Car rental in Bolivia - Safety and Security

Book car rentals in Bolivia now!

Safety and Security

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Violence and civil unrest, primarily associated with anti-narcotics activities in the Chapare region between Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, and the Yungas region northeast of La Paz, periodically create a risk for travelers to those regions. Confrontations between area residents and government authorities over coca eradication can result in the use of tear gas and stronger force by government authorities to quell disturbances. Pro-coca groups have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments and may attempt to target U.S. Government or private interests in Bolivia. U.S. citizen visitors to the Chapare or Yungas regions are encouraged to check with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy prior to travel.

Demonstrations by various local groups protesting government or private company policies occur frequently in urban areas, even in otherwise peaceful times. Protesters occasionally use explosive devices and in some cases, the police have used tear gas and force. Strikes and other civic actions can occur at any time and can disrupt transportation on a local or national level.

In recent years civil unrest has become more generalized, spreading to both urban and rural areas. Protesters blocked roads with stones, trees, and other objects, and reacted violently when travelers attempted to pass through or go around roadblocks. U.S. citizens should avoid roadblocks and demonstrations at all times. U.S. citizens considering a visit to Bolivia should keep apprised of current conditions and monitor local news sources before considering overland travel within the country.

In February and October 2003, approximately one hundred people died during violent demonstrations and protests in downtown La Paz and the nearby city of El Alto. These demonstrations also affected Cochabamba and other towns and villages in the Altiplano. While the protests and demonstrations have subsided, many of the underlying social, political and economic causes remain.

Since 2000 the resort town of Sorata, located seventy miles north of La Paz, has been cut off by blockades on several occasions, ranging from one week to one month. Visitors contemplating travel to Sorata should contact the Consular Section in La Paz prior to travel.