Andes mountain chain splits into two branches separated by a 3500 - 4000 m high plateau, the Altiplano. Nevado Sajama lies in the Western Andes of Bolivia and in the western side of the Altiplano; more specifically the mountain is located before the Western Cordillera.

Nevado Sajama rises about 2.2 km from the surrounding terrain to a height of 6542 m (earlier estimates of its height are 6572 m), making