Bolivia's Safety Status: Is It Secure Today?

Bolivia is a beautiful country with a lot to offer travellers, from the Amazon Rainforest to the Andes Mountains. However, it has its fair share of safety concerns. Here is a paragraph to introduce the topic 'How safe is it to live in Bolivia right now?'

Bolivia is a country with diverse natural landscapes and a rich cultural heritage, but how safe is it to live there or visit? Unfortunately, Bolivia has a reputation for crime and civil unrest, with violent crimes and kidnappings being a cause for concern. The country also faces issues with drug trafficking and gang-related activities, which can make it unsafe for locals and tourists alike. Additionally, natural disasters such as floods and landslides are common during the rainy season, which can impact travel plans and essential services. So, while Bolivia offers many attractions, it is important to be vigilant and stay informed about potential risks when visiting or living in this South American country.

Civil unrest and violent crime

Bolivia is a country with a lot to offer travellers, from the Amazon Rainforest to the Andes Mountains. However, it has its fair share of safety concerns, including border conflicts, poverty, petty crime, and powerful drug gangs.

Civil Unrest

Bolivia has experienced periods of civil unrest in recent years, with protests and confrontations following the 2019 election results. These incidents led to 35 deaths, 833 injuries, and 1,504 detentions. The 2019 protests resulted in 37 deaths and pushed the country into a severe institutional crisis. More recently, in 2022, the arrest of opposition leader Luis Fernando Camacho by the government sparked further social unrest.

Violent Crime

Bolivia has a homicide rate of 63 murders per 1,000,000 people, with 686 reported homicides in 2016. The country also faces issues with violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery. Additionally, there are concerns about gangs, corruption, and bribery related to the country's cocaine production.

To stay safe in Bolivia, it is recommended to avoid areas like Coronilla Hill in Cochabamba, known for drug addicts and crime. Tourists should also be cautious when using public transportation, as most thefts and pickpocketing occur in these locations. It is advised to keep valuables secure and be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.

Transport safety

Transportation in Bolivia is deemed unsafe and unreliable. Tourists are advised to avoid the Coronilla Hill area in Cochabamba, near the main bus terminal, as this area is known for drug addicts and alcoholics, posing a danger to both foreigners and locals. Common strikes also affect public transport services.

The safety of taxis in Bolivia is a concern. Travellers are advised to use only well-known radio taxi companies with the phone number displayed on the vehicle's roof. It is recommended not to hail taxis off the street. Tourists should also be cautious of motorbike taxis, as there have been reports of attacks on lone travellers using this mode of transport in tourist sites such as Rurrenabaque.

Public transport can be unsafe due to poor road conditions, poor driving standards, and poor vehicle maintenance. Bus drivers, in particular, are notorious for their poor driving. There have been several recent accidents involving public transport, especially long-distance buses. Many taxis and most bus companies do not meet European safety standards and rarely have seatbelts.

Road travel in Bolivia can be dangerous due to poor road conditions and low driving standards. Serious accidents occur on the main tourist routes, and some of the country's main highways are unpaved and rough. During the rainy season (November to March), there is an increased risk of landslides and road blockages. Vehicles are often poorly maintained, and broken-down vehicles without warning lights pose a frequent hazard on roads at night.

Bolivia's airports also present safety concerns, with many lacking adequate safety and rescue capabilities.

For those travelling to Bolivia by land, there are safety concerns at the border points with Peru, Chile, and Argentina. When travelling from Copacabana to La Paz, it is recommended to use a direct bus.

For those wishing to explore Bolivia's famous Lake Titicaca by boat, it is important to note that the boats are often very basic and lack adequate safety equipment.

Petty crime

One of the most common violent crimes in Bolivia is express kidnappings, where criminals target a foreigner, take them hostage, and force them to withdraw money from ATMs. These kidnappings most often occur in Plaza Abaroa, Plaza Humbolt, Plaza Isabel La Católica, Plaza del Estudiante, Plaza San Francisco, and the Altiplano, as well as the downtown area of La Paz. The criminals often work in conjunction with taxi drivers, with unsuspecting victims boarding a taxi where the driver is an accomplice. The criminals then rob, assault, and hold the victim hostage. For this reason, it is recommended that visitors always use reputable cab companies.

Another area to avoid is Coronilla Hill in Cochabamba, located near the main bus terminal. This area is a haven for drug addicts and alcoholics and is dangerous for both foreigners and locals. The tourist site of Rurrenabaque has also become a popular site for thieves to target lone travellers taking motorbike taxis.

Cameras and binoculars are frequently stolen in the Chapare and the Yungas areas, and carjackings are also on the rise in these locations.

Natural disasters

Bolivia is a country in western-central South America, with a diverse geography and ethnic population. It is bordered by Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Paraguay, and shares control of Lake Titicaca with Peru.

Bolivia is subject to natural disasters, with the rainy season in mountainous areas being a particularly risky time for tourists. From November to March, floods and landslides can occur. In February 2020, the Bolivia Government Information Agency reported heavy rain and floods in the town of Yuracarés, affecting at least 872 families and 21 indigenous communities. The same month, the Agency declared a disaster zone in Luribay Municipality, La Paz, due to heavy rain and river flooding, which affected 500 families, 30 households, and 1,050 hectares of agricultural land.

The rainy season of 2020 affected eight of the country's nine regions, with 6,423 families suffering injuries and 17 deaths registered. Indigenous groups such as the Yuracarés and Yuquis are at high risk of floods, as they have established communities in lowland areas.

In addition to the risk of flooding, Bolivia also experiences civil unrest and anti-government protests, which can turn violent. There is also a significant risk of petty crime and theft, particularly in tourist hotspots, restaurants, shops, and on public transportation.

Sexual assault

Bolivia has one of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world, with less than 5% of sex crimes cases resulting in convictions. In a groundbreaking ruling, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights found that the government of Bolivia violated the human rights of Brisa De Angulo, a lawyer and neuropsychologist who survived incestuous rape as a teenager. The court ordered Bolivia to reform its criminal codes to make lack of consent central to its definition of rape crimes and to create protocols to improve all sexual assault investigations, especially those involving children and teenagers.

To avoid becoming a victim of sexual assault in Bolivia, it is recommended to:

• Avoid travelling alone, especially at night.
• Stay in social hostels where you can meet other travellers.
• Dress conservatively and avoid looking flashy.
• Be wary of over-friendly people, especially those who invite you to their homes.
• Use reputable cab companies and avoid hailing taxis on the street.
• Avoid areas known for drug activity and criminal behaviour, such as Coronilla Hill in Cochabamba.
• Keep your belongings close and be vigilant in crowded areas such as transport hubs and tourist hotspots.
• Keep an emergency stash of cash and hide your valuables, such as in a money belt.
• Follow local news and government travel advisories to stay informed about safety risks.

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