Is Bolivia Safe for Travel? (2024 • Insider Tips)

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Bolivia is safe(ish) to visit right now. Bolivia had 1,239,000 international visitors last 2019 based on the statictical data from the World Bank. Tourists had no major problems exploring the country.

Make sure you do your travel research before starting your Bolivian backpacking adventure so you get to see all of this amazing country safely!

Despite some safety concerns, I would still recommend a visit to Bolivia to backpackers – I went, had no issues and LOVED it. This country claims to have the lowest crime rates in South America, but that doesn’t mean it’s true.

Let’s get into some of the reasons why Bolivia isn’t 100% safe…

• Bolivia is the 3rd largest producer of cocaine in the world. That comes with gangs, corruption, and bribery – narcos stuff.
• La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Copacabana, Oruro etc can be quite dodgy at night time.
• Petty theft is on the rise. There are sketchy taxis, ATM theft, kidnappings etc.
• La Paz is the highest-altitude capital in the world. There are dangers of altitude sickness here.
• Road blockades (bloqueos) are not uncommon and the political situation is not very stable. This sort of thing can affect public transport, possibly leading to you even getting stranded.
• Protests themselves can be quite common and crazy. The biggest building in La Paz, the Supreme Electoral Court, was burned down in December 2018.
• Finally, The Amazon Rainforest can be pretty life-threatening at times: venomous snakes, poisonous insects and other deadly creatures.

Here are a couple of facts and figures about Bolivia’s safety: In terms of 2021’s Global Peace Index, Bolivia ranks 105th out of 163 countries (higher than the USA)—this is moderate so no red warnings here. Just over 60% of the population lived in poverty in 2019 and 37.7% lived in extreme poverty.

In short, Bolivia is safe to visit. But, you MUST be careful and aware of the country’s economic, political and physical situation.

*DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH*

Bolivia is considered to be one of the safest countries to travel in South America. Here are some of the popular backpacking locations in Bolivia that are considered to be generally safe areas.

Of course, this is just a guide. Some areas of La Paz will be dangerous, and some remote villages out in the sticks will be very safe. It’s best to do your own research when deciding where to stay in Bolivia.

Uyuni

Uyuni is one of the safest cities in Bolivia. It serves as the gateway to the world-famous salt flats.

There are some great hostels in Uyuni as so many tourists pass through here. It is generally considered a safe region. Safety in numbers, basically. Violent crime here is rare.

Copacabana

A stop in Copacabana to see Lake Titicaca and sleep in some of the best hostels next to it is on most backpacker’s itineraries for Bolivia. Especially those who are travelling overland to or from Peru. It is advised that all travel to and from Copacabana is done during daylight hours. The overnight bus connecting La Paz and Copacabana is notoriously dodgy.

La Paz (Sopocachi and Malecon)

As you probably expected, the safest areas are the most touristy areas. Whilst Sopocachi and Malecon are safe areas of La Paz, petty crime is common here. Whilst you may not be in danger, be on high alert.

Many of the best hostels in La Paz are in these areas, making friends and chatting to the hostel staff is a great way to gauge safety in a given area.

Dangerous Places in Bolivia

Not all of Bolivia is safe to travel to. Here are some places I would recommend staying clear of. I’m recommending you don’t visit these places if you are concerned about safety, not telling you to not go.

• Cochabamba – the Coronilla Hill area specifically is a no-go. The whole city is not unsafe.
• Santa Cruz – again, the whole city is not unsafe, but it is considered the most unsafe city in Bolivia.
• Chapare and Yungus Regions – these regions are neighbouring Peru, Brazil etc. Just avoid them.
• ANYWHERE at night – this goes without saying. It’s key to avoiding violent crime in Bolivia.

Keeping Your Money Safe in Bolivia

One of the most common things to happen to you whilst travelling is losing your money. And let’s face it: the most annoying way for this to actually occur is when it’s stolen from you.

Petty crime is pretty much a problem all over the world.

