7 Days in La Paz & Quime: Mercado de las Brujas, Mi Teleférico & More
Mercado de las Brujas · Mi Teleférico · Iglesia de San Francisco · Valle de la Luna · Quime Valley Circuit Trail · Quime Feria Dominical
7-day Bolivia trip — La Paz to Quime. Day-by-day route, attractions & food.
Part one
Is this trip for you?
This itinerary prioritizes Bolivia's distinct high-altitude urban culture in La Paz and its raw Andean adventure in Quime, setting it apart from a focus on the Amazon or the Salt Flats. La Paz offers a unique urban landscape with indigenous Aymara traditions and dizzying cable car views that flatter cities like Santa Cruz lack. Quime, in the Cordillera de Quimsa Cruz, provides unparalleled access to mountainous nature and self-guided trekking, which a trip centered on colonial Sucre would miss, trading vibrant history for rugged exploration and outdoor challenge.
Your itinerary covers 8 must-have experiences
Exploring La Paz's Mystical Markets
✓ Day 1: Explore The Witches Market
Riding Mi Teleférico for Sky-High Views
✓ Day 1: Mi Teleférico Yellow Line Panoramic Ride
Discovering La Paz's Colonial Heritage
✓ Day 1: Visit Basilica of Saint Francis
Exploring Unique Andean Landscapes
✓ Day 2: Explore Valle de la Luna
Exploring La Paz's Unique Geological Formations
✓ Day 2: Hike Serranías del Valle De Las Animas
Immersing in Andean Indigenous Heritage
✓ Day 3: National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore
Remote Andean Village Life & Culture
✓ Day 4: Quime Town Exploration & Local Interaction
Andean Mountain Trekking & Views
✓ Day 5: Guided Trek to Cotas Culture Ruins
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under Creative Commons licenses. Individual credits shown on each photo.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit La Paz and Quime is during the dry season, from May to October. This period offers clear skies, minimal rain, and moderate daytime temperatures (La Paz averages 10-15°C) ideal for hiking and exploring the Andes. Nights are colder, especially at altitude. The wet season (November-April) is warmer but brings heavy rainfall, which can make mountain roads challenging and obscure views.
Part two
The plan, day by day
7-day trip
This itinerary prioritizes the unique high-altitude cultural experience of La Paz and the raw Andean adventure of Quime in a compact 7-day journey. It completely skips the iconic Salar de Uyuni, missing the world's largest salt flat, where the landscape stretches into an ethereal mirror reflecting the sky and distant volcanoes during the wet season. You also miss the opportunity to explore Bolivia's Amazon basin in the Beni region, with its diverse wildlife, vast rivers like the Mamoré, and distinct ethnic communities, offering a vastly different natural ecosystem.
Add 3-4 days to experience the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni, where the vast salt flats transform into a colossal, sky-reflecting mirror during the rainy season, offering unforgettable photographic opportunities and a sense of being on another planet. This extension would involve a multi-day jeep tour, often including visits to colorful lagoons and unique rock formations, providing a truly epic natural adventure. This itinerary follows a packed pace (5-6 activities per day).
Day 1 and the last day are lighter to account for arrival and departure. Want a different pace? Create a custom version with your preferences.
No cultural experiences (traditions, festivals, ethnic neighborhoods) were included
- Morning
- 🕐 Monday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
10:00 AM - Mi Teleférico Yellow Line Panoramic Ride· 1 hr 30 min
- 🕐 Monday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
11:30 AM - Explore The Witches Market· 1 hr 30 min
- Afternoon
01:00 PM - Lunch: Plato Paceño near Plaza San Francisco· 1 hr
USD 12Plato paceñoEnjoy a traditional Bolivian lunch featuring Plato Paceño, a hearty dish with large fava beans, corn on the cob, boiled potatoes, and fried fresh cheese, often served with charque (dried salted beef). Find a local restaurant in the bustling area around Plaza San Francisco.
