Bolivia · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, La Paz scores 52/100 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).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Bolivia · Assessed 28 July 2026
52
/ 100
Safer than ~44% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
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 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
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
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
63/100
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
Common scams
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
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
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 · Questions
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.)
Safety is not one number, and this La Paz report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Field research flags El Alto as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
La Paz ranks #4 of 5 Bolivia destinations we've assessed, scoring 52/100. See the Bolivia safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 14+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
Browse the Bolivia safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: la-paz.json (CC BY 4.0).
