Safest cities in Bolivia
9 cities with 100k+ population · data updated 2026-09-04
US 2/4 Exercise increased cautionUK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of this country
What official travel advice warns about
Terrorism
- Terrorism in BoliviaAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in Bolivia, terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out.
Crime
- Protecting your belongingsBolivia is experiencing an economic crisis and dollar shortage which has led to an increase in crime rates. Petty crime is common in central La Paz, in other popular tourist destinations, on buses and in crowded areas. Do not leave your bag or other belongings unattended. Always keep your passport, money and other valuable items in a safe place.…
- Criminals impersonating Police OfficersThieves can impersonate police officers. They have used fake police ID cards, uniforms and even police stations to fool victims. They may ask to check your documents and your bags and take your belongings.
- Violent crimeThere has been an increase in robberies from people taking taxis in Santa Cruz, La Paz and Rurrenabaque. If you use a taxi:
- Political SituationProtests, marches and demonstrations can occur with little prior notice. If they occur, you should move away from the area and remain in a safe place. Stay alert to developments and pay attention to instructions from local authorities.
- Criminal KidnapTourists, especially those travelling alone, are at risk of ‘express kidnapping’ in Bolivia. These are short-term, opportunistic abductions aimed at extracting cash from the victim. Victims may be held hostage for up to several days while criminals use stolen bank or credit cards.
- Sexual assaultThere have been rape and sexual assault incidents at clubs and hostels. Be cautious if you’re approached by strangers. Lock your room when you return to your hotel or hostel.
- Prison toursAvoid prison tours. They’re illegal and unsafe. There are no guarantees for your safety inside prisons.
Laws and cultural differences
- Personal IDPolice and immigration officials sometimes carry out ID checks. Carry copies of the photo page from your passport and the Bolivian entry stamps. Leave the original document in a safe place.
- Illegal barsThere are illegal bars in Bolivia. If the police find you at one, you may be detained for questioning, particularly if drugs are found at the premises. Legal bars close at 3am.
- Illegal drugs and prison sentencesBolivia is the world’s third largest producer of cocaine. There are harsh penalties for those caught trafficking or in possession of drugs. The minimum sentence is 8 years and prison conditions are very poor. Never leave luggage unattended when departing the country and avoid any contact with illegal drugs. Under Bolivian law carrying any amount…
- Ayahuasca ceremoniesAyahuasca is a traditional plant used in ‘spiritual cleansing’ ceremonies by indigenous communities in Bolivia, primarily in the Amazon region, but also near La Paz. At these ceremonies people consume a brew containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a hallucinogenic drug that is a class A substance in the UK. It is not illegal to consume this brew, but…
- Using cameras and binoculars in remote areasBe careful travelling with cameras and binoculars in remote areas, particularly in coca-growing areas such as the Chapare and the Yungas, where people can be suspicious of anyone taking photographs.
- LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is not illegal. However, same-sex relationships are frowned on by many Bolivians, more so in the Altiplano than in Santa Cruz, where attitudes tend to be more liberal.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
- Adventure activities in Bolivia include mountain biking, salt flat tours and jungle expeditions. There are no official minimum standards for tour operators. Get local advice and only use reputable companies. Check your travel insurance policy covers you for the activities you’re planning.
Transport risks
- Road travelThere are regular petrol and diesel shortages across the country with long queues forming at service stations in anticipation of deliveries. Bus services between cities may be affected due to lack of fuel and there may be less available public transport in La Paz and other major cities.
- Driving standardsRoad travel can be dangerous due to poor road conditions and low driving standards. Serious accidents can happen on the main tourist routes. Some of Bolivia’s main highways are paved but most roads are unpaved rough tracks.
- Buses and taxisAccidents involving public transport, especially long-distance buses, are common and have affected British nationals. Bus drivers drive for longer than would be permitted under UK laws.
- Road blockadesA State of Emergency was declared in Bolivia on 21 June to restrict protests and blockades. Protest groups often use road blockades as a form of protest, without warning. Avoid large crowds and demonstrations, and do not attempt to cross blockades. Blockades can disrupt public transport at very short notice. Protests or demonstrations may result…
- Air travelMany of Bolivia’s airports lack safety and rescue capability. Airports outside the departmental capitals are less likely to possess fire and rescue equipment.
