiri stone city in Turco
• Arrive in Oruro early evening

The experience

The tour begins with early pickup from Oruro on day one. You head toward Curahuara de Carangas, stopping first at chullpares (Aymara burial grounds carved into the landscape) before reaching the town itself. The Sistine Chapel of the high plateau, built in 1606, sits at the heart of Curahuara de Carangas. Its construction and detail stand apart from anything else in the region. From there you move to Qala Chua, a canyon spring, then continue into Sajama National Park as the light fades. That evening includes a walk through the queñua forest and a viewpoint before settling into the 3-star hostel.

Day two is built around the park's geothermal features and high-altitude terrain. Early morning takes you to the geysers (hot water pouring directly from the earth), then into a trek to three altitude lagoons: Kasiri, Sorapata and Chiarkota. The hike climbs to 5,000 meters with views across the mountain range. It is described as relaxing rather than punishing. After the lagoons you move to the hot springs to soak before returning to the hostel.

Day three starts with another hike to Pico Wisalla, also at 5,000 meters, offering views of the snowy Sajama itself. After lunch you leave the park and head to Turco to visit Pumiri, the stone city: endless alleys of rock formations that resemble a petrified settlement, with stone monuments throughout. You return to Oruro in the early evening.

What’s included

• Pickup from Oruro on day one.
• accommodation in a 3-star hostel in Sajama National Park for two nights.
• a guide in English, Spanish or French.
• visits to Aymara burial grounds, the 1606 Sistine Chapel at Curahuara de Carangas, geysers and hot springs, three altitude lagoons, and the stone formations of Pumiri.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (19 to 55 years) · Senior (56 to 76 years) · Youth (12 to 18 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 10 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Tangara Expediciones Travel and Adventure

Is this one for you?Pickup from Oruro means you don't need a car or a separate transfer to start the tour. The guide handles the route and the timing across all three days, which settles the logistics if you're arriving in the region without your own transport.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 18 years); Child (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What are the geysers like in Sajama National Park?

The geysers are hot water features that pour directly from the earth. They are visited early on day two as part of the park's geothermal attractions.

How high do the altitude lagoons reach on this tour?

The trek to the three lagoons (Kasiri, Sorapata and Chiarkota) climbs to 5,000 meters and is described as a relaxing hike with spectacular views of the mountain range.

What is the Sistine Chapel of the high plateau?

Curahuara de Carangas holds a chapel built in 1606, one of the first churches constructed in the highlands, visited on day one before you enter Sajama National Park.

What is Pumiri, the stone city?

Pumiri is a formation of endless rock alleys and stone monuments near the town of Turco, resembling a petrified city. You walk through it on the final morning before returning to Oruro.