Understand

Nestled amidst the breathtaking valley between Cochabamba, Oruro, and La Paz in Bolivia, lies the hidden paradise of Quime. Embraced by majestic peaks of the Andes and enveloped in lush forests, this region is a treasure trove of biodiversity, not just for Bolivia but for all of South America. With a population of 10,000, including 31 indigenous Aimara communities spread across an area the size of Luxembourg, Quime is aptly known as the "Heavens Warehouse" of Bolivia. Traditionally undiscovered by tourism, this untouched haven has become a well-kept secret among adventurous explorers journeying between La Paz and the southern regions of Bolivia. Quime offers an unparalleled experience for adventure enthusiasts, with its picturesque landscapes and abundant hiking opportunities in the Cordillera de Quimsa Cruz. Although Quime may not be featured in mainstream travel guides, the word-of-mouth recommendations from fellow travelers have made it increasingly popular. Delight in the mild and pleasant climate of Quime, where temperatures rarely drop below 6°C (40°F) or rise above 26°C (80°F). While basic amenities like hospitals, cell phone service, and call centers are available, the absence of ATMs is compensated by the recently installed internet connection. The warm and welcoming community of miners and indigenous campesinos will charm you with their hospitality, gladly imparting their wisdom and even offering guided tours of the captivating mining operations. Quime is as much a cultural experience as it is an adventure into nature, with plans underway to establish traditional native huts as guest houses in neighboring villages and an exciting self-guided nature walk near the enchanting Naranjani Falls and Lake. Embark on a journey to Quime, where untouched beauty and warm hospitality await.

Get in

Getting to Quime To embark on an adventure in Quime, the easiest and fastest way is to take a bus from La Paz. It's a two-hour journey that will cost you between Bs 20-25. Head towards Oruro or Cochabamba and get off at Conani, about 95 km from Oruro. From there, you have various options to reach Quime, such as catching a bus, a minibus, a taxi, or even an open air truck. Be cautious of private vehicles on the main highway trying to overcharge you. The Quime taxis and minibuses along the Quime road charge around Bs 25, but you may have to wait for them to fill up. Make sure to arrive in Conani before 3 PM, leaving La Paz no later than 12:30 PM. Conani offers two alojamientos with new private rooms available for a reported price of Bs 20 per night. Additionally, there are restaurants in Conani, making it a convenient pit stop before reaching Quime. Remember, Quime is less than an hour away from Oruro, so there's a constant flow of buses to the area. If you choose to take a La Paz-Quime bus, it's best to make your reservation a day in advance. You can do this by phone. Here are the contact details for Flota Inquisivi: From La Paz: Call 2228-4050 for reservations. From El Alto: Call 2282-4734 for reservations. If you're traveling from Cochabamba, Oruro, Potosi, or Uyuni, catch any bus heading towards La Paz. Approximately 60 km from Caracollo, a toll booth awaits at Conani. Get off the bus and wait for one of the buses from La Paz. Alternatively, there are minibuses, taxis, and trucks available for transportation. The journey from Conani to Quime takes about 2 hours. Don't worry about food and lodging in Conani – there are options available. To summarize, Quime offers accessible transportation options with frequent buses to and from various cities. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the high Andes as you traverse this wide, safe, and well-graded road towards Quime. Check out this map of the Quime area to get an idea of what awaits you: [LINK]. Bring warm clothing if you plan to take a truck as the road goes over a 16,000+ ft pass. Don't let any road blockades or strikes hinder your travel plans, as Quime is nearly always open for exploration. Venture into Quime and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Salteña - Salteñas are Bolivia's most famous sandwich. They consist of a crusty roll filled with a mixture of beef, chicken, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and hot peppers, all drenched in a tangy, spicy sauce made from vinegar, chili peppers, garlic and cumin. The dish originates from the Yungas region but can be found throughout the country.

Ají de Gallina - Aji de gallina is a traditional Bolivian stew made with hen or rooster cooked in a spicy aji pepper sauce, which is a mix of yellow chilies and ají amarillo, both native to South America. The bird is marinated in the sauce before cooking and then served with rice, often accompanied by a side dish of potatoes.

Chuño – Chuño is dried white potato, a staple food in Bolivia. These potatoes are peeled, sliced, and placed in the sun to dry until they become hard and wrinkled. They can be eaten raw or toasted, often as an accompaniment to soups, stews, or other dishes. Chuño is high in carbohydrates and can be stored for long periods, making it an important food source in the Andean regions.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing