Bolivia, Tourist Security Alert

Seven Areas to Be on Alert in La Paz and Bolivia for thieves

Plaza San Francisco

Sectors that border calle Sagárnaga

Bus terminal Copacabana in front of the general cemetery

Terminal de trufis (vans)

Terminal de buses – La Paz

Cruce de la avenidas Juan Pablo 11 y La Paz along with El Alto-terminal de minibuses.

Desaguadero – along frontier with Peru

Authorities warn tourist to be careful of people dressed in civilian clothes who port to be police. They will often falsely accuse the tourist of transporting drugs usually with the goal to extort money from the victim. They also have been known to kidnap the person and have them empty their bank accounts.

Many members of gangs speak English and Portuguese which will often put the tourist at ease during a set up.

It is best not to travel alone – if doing so possibly book through a travel agency or hire a reputable guide.

2010 – There were reported 1,598 robberies of foreign tourists in La Paz. This was an increase of 30% over 2009.

Other areas of safety concerns – Oruro, Santa Cruz

Police phone number to report crimes against tourists:
800-14-30-30
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