🌎  Bolivia 🇧🇴

⭐  

4.8
(8)

📍  Payachata

✈️  Chacalluta Airport (ARI)

🚗  243.7 KM

⏱️  6 hours, 1 minute

Payachata, the majestic twin volcanoes Parinacota and Pomerape, are a highlight of the high Andes on the Bolivia-Chile border, primarily accessed via Lauca National Park (Chile) or Sajama National Park (Bolivia). Due to extreme high altitude (over 6,000m) and remote location, a guided visit with experienced local operators and 4x4 transport is highly recommended, if not essential, for safety and navigating the challenging terrain; solo attempts are only for highly experienced mountaineers. The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to November) for clearer views and more stable weather, though temperatures remain very cold. Costs can range significantly, from several hundred to over a thousand USD for multi-day tours including acclimatization, transport, and guide services, plus national park entrance fees. A typical visit duration can be a full day for scenic drives and viewpoints, or 2-3 days for mountaineering ascents. Crucial insights include mandatory acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness, being prepared for harsh conditions, and appreciating the pristine Andean landscape and unique wildlife. Basic facilities are scarce, emphasizing the need for prepared tours.