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Keeping yourself out of danger just means travelling smart. I have a few safety tips for travelling to Bolivia to help you do just that on your trip to this epic country…

1. Keep your belongings close – petty theft is a real thing, especially in Santa Cruz and La Paz.
2. Don’t walk around looking flashy – makes you even more of a target for petty and violent crime.
3. Use proper taxis – the increasing amount of robberies by ‘taxi’ drivers is alarming.
4. Careful at transport hubs – taxi ranks, bus terminals, train stations and so on.
5. Try not to use ATMs at night – or in deserted places – thefts can occur.
6. Always keep an emergency stash of cash – Never keep all your cards/ currency in one place. And hide it all from thieves with a hidden money belt.
7. Steer clear of Coronilla Hill in Cochabamba – a known spot for drug addicts and crime in Bolivia.
8. Cover up against mosquitoes – Malaria and dengue fever exist, learn how to keep mozzies away.
9. Be aware of snakes – including rattlesnakes. Watch where you’re treading!
10. Take a good medical kit with you – you never know when you might need it!
11. Stay away from drugs – if you get involved in cocaine, the minimum sentence is 8 years!
12. Ayahuasca… do your own research first before heading to a retreat because this stuff can really mess you up.
13. Be careful when travelling in the mountain areas during the rainy season.
14. Don’t travel after dark – the risk of being targeted for crime is much higher.
15. Watch out for fake police officers.
16. Beware of over-friendly people – especially if they invite you to their house!
17. Learn some Spanish – it’s always fun to learn a new language anyway!

Keep your wits about you, especially at night. Keep in mind possible dangers, and watch out for who’s around you.

Relax, you should be fine.

Travelling solo is great! You can travel at your own pace, meet some cool people, learn some stuff about yourself and not have to answer to anybody. But it’s not always easy.

When solo travelling, you’ll just have to be extra smart with how you travel. So here are some tips for solo travellers in Bolivia 🙂

• Try to stay at social hostels in where you can get to know other travellers.
• You can stay at local Alojamientes – low-key local hotels which charge per person.
• It’s really not a good idea to wander into any natural wilderness by yourself.
• Join a tour. This is not ‘not backpacking’ but just a smart way to go about things.
• Hit up language exchange meet-ups called Parlana. 
• Don’t get too drunk when you’re out and about – self-explanatory really.
• Ask the locals for advice. Chat to the people running your hostel or guesthouse, why not?
• Don’t keep all of your valuables in one place. Money, wallet, cards – separate pockets.
• Let people know where you are and what you’re doing – even if it’s just one text.
• Make friends. There is safety in numbers. 

It may not always be 100% safe in Bolivia for solo travellers, but there are a lot of other backpackers out there who are travelling solo around Bolivia. It’s a good chance to break out of your comfort zone and meet some like-minded people (and locals).

So stay safe, make some travel buddies, go on some tours, and keep your stuff secure. You’ll be fine!

When it comes to being a solo female traveller in Bolivia, there may, unfortunately, be dangers. Poverty fuels a lot of petty theft and women do get targeted more for that. However, most women travelling here will feel fairly safe.

There are friends to be made, incredible trekking to be had, and interesting cultures to soak up. But as in your home country (probably), there is harassment and other issues you should be aware of. So I’ve shared my safety tips for solo female travellers in Bolivia…

• Choose accommodation wisely -make sure you can lock your room.
• Make friends with other travellers – especially for things like going out at night.
• Try to dress conservatively – watch what the local women are wearing and copy it.
• Don’t leave your drinks unattended – duh.
• Don’t tell people all your personal information – strangers don’t need to know this.
• Learn some Spanish – it will go down well and help you get around.
• Be extra cautious when you’re in busy, touristed areas.
• Don’t walk around by yourself at night.
• Look like you know where you’re going – be confident, even if you don’t feel like it.
• If you are harassed by things like sexual comments or whistling at you, just ignore it.
• Save emergency numbers in your phone – speed dial is great, use it.

So there you have it – my top tips for solo travel as a woman in Bolivia. Many women travel to Bolivia and have a great time without any trouble so long as they apply basic safety precautions.

Have you sorted your accommodation yet?

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Copacabana

If you can, spend a night in the “Isla del Sol” and hike some hills, you’ll find incredible views.

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Family travel is great. Bolivia is definitely an out-there destination for families. But that’s not to say it can’t be done.

You’ve got to be properly prepared if you do plan to visit Bolivia as a family. Bolivia has unpredictable weather, political upheaval to plan around and some pretty low standards of hygiene to worry about.

It’s also super important to think about the altitude you’re travelling at in Bolivia and the effect it has on children. For example, it’s not a good idea to fly directly into La Paz if you’re coming from somewhere low-altitude. This is a high city and children are much more susceptible to altitude sickness than adults.

