Looking to discover Bolivia off the beaten path? Add the small town of Quime to your itineraries. This locality in the Yungas, a forested band of the Andean Cordillera, is nestled midway between Cochabamba, Oruro and La Paz. The region is considered the center of biodiversity in the Andean Bolivia and South America. Immerse yourself in nature by taking hikes through the area. Lesser-known treasures await you, such as the Naranjani waterfall and glacial lake, as well as the Devil's Slide.

Discover the mining activity of this region by visiting the Chambillaya mine, or get an adrenaline rush by cycling down an old mule trail. Quime will certainly seduce you if you're seeking a unique experience.

History

Quime derives its name from a Quechua word meaning "place of rest". Once, it served as a halt for mules transporting precious goods such as coca and gold, as well as provisions.

For over a century, Quime has been a commercial center for tin, zinc, tungsten, silver and gold mines, extracted from the region's steep cliffs. The town is home to approximately 3,000 inhabitants, who are mainly miners and indigenous peasants. They are known for their hospitality and kindness toward foreigners.

What to do in Quime?

Savor the region's Andean landscape

During your stay in Quime, let yourself be captivated by its spectacular panoramas. From the town's summit and the slopes of surrounding mountains, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the grandeur of Andean landscapes. The panorama extends over more than 80 km.

Explore the surrounding cloud forests

Magnificent cloud forests, teeming with mosses, lichens, ferns and bromeliads, extend near Quime. Nature lovers can observe the scarlet tanager, an endemic species of the region. The spectacled bear, though rare and elusive, frequents the nearby refuge. The area is a true discovery ground for botanists and birdwatching enthusiasts.

Marvel at the Naranjani waterfall

A few hours' walk from Quime lies the Naranjani waterfall. Unveiling a magnificent natural spectacle, it consists of seven waterfalls that cascade down the mountain for nearly 600 meters, fed by a glacial lake perched just above.

The climb to this natural jewel takes about three hours, while the descent takes one hour. The main falls may dry up during the dry season. However, the other waterfalls flow year-round and offer refreshing swimming. The site is being considered as a potential nature reserve.

See the Devil's Slide

A geology enthusiast? Don't miss this exceptional natural site located 2 to 3 hours' walk from town. It is a 1,000-meter-high landslide that continuously releases dust plumes, creating the illusion of an active volcano.

Discover the Chambillaya mine

The most popular hike in the Quime region leads to Chambillaya, a primitive tungsten mine. Two routes are available to reach it. One starts at Hostal Colibri, crosses the abandoned mining town of Chambillaya, then climbs to the mine. The other passes by a stunning waterfall, perfect for a refreshing stop before reaching the mine. After discovering Chambillaya, you can continue climbing to a neighboring summit to observe condors soaring between the mountains.

Visit the Huichincani hot springs

The Huichincani hot springs are nestled on a steep slope overlooking the Miguillas river valley. They have never been developed, except for a few stone pools built by locals. This pristine site promises a moment of relaxation in an exceptional setting. However, prepare yourself for a hike lasting more than a day to access it from Quime.

Mountain biking

Numerous trails suitable for mountain biking crisscross the mountains of the region. One of the most famous is nicknamed the Coca Trail. Spanning 30 km and connecting Cumbre de Tres de Cruces (5,400 m) to Quime (3,000 m), this route promises an extraordinary adrenaline rush and is used during international competitions. Be careful, however, as this trail is extremely dangerous.

Practical information

When to visit?

The most favorable period to discover Quime extends from April to October. These months correspond to the dry season, characterized by clear skies and stable temperatures around 20°C during the day.

To reach Quime, take a minibus from La Paz, Oruro or Patacamaya, or a long-distance bus from Cochabamba, Potosí or Uyuni. Get off at Konani and take a minibus, taxi or truck to Quime (1.5 to 2 hours by road). The first departures occur between 5 and 6 a.m.