VOLCANO PARINACOTA

This majestic stratovolcano (a volcano whose structure is made up of accumulated lava flows) which culminates at 6 348 meters of altitude forms, with Pomerape, the Nevados de Payachatas, ancient gods for the inhabitants of the Andean Altiplano. From the village of Sajama, the Parinacota, with its beautiful crater and its look of an Italian dessert, is enthroned on the left of the Pomerape. Its summit is located on the Bolivian side.

On the Bolivian side, reach the base camp from Sajama by 4x4 (40 minutes), at an altitude of almost 5,000 m, then count on 10 hours of ascent and return. The Parinacota is the most popular summit of the park because of its easy access and its technical ease. At certain times, it can even be climbed without crampons or rope. Perfect cone. Impressive crater. The Sajama guides propose its ascent, which constitutes a good first "6,000" for amateur andinists. The departure is generally made around 2-3 am to avoid the wind that blows in the morning but also to benefit from a splendid view at sunrise.

On the Chilean side, the Volcano Trail starts from the village of Parinacota and climbs to 5,000 meters on the southwestern side of the volcano, in a landscape of austere beauty. The hike takes 35 to 40 kilometers round trip. The summit can only be reached by a mountaineer's climb with crampons and ice axes. Be careful not to leave the trail, because the border with Bolivia is mined on the Chilean side. Before leaving, ask for information at the Conaf in Putre.