Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased cautionin Bolivia due to crime, unrest, and health. Some areas have increased risk.”
Updated Thu, 04 Jun 2026
Full advisory →Is La Paz safe? 🇧🇴
Bolivia · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, La Paz scores 60/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Yes — La Paz is generally safe for visitors who stay alert and follow basic precautions. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
La Paz 🇧🇴
Bolivia · Assessed 28 July 2026
60
/ 100
Mostly — take normal precautions
Safer than ~57% of countries
What drives this score
Crime55/100FairCrime index 59.6 / 100 · city-level
Sentiment63/100FairMostly positive
Advisories72Good
Stability58Fair
Health70Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
Advises against all-but-essential travel to parts
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Chapare region of Cochabamba Department including Villa Tunari and highway routes 4 and 24 that pass through Chapare.”
Updated 2026-07-03T11:47:30Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Bolivia: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-07-20T16:39:29.1968542-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Homicide rate
4.4 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6Bolivia4.4World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
69
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging is uncommon but can occur, especially in taxis from informal operators after dark in areas like El Alto and near illegal bars
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing and bag‑snatching are frequent in crowded tourist zones, markets, and on public buses, often using distraction tactics
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Fair
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
63/100
Reported feel68Mostly positive
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk58High risk
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors generally feel safe during daylight hours but remain cautious after dark, especially in less‑touristed districts.
Yes — La Paz is generally safe for visitors who stay alert and follow basic precautions.
La Paz’s moderate safety score reflects manageable petty crime and occasional protests, but violent crime is low and infrastructure is adequate; risks are concentrated in specific neighborhoods and situations.
Recent developments
- Jun 2026Condé Nast Traveler published an article warning travelers about protests and road blockades that could disrupt itineraries— Condé Nast Traveler
- Jun 2026Reuters reported that Bolivia declared a 90‑day state of emergency to clear protest roadblocks in La Paz— Reuters
- May 2026US Embassy suspended routine consular services due to ongoing demonstrations and road blockades— US Embassy in Bolivia
- Jun 2026Travel + Leisure listed Bolivia among the 10 riskiest countries for solo travelers, citing political unrest as a key factor— Travel + Leisure
Common scams
- Fake police officers demanding to see passports or offering drug checks to steal valuables
- Taxi scams where drivers lure tourists to isolated spots for mugging or kidnapping
- ATM forced‑withdrawal schemes in crowded areas
Full briefing
La Paz sits at a moderate safety level for visitors. The composite score of 59 reflects manageable petty crime and occasional political unrest, but violent incidents such as muggings are rare and typically linked to unlicensed taxis or late‑night travel in peripheral areas like El Alto. Pickpocketing is the most common threat, especially in crowded markets, tourist plazas, and on public buses, where scammers use distractions to steal wallets or phones.
Recent news from the dossier confirms an active protest cycle in June 2026, with Reuters reporting a 90‑day state of emergency declared to clear road blockades and The Independent warning of disrupted travel plans. The US Embassy temporarily halted routine consular services for the same reason, and Condé Nast Traveler highlighted the need for travelers to monitor protest locations. While these events have not targeted tourists directly, they can create unsafe road conditions and occasional confrontations.
Scams that specifically target visitors include fake plain‑clothed police officers who request passports or conduct bogus drug checks, as well as taxi scams that lure tourists into isolated vehicles for mugging or kidnapping. To stay safe, use only registered Radio Cab services, keep all belongings in sight, avoid carrying original passports, and steer clear of unmarked taxis after dark. Staying aware of protest hotspots and heeding official travel advisories will help ensure a smooth, low‑risk visit to La Paz.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 5 La Paz districts for visitors: 3 safer, 1 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the La Paz safety map.
El Altoavoidadjacent city at higher altitude with significant poverty and crime; avoid bringing valuables and limit daytime travel
Centrocautionbusy tourist hub with high pickpocketing and bag‑snatching risk; stay alert, especially in crowds
Zona Sursaferaffluent residential area with upscale hotels, restaurants, and shopping; well‑patrolled and generally safe for visitors
Calacotosaferupscale neighborhood in Zona Sur with good lighting and infrastructure; considered safe for travelers
San Miguelsaferresidential area within Zona Sur featuring upscale amenities and low crime; safe for visitors
07 · After Dark
Is La Paz safe at night?
53% of people in Bolivia say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2024).
Mugging is uncommon but can occur, especially in taxis from informal operators after dark in areas like El Alto and near illegal bars
After dark, be most careful around El Alto, Centro. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Score by traveller type
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight La Paz's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo female travellerCrime +35% weight58
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight59
Family with kidsCrime +19% weight · Health & Air +12% weight60
Nightlife-focused tripCrime +28% weight59
Travellers 65+Crime +13% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight61
Business tripCrime +14% weight · Stability +6% weight59
09 · Questions
La Paz safety FAQ
Is La Paz safe for tourists right now?
Yes — La Paz is generally safe for visitors who stay alert and follow basic precautions. La Paz’s moderate safety score reflects manageable petty crime and occasional protests, but violent crime is low and infrastructure is adequate; risks are concentrated in specific neighborhoods and situations. (Assessed 28 July 2026.)
Which areas of La Paz should tourists avoid?
Field research flags El Alto as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in La Paz?
- Fake police officers demanding to see passports or offering drug checks to steal valuables
- Taxi scams where drivers lure tourists to isolated spots for mugging or kidnapping
- ATM forced‑withdrawal schemes in crowded areas
How does La Paz compare with other places in Bolivia?
La Paz ranks #1 of 3 Bolivia destinations we've assessed, scoring 60/100. See the Bolivia safety overview for the full list.
How is this La Paz safety score calculated?
The score blends 13+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
More Bolivia reports
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4 reportsSimilar safety profile
4 reportsBrowse the Bolivia safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: la-paz.json (CC BY 4.0).