The name Quime comes from the Quechua word for "Place to Rest" and was a tradional stopping point for mules carrying coca and gold out, and food supplies in. One old resident remembers his grandfather bringing a gran piano in pieces via mule train. For the past 100 years it has been a commercial center for the numerous tin, zinc, wolfram, silver and gold mines which often cling to sheer cliffs.
The views, some over about 50 miles of Andean mountains and valleys, are spectacular from the upper edge of town or the surrounding mountainsides. Nearby are Elfin Cloud Forests laden with mosses, lichens, ferns and bromeliads. A number of rare birds inhabit the area, including the endemic Rufous-breasted Grosbeak. The reclusive and endangered Spectacled Bear lives in a refuge nearby but is seldom seen. Ornithologists and botanists continue to discover new bird and plant species in the area.
The most popular day hike is to the primitive tungsten mine, Chambillaya. It is not a tour and here is how it works: From the Hostal Colibri walk three blocks east to the bridge at 5:30 AM and catch the mining truck for 5 bolivianos to the mine. You will be riding with the miners and it is highly suggested that you bring a half pound of coca leaf to share with them. About an hour up the mountain you get to the abandoned Chambillaya mining town, now in ruins but with some pretty interesting artifacts laying about. The mine is another thousand feet up the mountain. If you make friends with the miners, actually quite easy sharing coca, they will take you on a tour of the mine for free. In any event, so far they have been very friendly about showing off their work. Some tourists have continued up to one of the nearby summits to watch condors. From the mine its an easy hour or so hike back to the hostal.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Quime
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Quime - updated Apr 2024
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Quime Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