- Closes 6 PM · 4h here⚠️ Closed on Sunday🕐 Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:00 PM - Visit Basilica of Saint Francis· 2 hrs
FREE - 🕐 Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hoursConfirm hours on Maps
04:00 PM - Stroll through Plaza Murillo· 1 hr 30 min
FREE - Evening🕐 Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hoursConfirm hours on Maps
05:30 PM - Sunset Views from Mirador Killi Killi· 1 hr
FREE 07:30 PM - Dinner: Fricasé in a local picantería· 1 hr
USD 15FricaséSavor Fricasé for dinner, a warming and hearty pork stew made with yellow aji pepper, cumin, garlic, and hominy (mote), a beloved local specialty. Seek out a traditional picantería in the city center for an authentic taste.
El Centro
El Centro provides a strategic base with excellent access to La Paz's historic sites like Plaza Murillo and Basilica of Saint Francis, vibrant markets, and convenient connections to various Mi Teleférico lines for exploring the wider city. It also offers a wide range of local eateries.
- Morning
07:00 AM - Morning Transit to Serranías del Valle De Las Animas· 45 min
Take a taxi or shared transport from your hotel in El Centro to the starting point of the hike in Serranías del Valle De Las Animas, located in the southern part of La Paz. This activity accounts for the cost of morning transportation.
- 🕐 Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
07:45 AM - Hike Serranías del Valle De Las Animas· 5 hrs 30 min
- Afternoon
01:15 PM - Lunch: Traditional Bolivian fare in Zona Sur· 1 hr
USD 18Savor a hearty traditional Bolivian lunch in the Zona Sur area after your morning hike, perhaps trying a filling 'plato paceño' or other local specialties to refuel.
02:15 PM - Afternoon Transit: Zona Sur to Valle de la Luna & City Return· 1 hr
Travel from the Zona Sur lunch spot to Valle de la Luna for your next exploration. Afterward, take transport back towards the city center, heading into the Sopocachi neighborhood for the evening.
- Closes 5 PM · 1.8h here🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
03:15 PM - Explore Valle de la Luna· 1 hr 30 min
- Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner: Bolivian specialties in Sopocachi· 1 hr
USD 18Enjoy an authentic Bolivian dinner in the vibrant Sopocachi neighborhood, known for its eclectic dining scene and local eateries. Sample a variety of regional dishes in this lively area.
El Centro
Ideal central location for exploring La Paz's historical sites, diverse markets, and easy access to Mi Teleférico lines for city-wide exploration.
- Morning🕐 Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PMConfirm hours on Maps
09:00 AM - National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore· 1 hr 45 min
- 🕐 Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PMConfirm hours on Maps
11:00 AM - National Art Museum· 1 hr 30 min
- Afternoon
12:45 PM - Lunch: Salteñas and Empanadas in Centro Histórico· 1 hr
USD 10Enjoy a traditional Bolivian lunch with savory salteñas (baked empanadas with a juicy filling) or other local empanadas at a popular spot in the historic city center.
- ⚠️ Closed on Sunday🕐 Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 7:00 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 7:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 7:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:00 PM - Coca Museum· 1 hr 45 min
- Closes 8 PM · 4h here🕐 Monday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
04:00 PM - Mercado Rodríguez· 1 hr 30 min
FREE - Evening🕐 Monday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM; Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM; Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PMConfirm hours on Maps
05:45 PM - Mi Teleférico Orange Line Panoramic Ride· 1 hr
07:30 PM - Dinner: Platos Paceños in San Pedro· 1 hr
USD 18Platos PaceñosSavor a delicious dinner of Platos Paceños, a hearty combination of fava beans, potatoes, cheese, and sometimes meat, in the vibrant San Pedro neighborhood.
El Centro
Central location offers easy access to major attractions, diverse dining options, and multiple Mi Teleférico lines for city exploration.
- Morning
07:00 AM - Departure from La Paz· 1 hr 30 min
FREECheck out from your hotel in El Centro and transfer to the La Paz Bus Terminal to begin your journey to Quime.
08:30 AM - Bus from La Paz to Quime· 7 hrs
Embark on a scenic bus journey through the breathtaking Andean landscapes towards the town of Quime, known as the 'Shangri-la' of Bolivia. Enjoy the changing scenery as you ascend and descend through mountain passes and deep valleys.
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Bolivian Packed Meal· 1 hr
USD 18Packed Bolivian MealEnjoy a convenient packed Bolivian lunch on the bus, featuring local specialties that are easy to eat on the go as you continue your journey.
Best around On bus 04:00 PM - Arrival in Quime and Hotel Check-in· 30 min
FREEArrive in Quime, a tranquil town nestled in a deep forested valley. Check into your accommodation and take a moment to settle in before exploring.
- Evening
07:30 PM - Quime Town Exploration & Local Interaction· 1 hr
FREETake a stroll through the small town of Quime, observing its unique architecture and experiencing the local atmosphere. Engage with friendly locals, perhaps learning a few words of Aimara or hearing stories from the mining community that forms the backbone of this region.
08:30 PM - Dinner: Trucha a la Plancha in Quime· 1 hr
USD 18Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring 'Trucha a la Plancha,' fresh-caught river trout simply grilled or pan-fried, served with potatoes and a side salad, reflecting Quime's local river bounty.
Central Quime
Offers easy access to the main town square, local eateries, and serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the surrounding natural areas and cultural sites in the Quime valley.
- Morning
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Local Bolivian Cuisine in Quime· 1 hr
USD 18Plato BolivianoEnjoy a hearty lunch featuring typical Bolivian dishes at a local eatery in Quime, providing energy after the morning trek.
Best around Central Quime 01:30 PM - Cultural Exchange with an Aimara Community· 2 hrs 30 min
Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting an indigenous Aimara community. Engage with communarios, learn about their traditions, and perhaps even pick up a few words of the Aimara language.
04:00 PM - Quime Valley Nature Walk· 2 hrs
FREETake a self-guided nature walk through a different trail in Quime's deep forested valley, experiencing the region's rich biodiversity and tranquil Andean landscapes.
- Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner: Trucha a la Plancha in Quime· 1 hr
USD 18Trucha a la planchaSavor fresh-caught river trout, prepared 'a la plancha' (grilled or pan-fried), a local specialty often served with potatoes and a side salad, at a charming eatery in Quime.
Best around Central Quime
Central Quime
Staying in Central Quime offers convenient access to local shops, eateries, and serves as a good base for arranging treks and engaging with local communities and natural attractions.
- Morning
08:00 AM - Morning Nature Walk near Quime· 2 hrs
FREEEnjoy a final short self-guided trek around Quime's beautiful, biodiverse valleys, taking in the serene mountain landscapes before your departure.
10:00 AM - Bus from Quime to La Paz· 7 hrs
Embark on a scenic bus journey from Quime, winding through the Andean landscapes as you make your way back to the bustling city of La Paz.
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Bolivian Packed Meal on Transit· 1 hr
USD 10Enjoy a convenient packed meal with local Bolivian snacks and light dishes during your scenic bus journey to La Paz.
- EveningCloses 9 PM · 3.5h here🕐 Monday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
05:30 PM - Mi Teleférico Red Line Panoramic Ride· 1 hr
06:30 PM - Evening Stroll in Miraflores· 1 hr 30 min
FREEDiscover the vibrant Miraflores neighborhood on an evening stroll, known for its mix of traditional and modern architecture and lively street scenes as dusk settles.
08:00 PM - Dinner: Sandwich de Chola in Miraflores· 1 hr
USD 18Sandwich de cholaSavor a classic La Paz street food, the 'Sandwich de Chola,' a hearty slow-roasted pork sandwich, at a local eatery in the lively Miraflores neighborhood.
El Centro
Central to many attractions and well-connected by the Mi Teleférico system, offering easy access to different parts of the city and a wide range of dining options.
- Morning🕐 Monday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
08:00 AM - Mi Teleférico Blue Line Panoramic Ride· 1 hr 30 min
- Closes 12:30 PM · 3h here⚠️ Closed on Monday, Sunday🕐 Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:30 – 7:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:30 – 7:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
09:30 AM - Museo Costumbrista Juan de Vargas· 1 hr 30 min
- Closes 1:30 PM · 2.5h here⚠️ Closed on Sunday🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PMConfirm hours on Maps
11:00 AM - Museum of Musical Instruments· 1 hr 30 min
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Plato Paceño in El Centro· 1 hr
USD 18Plato paceñoSavor a hearty Plato Paceño, a simple yet delicious dish featuring fava beans, corn, potatoes, and local cheese, at a traditional eatery in the city center.