- Lake and river travelThe boat trips on Lake Titicaca offer boats that are often very basic. The same is true of boats used for river excursions in jungle areas. Check life jackets are provided.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
- Forest firesForest fires are common during the dry season (May to October) and affect some parts of Southern and Eastern Bolivia. This can impact air quality in the areas most affected by the fires but also in other parts of the country, including La Paz. It is advisable to wear a face mask if the air quality is particularly bad, or to stay inside.
- Flooding, landslides and snowfallFloods and landslides are common, particularly in mountainous areas during the rainy season (November to March), although weather can be unpredictable throughout the year. Roads can become impassable for days at a time. Travellers may become stranded in high, remote areas. Take food, water and warm clothing with you in case of delays or bad…
- EarthquakesEarthquakes can happen in Bolivia, although serious earthquakes are rare. Many buildings, particularly older buildings and those outside major cities, may not be built to withstand earthquakes.
Headings and opening lines from the UK FCDO “Safety and security” travel advice for Bolivia, updated 2026-08-21 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Read the full advice on gov.uk →
Country figures
- Homicide rate
- 3.65 /100k2024
- Income inequality
- Gini 40.92024
- Human development
- HDI 0.7332023
- Income
- $12,530/yrGNI per capita PPP
- Road deaths
- 21.1 /100kWHO, 2019
- Political stability
- 57/100WGI, 2024 · higher = more stable
- Rule of law
- 35/100WGI, 2024
- Corruption perceptions
- 28/100Transparency Intl, 2025 · higher = cleaner
- Natural-hazard risk
- 4.9/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Women, Peace & Security
- 0.70GIWPS, 2025 · 0-1, higher = better
- Air quality
- 28.1 µg/m³PM2.5, 2023 · WHO guideline is 5
- Safe drinking water
- no dataof population · WHO/UNICEF JMP
- Healthcare capacity
- 1.3 doctors /1k1.5 hospital beds per 1,000
- Malaria
- 4 /1k at riskWHO, 2024 · endemic countries only
Natural hazards
- Drought
- 7.5/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Earthquake
- 7.1/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Flood
- 5.5/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Hazard types scoring under 1 out of 10 are not listed.
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Bolivia (as of 2025).
How Bolivia compares
| Measure | Bolivia | World median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 3.6 /100k | 2.4 /100k | +1.3 /100k — better for World median |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 40.9 | 35.2 | +5.7 — better for World median |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.733 | 0.763 | −0.030 — better for World median |
| Road deaths | 21.1 /100k | 15.4 /100k | +5.7 /100k — better for World median |
| Rule of law | 35/100 | 52/100 | −17/100 — better for World median |
| Corruption perceptions | 28/100 | 39/100 | −11/100 — better for World median |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 28.1 µg/m³ | 19.7 µg/m³ | +8.4 µg/m³ — better for World median |
| Natural-hazard risk | 4.9/10 | 3.8/10 | +1.1/10 — better for World median |
| Measure | Bolivia | South America median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 3.6 /100k | 11 /100k | −7.6 /100k — better for Bolivia |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 40.9 | 44.2 | −3.3 — better for Bolivia |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.733 | 0.786 | −0.053 — better for South America median |
| Road deaths | 21.1 /100k | 15.4 /100k | +5.7 /100k — better for South America median |
| Rule of law | 35/100 | 49/100 | −14/100 — better for South America median |
| Corruption perceptions | 28/100 | 36/100 | −8/100 — better for South America median |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 28.1 µg/m³ | 16.9 µg/m³ | +11.2 µg/m³ — better for South America median |
| Natural-hazard risk | 4.9/10 | 4.0/10 | +0.9/10 — better for South America median |
Medians, not means, so one extreme country cannot drag the reference value. Each row compares only the countries that have a published figure for that measure, and differences are plain arithmetic between stored values.
All 9 cities, safest first
- Sucre72.1 · #3159 worldwide
- Tarija72.1 · #3160 worldwide
- La Paz68.0 · #3645 worldwide
- Potosí67.7 · #3718 worldwide
- Santa Cruz de la Sierra67.2 · #3773 worldwide
- Cochabamba67.2 · #3774 worldwide
- Montero65.4 · #3950 worldwide
- Trinidad65.4 · #3951 worldwide
- Oruro64.9 · #3990 worldwide