Chullpas (funerary towers)

Road from Sajama to Laguna Sakewa

We leave Sajama Park heading south. We drive all day at an altitude of over 4,000 metres. The semi-desert landscapes are beautiful despite their austerity.

A view of the magnificent Sajama volcano.

Laguna Macaya.

Laguna Macaya.

An obstacle lies ahead... We have to cross this river. I make the sacrifice and take off my boots to walk into the river to check its depth. Don't forget that we're at an altitude of over 4,000 metres and the water is icy cold.

We manage to cross the river without major incident. However, our feet and legs froze.

Camping near decorated chullpas

We set up camp near these chullpas and use them to protect ourselves from the cold wind blowing across the plateau.

We're almost 60 kilometres from the Sajama volcano, but it still dominates the plain.

Sajama volcano.

Thierry B. gathering wood for a campfire.

The next morning.

The chullpas (funerary towers)

A chullpa is a funerary tower built of stone or adobe for people of high rank in a society. There are several groups of chullpas in the region, all dating from the pre-Inca period. Some of them date from AD 1210 to 1380.

In one chullpa, you could still see a human skull in good condition. It is highly probable that some chullpas still contain human skeletons.

Road from Laguna Sakewa to Laguna Coipasa

On this beautiful morning, we had fun taking photos with the beautiful mountains in the background.

Laguna Sakewa

Laguna Sakewa, also known as Laguna Sacabaya, lies at an altitude of 3,945 metres.