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Bolivia🇧🇴 | townsQuimeTin and tungsten, valley river, quiet plaza | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Quime
👀 For curious travelerstown ranked #21
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Quime sits at roughly 3,000 meters in a valley, yet its real claim is the mining heritage of the Cordillera Quimsa Cruz, where tin and tungsten shafts still scar the peaks. You’ll find it in the department of La Paz, in western Bolivia. It surprised me by being so quiet: no hostel scene, just miners and cooks. Skip organized tours and hire a local driver or guide, because few agencies come here. Arrive by morning, walk the plaza, eat lunch at a market stall, then ask about trails.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #21 town in BoliviaWhat makes this town worth visiting

Quime suits hikers and slow travelers who want the Cordillera Quimsa Cruz without the crowds of the Cordillera Real. Trails start from the edge of town and climb toward glacial lakes and old mining camps, so you can fill days with walking. Accommodation is a few basic guesthouses, evenings are quiet, and you will mostly meet locals rather than other backpackers. Most visitors stay two or three nights, long enough to explore one valley and let the altitude settle. Solo travelers comfortable with Spanish will get the most from it.

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Quime

  1. Plaza Principal: The town’s social center, with a church, benches and old miners chatting. Morning is liveliest. Free, 30 to 45 minutes.
  2. Local market: Small stalls selling potatoes, cheese, bread and hot soups. Go before noon for the best choice. Meals cost US$2 to 4, about 45 minutes.
  3. Quime church: A modest parish church that anchors the town and offers a glimpse of Andean religious life. Late afternoon light is best. Free, 20 minutes.
  4. Riverside walk: A short path along the valley river past terraced fields and adobe houses. Early morning is calm and good for birdwatching. Free, 1 to 2 hours.
  5. Mining viewpoints above town: Dirt tracks climb to spots overlooking the valley and abandoned mine workings. Clear mornings give the best views of the peaks. Free, 2 to 3 hours round trip.
For day trips, … read more 👉
  1. Plaza Principal: The town’s social center, with a church, benches and old miners chatting. Morning is liveliest. Free, 30 to 45 minutes.
  2. Local market: Small stalls selling potatoes, cheese, bread and hot soups. Go before noon for the best choice. Meals cost US$2 to 4, about 45 minutes.
  3. Quime church: A modest parish church that anchors the town and offers a glimpse of Andean religious life. Late afternoon light is best. Free, 20 minutes.
  4. Riverside walk: A short path along the valley river past terraced fields and adobe houses. Early morning is calm and good for birdwatching. Free, 1 to 2 hours.
  5. Mining viewpoints above town: Dirt tracks climb to spots overlooking the valley and abandoned mine workings. Clear mornings give the best views of the peaks. Free, 2 to 3 hours round trip.
For day trips, consider the glacial lakes of the Quimsa Cruz range and the old mining settlement of Viloco. The market and the plaza pair well in a single relaxed morning.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsUnderstanding the local layout

Quime is small enough to cover on foot in an hour, so skip taxis and let your legs set the pace. Altitude is roughly 3,000 meters, which is why hills feel steeper than they look; walk slowly the first afternoon.
  • Plaza Principal: The hub, ringed by the church, a few shops and the municipal buildings. Services cluster here because the old mining roads all fed into it, so check bus and truck departures here before wandering off.
  • Main road and transport corner: Trucks and minibuses gather along the road through town. Mornings are busy and evenings go quiet, so do your errands early.
  • Upper streets and lanes: Steep stone lanes climb toward farmland and views over the valley. Stock up on water and snacks first, since little is sold up there. Wander here at golden hour for photos and fresh mountain air.
… read more 👉
Quime is small enough to cover on foot in an hour, so skip taxis and let your legs set the pace. Altitude is roughly 3,000 meters, which is why hills feel steeper than they look; walk slowly the first afternoon.
  • Plaza Principal: The hub, ringed by the church, a few shops and the municipal buildings. Services cluster here because the old mining roads all fed into it, so check bus and truck departures here before wandering off.
  • Main road and transport corner: Trucks and minibuses gather along the road through town. Mornings are busy and evenings go quiet, so do your errands early.
  • Upper streets and lanes: Steep stone lanes climb toward farmland and views over the valley. Stock up on water and snacks first, since little is sold up there. Wander here at golden hour for photos and fresh mountain air.
  • Market stalls: Small stalls sell fruit, bread and cheap set lunches. Go before 1 pm, when the best food runs out.

