🏔️ Discover the Hidden Andes: The Quimsa Cruz Trekking Circuit

Your adventure begins in the vibrant, high-altropolis of La Paz, Bolivia’s breathtaking capital. From there, a scenic drive takes you deep into the mountains to the small mining community of Viloco—where the real journey begins.

Step into another world: an active tin mine
Before setting foot on the trail, you’ll witness a side of the Andes few travelers ever see. We visit a working tin mine, where you’ll walk through torch-lit tunnels and gain profound respect for the miners’ daily lives. Here, ancient beliefs still hold sway: you’ll observe their ritual to the “Uncle” and “Aunt” of the mine—spirit protectors believed to guard the mountain’s riches. It’s a raw, humbling cultural immersion that sets the tone for the days ahead.

Trekking through the “Quimsa Cruz” – a realm of peaks and silence
Leaving Viloco, we ascend toward high passes framed by the jagged, snow-dusted summits of the Quimsa Cruz mountain range. The views are nothing short of majestic. Along the way, it’s common to cross paths with herds of llamas and alpacas, grazing under the watchful eye of local herders.

We follow ancient pre-Columbian trails—paths once traveled by the Andes’ original inhabitants. These routes lead us up to 5,100 meters (16,700 feet), where the air is thin but the reward is immense: pristine, deep-blue high-altitude lagoons, shimmering like jewels in a vast lunar landscape.

The turquoise wonders of the Aceruni Valley
After a couple of days, we descend into the Aceruni Valley, where turquoise lagoons appear against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks. The contrast of colors—white, blue, and green—is unforgettable.

Still tracing pre-Columbian footpaths, we make our way toward the Milluni electrical plant, then climb again to uncover more hidden lagoons. But one of the trek’s hidden treasures awaits: pre-Columbian hot-spring fountains, remnants of ancient cultures that once thrived in these heights. Imagine soaking in history, surrounded by silence and stone.

Descent to the green tropics – and journey’s end
From the high passes, the trail begins a dramatic descent. The air warms. The landscape softens. Below 3,300 meters (10,800 feet), lush green forests open up as we enter the edge of the Yungas—a transition zone between high Andes and Amazon basin. Finally, after one unforgettable week of trekking, we arrive at the small town of Quime, where the circuit concludes.

Why this trek?

• ✅ Remote & wild – Days without seeing a single village or road.

• ✅ Living culture – From miners’ rituals to ancient hot springs.

• ✅ Dramatic variety – High passes, colored lagoons, and tropical valleys in one journey.

• ✅ Authentic trails – Pre-Columbian paths, not crowded tourist routes.

Join us on a trek that doesn’t just show you the Andes—it walks you through the soul of Bolivia.