Pomerape is a conic volcano on the border of Bolivia and Chile. Together with its slightly higher twin-sister Parinacota, they are called las Payachates (twins in Aymara native language). These volcanoes are quite easy to climb and best accessible from the beautiful Parque Nacional Sajama.

Getting There

Get to sajama village from la Paz via route going to Arica (Chile). Busses leave from terminal terestre qyuite a few times a day (40 to 50 Bolivianos - 7-8$ or so per person). The bus will drop you off at the paved road on crossroad with unpaved road to sajama village beneath Sajama peak - the highest mountain in Bolivia 6542 m. (app. 10 km away) at altitude of 4300 m. get to village, register with national Park administration. From the village, dirtroads head towards the volcanos in the west direction. head to the col between the two volcanoes, Pomerape is the one on the right side. You can also buy a 4x4 ride that will cost you some 70$ or a donkey with arriero for 70 Bolivianos. The car can take you up to 4750m. The col is at 5200. you can not find much ewter except from snow mixed up with volcanic ashes so take much with you.

From the col, head up north via a broad culoir and then traverse to the left over a rocky ridge to et to the culoir that will lead you to the SE summit (6232 m.). From here, you can get to the main summit. This route is more technical with parts up to 55 or 60 degrees and some seracs in the upper section.

There is also an easy route to the eastern summit (6282 m.) with huge glacial plateau. You can get there from NE of the mountain by a snow covered ramp. the park rangers can give you directions

Red Tape

Only Park entrance fee is required . you must register your climb with park rangers for your own safety, no fees.

When To Climb

the best time to climb is end of april through November, perhaps december. Best snow conditions with no or low penitentes are during may to July period.

Camping

you can camp anywhere. the lower sections are covered by volcanic ash. even though it is soft to slkeep on, you will find you have it everywhere afetr couple of nights:-)

Mountain Conditions

contact the Perque Nacional de Sajama rangers, phone number can surelly be found on the internet or contact any local climbing agency from La Paz for help.

external links

We have skied down this mountain via S face in 2004 and visited this region during 2006 expedition, too. here are spome links with couple of pictures:

2004 Pomerape ski descent some info on ascent via S face and ski descent in 2004

2006 ski descent and ascent of Parinacota with useful info on Pomerape

Images



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