⌛️ 1 day1-day itinerary for Quime

8:00 AM, Plaza Principal: Start where the town wakes up, watching vendors set out goods and locals greet each other. Have coffee and bread, then walk five minutes to the market.
9:30 AM, Local market: Browse the produce and cheese, and eat a hot breakfast soup. Then follow the road toward the river.
11:00 AM, Riverside walk: Stroll past terraced fields and adobe homes, a quiet corner most visitors never see. Return for lunch.
1:00 PM, Lunch in town: Order the set meal at a family eatery, then rest.
3:00 PM, Mining viewpoints: Climb the tracks above town for valley views and old workings. Descend before dark.
6:00 PM, Church: Finish by the church as the day cools.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

May to September is the best window, with dry, sunny days and cold nights.
  • Dry Season (May to Sept): Days reach 16 to 20°C (61 to 68°F), nights drop near 0°C (32°F). Trails are firm and views are clear.
  • Wet Season (Dec to March): Afternoon downpours, 10 to 17°C (50 to 63°F), muddy tracks and landslide risk.
  • Shoulder (Oct to Nov, April): Greener hills, fewer people, mixed weather.
Start hikes early, since afternoon cloud rolls in all year.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

Stay near the main plaza, because that is where the few basic lodgings, shops and transport pickups are. Budget beds in Quime are simple guesthouses rather than hostels, usually US$6 to 15 a night, and dorm-style options are rare. The center is quiet and safe after dark, with little noise beyond roosters and the odd truck early in the morning. Being close to the road makes catching a morning departure easy. Hot water and heating can be limited, so bring a warm sleeping bag. Arrive in daylight, because rooms are limited and there is little to choose from late.
Best hostels in Bolivia


Best quality hotels in Bolivia

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get from A to B

From the bus stop or truck stand on the main road, the plaza is a five-minute walk uphill, so you will not need a taxi. Quime is small, traffic is light, and public transport is really about reaching it from La Paz or nearby valleys rather than moving around town.
  • Walking: Free and the way to see everything. Streets are steep and the altitude is about 3,000 meters, so go slowly and carry water.
  • Minibus or bus from La Paz: Expect roughly 4 to 5 hours and US$4 to 8. Services run mostly in the morning and are infrequent, which is why experienced travelers confirm departure times a day ahead and arrive early.
  • Shared trucks and local minibuses: These link Quime with surrounding villages for about US$1 to 4. They leave when full, so ask drivers at the main road and keep your schedule flexible.
  • Private
… read more 👉
From the bus stop or truck stand on the main road, the plaza is a five-minute walk uphill, so you will not need a taxi. Quime is small, traffic is light, and public transport is really about reaching it from La Paz or nearby valleys rather than moving around town.
  • Walking: Free and the way to see everything. Streets are steep and the altitude is about 3,000 meters, so go slowly and carry water.
  • Minibus or bus from La Paz: Expect roughly 4 to 5 hours and US$4 to 8. Services run mostly in the morning and are infrequent, which is why experienced travelers confirm departure times a day ahead and arrive early.
  • Shared trucks and local minibuses: These link Quime with surrounding villages for about US$1 to 4. They leave when full, so ask drivers at the main road and keep your schedule flexible.
  • Private taxi or hired car: Costs US$30 to 70 for longer rides to trailheads. Split with other travelers to cut the price.