- 🕐 Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
01:30 PM - Souvenir Shopping at Mercado Lanza· 1 hr
Browse for last-minute souvenirs and local crafts at Mercado Lanza, a bustling market offering a wide array of goods, from textiles to traditional snacks.
- ⚠️ Closed on Monday🕐 Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
03:00 PM - Explore Calle Jaén· 1 hr 30 min
FREE 04:30 PM - Hotel Checkout & Luggage Collection· 30 min
FREEReturn to your hotel in El Centro for final checkout and to collect your luggage before heading to the airport.
- Evening
Part three
Food, shopping & festivals
In Bolivia, our journey through La Paz will be defined by hearty, high-altitude Andean comfort food like Fricasé and Salteñas, found in bustling markets like Mercado Lanza and Calle Sagarnaga. Moving to Quime, expect traditional Andean cooking featuring high-altitude grains in small, family-run comedores, with Pique Macho and Api con Buñuelos being local highlights. The constant aroma of roasted pork and spicy llajwa will accompany us as we savor filling dishes like Sandwich de Chola across both cities.
Top 10 dishes to try
Silpancho
Cochabamba
A pounded, breaded, and fried beef cutlet served over rice and potatoes, topped with a fried egg and a fresh tomato-onion salad.
📍 null, Cochabamba
USD 7-12Pique Macho
Quime
A massive platter of diced beef, sausage, fries, onions, locoto peppers, and hard-boiled eggs, meant to be shared after a long day.
USD 1-3Api con Buñuelos
A warm, sweet, purple corn drink spiced with cinnamon and cloves, traditionally paired with fried dough fritters or cheese empanadas for breakfast.
USD 1-3Humintas
Bolivia
Sweet or savory steamed corn cakes made from fresh ground corn, often with cheese, wrapped and cooked in their own corn husks for a unique flavor.
USD 1-3Salteñas
Bolivia
Baked pastry filled with a savory, slightly sweet and juicy stew of meat (chicken or beef), potatoes, peas, and a piece of hard-boiled egg; a distinct Bolivian empanada.
Api con Buñuelos/Pasteles
Bolivia
A warm, sweet, purple corn drink often served with freshly fried buñuelos (fluffy dough fritters) or pasteles (fried cheese-filled pastries), making for a comforting breakfast.
📍 Mercado Lanza or smaller street stalls, Bolivia
USD 3-6Caldo de Gallina
A clear, nourishing chicken broth with chunks of chicken, potatoes, and sometimes noodles or rice, a common restorative dish in the highlands.
USD 3-7Queso Humacha
Bolivia
A comforting vegetarian soup from the high Andes, featuring fresh cheese, potatoes, chuño (freeze-dried potato), and a mild yellow aji pepper base.
USD 3-5Sandwich de Chola
La Paz
A classic La Paz street food: succulent slow-roasted pork leg, crispy crackling, and a spicy pickled vegetable relish (escabeche) served in a round bread roll.
USD 4-8Fricasé
La Paz
A hearty and warming pork stew from La Paz made with yellow aji pepper, cumin, garlic, and hominy (mote), often eaten as a breakfast pick-me-up.
Markets & neighborhoods
A multi-story indoor market bustling with food stalls offering cheap and generous portions of traditional Bolivian lunch dishes and snacks like Salteñas and Api.
Known for artisan crafts and alpaca goods, but also has many small eateries and street vendors for quick local snacks like empanadas and humintas.
Home-style, hearty meals often cooked to order, reflecting the specific ingredients available locally.
Small, family-run eateries (comedores) serving daily lunch menus and basic traditional dishes.
Residential and commercial district where you can find some of the best and most authentic 'Sandwich de Chola' street vendors, especially in the afternoon.
