Patacamaya, also written as Patak Amaya, is a small town on the Bolivian Altiplano. It sits approximately 100 km southeast of La Paz. This municipality is a key stopping point for those wishing to undertake a hike or trek.

History

Patacamaya takes its name from a conflict that erupted in 1920 between the indigenous Aymara and Quechua civilizations. The term, directly tied to the victims of this conflict, derives from a combination of two words: "patak" meaning "hundred" and "amaya" meaning "death".

Distinctive Features of Patacamaya

Patacamaya sits at an elevation of 3,789 m. This location transforms the entire zone into an astronomical observatory. Built in 1973 with Russian collaboration, this scientific facility has been maintained by UMSA (Universidad Mayor de San Andres) since 1983. Inside, you'll find a 40 cm diameter telescope accompanied by two high-tech astro-cameras, most often used by students conducting research on the passage of Halley's Comet and Levy-Shoemaker Comet.

Beyond the observatory, Patacamaya hosts a weekly market every Sunday. Its inhabitants live primarily from agriculture, largely composed of potato farming. The municipality also houses the Tanques I Calama Battalion, located in the Alto Patacamaya region. This military unit trains many students, with a focus on armored vehicle operation.

Surroundings of Patacamaya

A magnificent hiking trail allows visitors to venture toward the Sajama National Park and immerse themselves in a calm and peaceful environment.

A Short Detour to Sajama Village

While strolling through the village streets, you'll encounter women dressed in traditional clothing. Take a look at the church and main square.

Montecielo Viewpoint

The Montecielo viewpoint is accessed via a long road that climbs toward a hillside, departing from the village. From this vantage point, you'll enjoy sweeping views of snow-capped peaks. Here you can observe herds of llamas and alpacas.

Junthuma Geysers

Formed by geothermal activity, the area is home to thermal pools that attract tourists for their therapeutic properties. To reach them, simply take a path behind the church, traverse small hamlets, and follow the signs pointing toward the geysers.

Laguna Huayñacota

Located at an elevation of 4,500 m, this site draws visitors for its abundance of pink flamingos concentrated along the lake's shores and surrounding areas. Reaching the lagoon requires 12 km of hiking.

Volcano Climbing

This ascent offers an original and sporty way to explore the park. It's most practical to begin your climb from the Parinacota volcano, the most accessible of the massifs. Scaling the Nevado Sajama and Pomerape volcanoes is more technical, but the extraordinary views from the summit will reward the most intrepid climbers.

Climate Conditions

Patacamaya features a dry climate year-round. You'll experience short, overcast summers with pleasant temperatures. In winter, days are short, freezing cold, and relatively clear. Annual precipitation is estimated at 575.8 mm. The best period to visit the region runs from late August through early December.

Blessed with an extensive road network, the municipality is served by the Carretera 1 highway, connecting La Paz to Oruro and Cochabamba, as well as the Carretera Arica toward La Paz, including the international highway to Tambo Quemado. You can opt for a bus or minivan for the journey from La Paz.