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)How expensive it really is

A backpacker in Quime needs about US$24 to 40 a day, and US$32 is a realistic figure in high season.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$6 to 15Simple guesthouse rooms, rarely true dorms (high season counted at US$10)
MealsUS$6 to 12Set lunches at the market cost US$2 to 4
Local transportUS$2 to 6Shared trucks and minibuses to nearby villages
Basic activities/entry feesUS$0 to 3Hiking is mostly free
MiscellaneousUS$3 to 5Water, snacks, cash only
Total Daily BudgetUS$32Per person, per day, in high season.
Bring cash from La Paz, since ATMs are scarce, and eat the set lunch rather than dinner to save money.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsShort trips worth adding

Quime works as a base for walking-focused day trips, but transport is irregular, so plan around morning departures.
Inquisivi:
This larger neighboring town gives you a market, a colonial feel and more food choices. Allow 1 to 2 hours each way by shared transport, about US$3 to 6 in total. Go on market days and check the return time before you leave.

Cordillera Quimsa Cruz foothills:
Hike toward the high lakes and mining ruins. Full access takes longer, so a day walk covers only the lower valleys and viewpoints. Start by 7 am, carry water and layers, and expect free access. May to September is best. First-timers often underestimate the altitude.

Local village walks:
Follow farm paths to nearby villages for terraced fields and views, with a half day on foot and almost no cost beyond food. Ask … read more 👉
Quime works as a base for walking-focused day trips, but transport is irregular, so plan around morning departures.
Inquisivi:
This larger neighboring town gives you a market, a colonial feel and more food choices. Allow 1 to 2 hours each way by shared transport, about US$3 to 6 in total. Go on market days and check the return time before you leave.

Cordillera Quimsa Cruz foothills:
Hike toward the high lakes and mining ruins. Full access takes longer, so a day walk covers only the lower valleys and viewpoints. Start by 7 am, carry water and layers, and expect free access. May to September is best. First-timers often underestimate the altitude.

Local village walks:
Follow farm paths to nearby villages for terraced fields and views, with a half day on foot and almost no cost beyond food. Ask locals about the route, since trails are unmarked.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Quime is calm and low-crime, and most problems are natural rather than human. Travel the roads in daylight, since landslides and rough tracks are the real hazards. Walking around town at night is fine, but streets are dark, so carry a headlamp. Solo travelers are usually met with curiosity and kindness. Keep your valuables out of sight, as anywhere. Altitude sickness can catch people out, so rest on arrival and drink water. Stray dogs are an annoyance rather than a danger.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Quime is worth a visit if you like quiet mountain villages and walking, but not if you need sights and nightlife. The setting between high peaks and valleys, plus easy hiking at around 3,000 meters, is the draw. Most people come for one or two nights, and the journey from La Paz takes roughly 4 to 5 hours.
Quime needs one to two days for most travelers. One day covers the plaza, market and a local walk, and a second allows a longer hike toward the Quimsa Cruz foothills. Add a day in either direction for slow roads, since services from La Paz are limited to a few departures.
Quime is not practical as a day trip from La Paz, because the ride takes roughly 4 to 5 hours each way and fewer vehicles run in the afternoon. A round trip would leave you very little time in town. Staying at least one night, with a guesthouse at US$6 to 15, makes the journey worthwhile.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Bolivian towns near Quime

Explore more nearby:

  • Coroico—Steep cobbles, Yungas waterfalls, pool terraces| 103 km away
  • Viacha—Railway sidings, Sunday market, Todos Santos| 121 km away
  • Caranavi—Coffee farms, cacao, Yungas riverside| 133 km away

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We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Quime deserves two or three nights, no more. One night barely covers the altitude adjustment, while a third lets you reach a lake or mining camp. I would bring cash and snacks, since options are limited.

✈️ When did I visit Bolivia?
Bolivia I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Bolivia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

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