Good to Know
In La Paz, explore bustling markets like Calle Sagarnaga and the Witches' Market for traditional crafts, textiles, and alpaca goods. Quime offers a more informal shopping experience, with local finds like coca tea and aguayo fabric available from vendors around the main plaza. Be prepared for a mix of established shops and informal bartering across your Bolivian journey.
Top 10 souvenirs
Mate de Coca (Coca Tea Bags)
QuimeUSD 2-5A traditional herbal tea, widely consumed in the Andes to help alleviate altitude sickness and provide a mild energy boost, readily available and culturally significant.
📍 General stores or pharmacies adjacent to Quime's Main Plaza.
Coca Leaves (Dried)
La PazUSD 2-10Used for centuries by indigenous Andean people to combat altitude sickness and fatigue, these leaves are a culturally significant and practical souvenir.
📍 Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas), Rodríguez Market
Bolivian Royal Quinoa
QuimeUSD 5-15Bolivian royal quinoa is highly prized for its quality and nutritional value, often grown organically in the high Andean communities.
📍 Local provisions sellers at Quime's Main Plaza or small grocery shops nearby.
Ekeko Figures
La PazUSD 5-40These small ceramic or plaster figures of the Aymara god of abundance are believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness to their owners.
📍 Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas), Calle Sagarnaga
Aguayo Fabric Strips or Small Pouches
QuimeUSD 15-50Vibrantly colored, handwoven Andean textile featuring indigenous patterns, perfect as a small decorative piece or a culturally rich pouch.
📍 Artisan sellers or informal market stalls at Quime's Main Plaza.
Aguayo Textiles
La PazUSD 15-70These vibrant, hand-woven traditional fabrics are used by indigenous women for carrying goods and make stunning decorative pieces or bag material.
📍 Mercado Lanza, Calle Sagarnaga, Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas)
Hand-knitted Alpaca Wool Accessories
QuimeUSD 25-70Genuine alpaca wool from the Andes offers superior warmth and softness, often hand-knitted by local communities into scarves, hats, or gloves.
📍 Informal stalls or local artisans at Quime's Main Plaza on market days.
Alpaca Woolen Sweaters & Scarves
La PazUSD 25-150Bolivian alpaca wool is exceptionally soft, warm, and durable, offering high quality at prices significantly lower than international markets.
📍 Calle Sagarnaga, El Alto Market (Thursdays & Sundays)
Bolivian Coffee Beans (Yungas Region)
La PazUSD 7-20High-altitude arabica beans from the nearby Yungas region produce a rich, complex flavor unique to this part of the Andes.
📍 Café Gitane, Typica Café, local supermarkets like Hipermaxi
Bolivian Silver Jewelry
La PazUSD 20-150High-quality sterling silver jewelry, often incorporating local stones like lapis lazuli or featuring traditional Andean designs, can be found at good prices.
📍 Calle Sagarnaga, dedicated jewelry stores in Zona Sur
Markets & districts
Everything from second-hand goods, electronics, car parts, to unique artisan crafts, textiles, and household items.
One of the largest outdoor markets in the world, chaotic and overwhelming, only open Thursdays and Sundays; be very cautious of pickpockets but can find incredible deals.
Coca leaves, traditional remedies, ritualistic items, Ekeko figures, and medicinal herbs.
An intriguing and somewhat mystical market with unique cultural items; generally quiet and respectful with fixed-ish prices.
Basic provisions, potentially hand-knitted alpaca goods, quinoa, coca products, or small Aguayo textiles from local vendors on informal market days.
The central hub for basic services and community gathering, with very limited, informal shopping opportunities from local residents.
Fresh produce, local foods, spices, basic household goods, and some traditional clothing.
A vibrant, authentic local market primarily for residents buying daily necessities; less focused on tourist souvenirs but great for cultural immersion.
Alpaca goods, aguayo textiles, silver jewelry, souvenirs, and general artisan crafts.
A bustling street catering heavily to tourists, often crowded with shops and street vendors; expect mild bargaining.
Good to Know
Oruro Carnival
UNESCO-listed 10-day carnival in the mining town of Oruro. 28,000 costumed dancers and 10,000 musicians perform the Diablada (Devil Dance) in an 18-hour procession. Peak Saturday.