You should definitely pack a well-equipped first aid kit and make sure everyone’s got the right vaccinations. Ensure that you’ve got a lot of protection from the sun – so bring a load of sunscreen and sunhats – plus from mosquitoes as well.

Bolivian society is all about the kids. This means visiting Bolivia with your kids in tow will break down barriers with the locals, which is always a plus!

People do have an awesome time in Bolivia. The amazing wildlife this country has to offer is enough to make any child lose their mind: you can see jaguars, pumas and even pink river dolphins!

Travelling to Bolivia with your family isn’t unsafe, but it’s also not for the faint of heart. Make sure you’re fully prepared and that you know what to expect, and your family will have the best time.

Ok, so what about transport in Bolivia? Here’s the rundown!

Driving in Bolivia

It’s not always safe. Road conditions can be pretty hazardous. Other drivers (bus drivers in particular) are notorious for being awful drivers in Bolivia.

Not many people hire cars in Bolivia because it’s tough. If you do, arm yourself with solid rental car insurance!

Taxis in Bolivia

Taxis aren’t always safe. They can be pretty sketchy and a good way for drivers to target foreigners. A good rule of thumb is to never hail a taxi in Bolivia.

For safety’s sake, it’s very important to get a legal taxi.

There are two types of cabs: taxis and radio taxis. Taxis are just random cars with a TAXI sign on the side. They’re fake and illegal – the bad kind we just spoke about. Radio taxis, on the other hand, have a proper bubble taxi sign on top and are legal.

Surprisingly, there is Uber in Bolivia and it’s safe! It’s actually cheaper and safer than the local taxis. It’s a great way to get back to your hostel in Santa Cruz or La Paz.

Buses in Bolivia

Cheap, but uncomfortable and slightly dangerous. Loads of buses go along the same routes every day, meaning you won’t have too much trouble getting them. At night the route between Copacabana and La Paz is notoriously sketchy; beware.

Trains in Bolivia

This can be an amazing way to see the country. Travelling on the trains is often the safest and most comfortable way to get around Bolivia.

Boats in Bolivia

Ferries and riverboats also exist and are popular for exploring more remote areas along the Amazon. Just be careful that the boat is in good condition and that it’s not overpacked.

Public transport in Bolivia isn’t all safe. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it.

Be careful, and you’ll be fine.

Everyone’s packing list is going to look a little different, but here are a few things I would never want to travel to Bolivia without…

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

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Head Torch

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

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SIM card

Yesim stands as a premier eSIM service provider, catering specifically to the mobile internet needs of travellers.

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Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

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Money Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

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If you’re worried about safety, the first thing to do would be to cover yourself against the unknown with some good quality travel insurance!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

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Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Bolivia.

Bolivia is safe to travel to, but you should exercise increased caution. You should be aware that you most likely will encounter some issues. Beware of the possibilities of danger and you should be fine.

There may be problems with the safety of taxis in Bolivia, dodgy areas around the city of La Paz or you may have to deal with fake police. There may also be a lot of flooding and landslides during your trip to Bolivia. You may find yourself unable to go outside because of huge protests that can happen from time to time.

These, and so many more issues are things you’ll have to think about if you’re planning a trip to Bolivia. On the one hand, it’s not dangerous but on the other hand, it could be dangerous. There’s no 100% guarantee either way. However, there are ways to at least minimise the chances of getting caught up in bad situations.

I’ve gone through a whole load of them in this epic guide, but to recap:

• Use your common sense.
• Don’t walk around sketchy-looking areas.
• Don’t drive in Bolivia.
• Ignore catcalls.
• Be wary of weirdo men.
• Make friends with other travellers
• Don’t fall for scams.
• Keep an eye on the local news.
• Don’t drink too much.

Don’t let these things discourage you from visiting Bolivia, it is a truly stunning country and one of my favourites in all of South America. Good luck out there guys, have a blast!

Looking for more info on traveling to Bolivia?

• Plan the rest of your trip with our fantastic backpacking Bolivia travel guide!
• Get inspired by these EPIC bucket list adventures!
• See exactly how to travel the world for a year, even if you’re broke
• Take a look at my expert travel safety tips learned from 15+ years on the road
• Explore with the ultimate peace of mind with top-notch medical evacuation insurance

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

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