La Paz, Bolivia Travel Safety — Elevated Risk – Plan Carefully | TouristAlert.com
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La Paz, Bolivia

Updated about 2 months ago
Cityscape with buildings and mountains under cloudy sky.
Photo by Andrea Huls Pareja on Unsplash
Elevated Risk

Plan Carefully

La Paz is a rewarding but high-friction city where altitude, protests, and street crime can turn a normal day into a problem fast if you’re not prepared. Most visits are trouble-free with smart precautions, but tourists are regularly targeted for theft and occasional express kidnappings, and roadblocks can disrupt transport with little notice.

Key Risks
  • Pickpocketing, phone snatching and bag theft in crowded markets, on minibuses, and around transport hubs
  • Express kidnappings and ATM/coercion robberies linked to taxis and nightlife areas, especially at night
  • Political unrest, strikes, and sudden roadblocks that can trap you in neighborhoods or disrupt airport access
  • Severe altitude illness risk (La Paz ~3600m) plus dehydration and cold exposure after dark
  • Food- and water-borne illness from untreated tap water, street food handling, and inconsistent hygiene standards
Daily Costs (USD)
Hostel$14
Hotel$55
Apartment$40
Transport$6
Coffee$2.5
Beer$2.8
Sandwich$4.5
Dinner (2)$28

Estimates only. Prices vary by season, neighbourhood, and personal spending habits. Always check current prices before travelling.

Safety Scorecard
⚔️Conflict

Armed conflict, military tensions & territorial disputes.

8/10 · Good
🚨Terrorism

Risk based on recent threat levels & incidents.

9/10 · Excellent
🔪Violent Crime

Murder, assault, robbery & armed attacks.

5/10 · Fair
🎭Petty Crime & Scams

Pickpocketing, bag-snatching & tourist scams.

3/10 · Poor
🏛️Political Stability

Strength & stability of the government.

4/10 · Poor
🏥Health

Disease risk, healthcare quality & availability.

4/10 · Poor
🌪️Natural Disaster

Earthquake, flood, cyclone & volcanic activity risk.

6/10 · Fair
🚌Infrastructure

Transport safety, roads & emergency services.

6/10 · Fair
🤝Social & Cultural

Welcomeness for solo female & LGBTQ+ travellers.

7/10 · Good
🍽️Food & Water

Food poisoning risk & tap water safety.

3/10 · Poor

Scores 1–10 · 10 = best · 1 = worst

Travel News
Transport

Transportation Crisis Due to Fuel Shortages in Bolivia

Bolivia's transport sector is facing critical disruptions as severe diesel shortages have resulted in reduced public bus service by 30%, affecting travel in La Paz and beyond.

Planet News· 29 Apr 2026
Politics

Protests Erupt Over Fuel Shortages and Land Reform

Protests in La Paz and surrounding areas have resulted in major roadblocks, impacting transportation and access due to civil unrest linked to fuel shortages and land reform laws.

La República· 27 Apr 2026
Safety

Increased Caution Advised Due to Crime and Civil Unrest

Travel advisories recommend exercising increased caution due to rising crime rates and ongoing civil unrest in Bolivia, particularly in urban areas like La Paz.

U.S. State Department· 28 Apr 2026

Updated about 1 month ago

Why Visit?

La Paz is a vertical, kaleidoscopic capital where Andean traditions and restless modern energy spill down steep streets beneath the icy bulk of Illimani. Come for the markets, museums and miradores, then use the city as a launchpad to world-class day trips like Tiwanaku and the otherworldly Valle de la Luna.

5 Things To Do
  1. 1
    Ride Mi Teleférico for skyline views

    Glide above the city’s brick-and-tin sprawl on the world’s highest urban cable-car network. Hop lines between La Paz and El Alto for the best panoramas and sunset light.

  2. 2
    Explore Mercado de las Brujas and central markets

    Wander stalls of herbs, amulets and Aymara ritual goods, then dive into nearby food halls for salteñas and api morado. Keep your phone and wallet secured—this is prime pickpocket territory.

  3. 3
    Visit Tiwanaku (day trip)

    Tour the pre-Inca ceremonial center with its monoliths, gateways and high-altitude archaeology. Go early to avoid crowds and afternoon weather.

  4. 4
    Hike or stroll Valle de la Luna

    Walk among wind-carved spires and clay labyrinths that feel like a desert planet at the city’s edge. Bring sun protection and water—the altitude amplifies both heat and dehydration.

  5. 5
    Museums and colonial corners around Plaza Murillo

    See the political heart of Bolivia and dip into compact museums for art, history and textiles. Stay aware around protests; if crowds form, leave the area promptly.

5-Day Itinerary
1
Acclimatize and get your bearings

Take it slow: light walking around the historic center, a museum stop, and an early dinner. Use the Teleférico near sunset for an easy, low-effort view while you adjust to the altitude.

2
Markets and street life

Browse Mercado de las Brujas and the surrounding markets with a short list of what you want to buy to avoid lingering with valuables out. In the afternoon, head to a viewpoint or café in a safer, busier neighborhood and keep evenings low-key.

3
Tiwanaku culture day trip

Book a reputable operator or private driver and visit Tiwanaku and its onsite museum. Return before dark, and avoid unlicensed taxis from terminals.

4
Valle de la Luna and southern neighborhoods

Spend the morning in Valle de la Luna, then explore calmer residential areas for restaurants and craft shops. If you plan nightlife, stick to well-reviewed venues and arrange transport via your accommodation or a trusted app/dispatch.

5
El Alto viewpoints and cable-car circuit

Do a daytime Teleférico circuit into El Alto for sweeping views and a different perspective on the city’s scale. Keep the route simple, avoid flashing cameras/phones, and head back before late afternoon.

Things To Know
  • Altitude is the #1 issue: rest the first day, hydrate, avoid heavy alcohol, and consider consulting a clinician about altitude medication if you’re prone to AMS.
  • Use only pre-arranged taxis (hotel dispatch), reputable ride-hailing where available, or radio taxis; avoid hailing random cabs at night.
  • Carry a decoy wallet/phone and keep originals hidden; don’t use ATMs on the street at night—prefer machines inside banks or malls.
  • Expect sudden strikes and roadblocks; build buffer days and check local news and your embassy/airline updates before airport transfers.
  • Don’t drink tap water; use sealed bottled water and be cautious with raw foods and unpeeled fruit.
Kids & Accessibility

Families can enjoy cable cars, museums and easy viewpoints, but the altitude can hit kids hard—plan gentle days and know the nearest clinic options. Accessibility is mixed: steep streets, stairs, uneven sidewalks and limited step-free access make mobility travel challenging, though some newer cable-car stations and modern hotels are more accommodating if arranged in advance.