Note: Book Oruro accommodation 3+ months ahead (buses from La Paz available)
Bolivian Independence Day
August 6 marks independence from Spain (1825). Main ceremonies in Sucre, Bolivia's constitutional capital. Military parade, presidential address, and traditional dances like the Caporales.
Note: Book Sucre hotel 4-6 weeks ahead
Bolivia Foundation Day
Already Independence Day — but treated as Bolivia's Founding anniversary with dual significance. Sucre celebrations at Casa de la Libertad.
Note: Standard 1-2 weeks ahead
Alasitas Fair
AlasitasThree-week fair in La Paz where tiny replicas of desired objects (miniature cars, houses, money) are blessed by Ekeko, the Aymara god of abundance. You buy miniatures of what you want that year.
Note: Book La Paz hotel 2-3 weeks ahead
Public Holidays(12)
Part four
Costs & booking
- Total for a couple — 7 days mid-range trip, excludes international flights
- Accommodation assumes 1 shared room
- Rough estimates — actual prices vary by season and availability
Local Transport
Accommodation
AI estimated based on typical hotel costs
Food
Activities
Moderate overall — expect $70-100/night for budget-friendly mid-range hotels and $5-15 for meals. Bottled water is essential for drinking, and be prepared for slow, expensive internet often costing Bs. 5-10 ($0.70-$1.40) per hour.
Stretch your food budget by seeking out 'Menu del Día' at local comedores and markets, offering a full meal (soup, main, drink) for Bs. 15-25 ($2.15-$3.60), a significant saving over tourist-oriented restaurants.
For intra-city travel in La Paz, rely on 'micros' (minibuses) and 'trufis' (shared taxis) which cost Bs. 2-5 ($0.30-$0.70) per person per ride, instead of more expensive private taxis.
For adventure on a budget, hike independently in the Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna) near La Paz; the entrance fee is a nominal Bs. 15 ($2.10), offering stunning landscapes without needing a costly tour.
Allocate a small splurge for a unique cultural experience in La Paz, such as a traditional 'peña' (folkloric show) for around Bs. 50-80 ($7-$11) per person, to experience authentic Bolivian music and dance within your daily activity allowance.
Guided Tour for Serranías del Valle De Las Animas & Valle de la LunaDay 2
Book 2 weeks ahead — These popular natural attractions are often visited via organized half-day or full-day tours from La Paz to ensure transportation and guidance.
Guided Naranjani Falls Nature WalkDay 4
Book 2 weeks ahead — To arrange transport and a local guide for the nature walk around Naranjani Falls, especially given its location outside major cities.
Guided Trek to Cotas Culture RuinsDay 5
Book 2 weeks ahead — Essential to secure a guide for this specific trek to the Cotas Culture Ruins, which is explicitly stated as a 'guided trek'.
The practical bits — connectivity, getting around, and flights. These are partner links; we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Part five
Before you go
Buses for intercity; teleférico (cable car) in La Paz
La Paz Teleférico offers amazing city views. Buses connect all major cities.
- Withdraw cash at ATMs in La Paz before traveling to Quime, as Quime has no ATMs for foreign cards.
- Extend your Bolivian visa at the Immigration Office located at Avenida Camacho 1468 (between Loyaza and Bueno streets) in La Paz, if needed.
- Budget approximately Bs. 6 per kilo for laundry services available at laundrettes situated around La Paz.
- For hiking in Quime, consult your accommodation, such as Hostal Colibri, for guidance, as trails are not clearly marked.
- If using internet cafes in Quime, be aware that the mayor's office cafe's computers may be infected with viruses.
- Keep wallets in front pockets and bags secured in crowded areas of La Paz to deter pickpockets and bagslashers; a common trick involves spilling something to distract you.
- 1Altitude sickness medication (La Paz high altitude)
- 2Warm layers (wool or fleece for Andean climate)
- 3Copy of passport (carry instead of original)
- 4Sturdy hiking boots (unmarked trails in Quime)
- 5Sunscreen and hat (high altitude UV exposure)
- 6Motion sickness medication (winding mountain roads)
- 7Basic first-aid kit (for remote hiking)
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Most US, EU, UK, Australian, and Canadian citizens typically receive a visa-free stay upon arrival, usually 30-90 days, which can be extended at the Immigration Office in La Paz. Indian citizens generally require a visa in advance. All nationalities should ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay and check current requirements with their nearest Bolivian embassy or consulate.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Official stores in La Paz; general kiosks in larger towns
Internet access is available but often slow and expensive. In La Paz and Quime, expect internet cafes charging around Bs. 2-8 per hour. Some hotels and hostels offer Wi-Fi, but connections are generally unreliable or slow. In Quime, the mayor's office internet cafe may have virus-infected computers; Hostel Colibri offers an Entel modem for laptops. San Pedro de Quemes also has municipal internet.
Be prepared for slow internet speeds and potential computer viruses at public internet cafes, especially in Quime. Consider relying on a local SIM for connectivity in La Paz, as Wi-Fi quality can be poor elsewhere.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins (North America, Japan)
Two round pins (most of Europe, South America)
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
10% at upscale restaurants
Not expected; agree on price before
Bs 10–20 per bag
Tipping is appreciated but not expected.
Emergency Numbers
110
118
119
Emergency services limited in rural areas
Payments
Cash essential — Bolivia is very cash-based
Limited to hotels in major cities
Very limited
Carry Bolivianos. ATMs available in cities. USD hard to use.
Most US, EU, UK, Australian, and Canadian citizens can enter Bolivia visa-free for 30-90 days, extendable in La Paz. Indian citizens typically require a visa in advance. Always check the latest requirements with a Bolivian embassy or consulate for your specific nationality.
While generally safe, solo female travelers should exercise caution. Be aware of the 'plain-clothed police officer' scam in La Paz and take precautions against pickpockets in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone in solitary places, especially at night. Utilize reputable transport options.
The official currency is the Bolivian Boliviano (BOB), often abbreviated as 'Bs.'. It's advisable to carry small denominations for purchases at markets and local vendors, and to have cash, especially when visiting smaller towns like Quime where ATMs are unavailable.
Tipping is not generally expected but is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a small tip of 5-10% is customary for attentive service. Taxi drivers do not typically receive tips, but rounding up the fare is common. For other services, a modest gratuity is a kind gesture.
Given the high altitude and mountain terrain, pack altitude sickness medication, warm layers, sturdy hiking boots, and sun protection. Always carry a copy of your passport (not the original). A basic first-aid kit is also recommended, especially for unguided hikes in areas like Quime.
The dry season, from May to October, is ideal. This period offers clear, sunny days perfect for outdoor activities, though nights can be cold. The wet season (November-April) brings rain, which can impact travel, particularly on unpaved mountain roads.
The main concerns include the 'plain-clothed police officer' scam, where individuals pose as police to demand documents or money. Be wary of pickpockets and bagslashers in crowded areas, especially when distracted. Always use registered taxis or ride-share apps after dark.
La Paz has a public transport system including 'micros' (mini-buses) and the 'Mi Teleférico' cable car system, which offers stunning views. For travel to Quime, expect to use inter-city buses or minibuses from La Paz. Note that Quime has no ATMs, so plan your cash withdrawals in La Paz.
These 6 experiences didn't make it into this itinerary
🛍️Traditional Andean Markets
e.g., Quime Feria Dominical (Sunday Market), Challapata Quinoa Market
🦙High-Andean Biodiversity & Wildlife
e.g., Quime Valley Birdwatching Route, Sajama National Park
🚴A Thrilling Mountain Biking Descent in the Yungas
e.g., Death Road (Camino de la Muerte) Guided Tour, Barracuda Biking Death Road Tour
🍽️A Culinary Journey into Modern Bolivian Flavors
e.g., Gustu, Popular Cocina Boliviana
🌳Guided Exploration of Quime's Unique Cloud Forest
e.g., Local Guide-Led Biodiversity Walk, Birdwatching & Nature Photography Tour
🍲Authentic Bolivian Culinary Workshop
e.g., Traditional Bolivian Dish Cooking Class, Pique Macho & Saice Preparation Session
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