Is Bolivia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Bolivia can be generally safe for solo female travelers, but exercising certain precautions is crucial. Be cautious about petty thefts and pickpocketing commonly occur in crowded places. Solo female travelers may receive unwanted attention, but this can be avoided by dressing modestly and acting confidently. It's recommended to avoid isolated places, especially at night and always inform someone trustworthy about your whereabouts. Using official taxis instead of mini-buses can help ensure safety in terms of transportation. Although instances of political unrest may occur, these are usually confined to certain areas and can be avoided by staying updated with local news.

Safety rating

4.1 /5

Based on 16 experiences from female travelers

2.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

Bolivia is currently ranked #100 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.1 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Bolivia?

Safety at night:Unsafe

Walking alone at night in Bolivia can be risky as petty crimes and muggings are reported, especially in major cities like La Paz and Santa Cruz. It is always advised to use a reputable taxi company if you're traveling at night rather than walking. And, when possible, stay in well-lit areas and avoid less crowded places for personal safety reasons.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Bolivia is quite an experience. It is mostly reliable, but can be chaotic and unpredictable in big cities. Buses, trams, and taxis can be crowded, especially during rush hour. While rare, there have been instances of crime in public transportation, usually petty theft. It's not uncommon to encounter issues with road safety and driving standards. As a female traveler, it is advised to keep your belongings secure and try to travel during daylight hours when possible. However, for the most part, locals are friendly and will go out of their way to help if you are showing signs of discomfort or confusion.

Street harassment:Moderate

In Bolivia, street harassment is present but not excessively prevalent. Travelling as a woman alone can attract unwanted attention and catcalling in various cities especially in major tourists spots and city centers. Although some female travellers have reported incidents, many have not experienced this at all. It is encouraged to take precautions such as avoiding isolated areas particularly at night and dressing modestly.

Petty crimes:Moderate

In Bolivia, occurrences of petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing are quite common, especially in crowded places and tourist-heavy areas. There is a tendency for distraction scams to be run by small crews focusing on unsuspecting travelers. Personal belongings need to be monitored closely at all times and it would be wise not to display valuable possessions conspicuously. It's important to take safety measures such as staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

Is Bolivia worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 16 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.3/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

4.1/5

@Virguit

Peru

Santa Cruz, Solo travel

I stayed in a backpacker, airbnb near downtown, city it has not much attractions. The botanic garden was quite good and the main attraction is without doubt EL FUERTE pre Inca construction related to Tiahuanaco. Santa Cruz is completely different from the rest of Bolivia, it is a coast style city in the mountain.

Posted: September 23, 2024Experienced: March, 2024

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Bolivia, Solo travel

Definitely visit salar de uyuni the salt flats. It looks like you are in Mars. I stayed there 3 and half months and also worked to there. It's easy place to live low cost cos you cand work and get free accommodation or even some food.

Posted: July 16, 2024Experienced: November, 2014

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Bolivia, Solo travel

Bolivia is probably the cheapest country in Latin America! The locals are super welcoming and polite, and because tourist infrastructure is still developing, prices are low and it can get a bit messy to get from one place to another. Still, the country is beautiful, from salt flats, to the rainforest jungle, to crazy colonial cities. In terms of safety it felt super okay, just had to be a bit careful after dark, but not worse than any other surrounding country!

Posted: June 16, 2024Experienced: March, 2024

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La Paz, Solo travel

I will definitely be traveling back to La Paz to learn more about their culture. Sopocachi was a very safe area. Air BnB is the way to go if you do not want to stay in a Hostal. The night life is great here as well.

Posted: May 16, 2024Experienced: May, 2024

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Mirian

Peru

Bolivia, Solo travel

Bolivia is amazing, I was in La Paz, Uyuni and Potosi, I loved La Paz a lot, you cannot miss doing the Camino de la Muérete, it is an unforgettable adventure, Uyuni I recommend only doing the 2-day tours and Potosí does not have much to visit but I loved the city, it is very beautiful, you can stay a few days to rest from the noise and traffic of big cities, I recommend Hostel Koala in Potosí and you can find it at Hostelworld.

Posted: February 7, 2024

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Emily

United States

Copacabana Manco Kapac, Solo travel

I felt relatively safe in Copacabana. I was there through Bolivia Hop, which was organized and very well-run. I was supposed to stay at Hostal Florencia, however immediately felt the hair rise on my neck when I turned onto the road there. I wandered around and found Hostal Allegre. The hostess speaks English, planned my entire trip, made sure I had breakfast each morning, and even washed and folded my laundry for me! It was about $8 for a single room with a balcony and private bathroom. The food was great at the hostel, too - I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a quieter hostel. I didn’t feel safe in Copacabana, but I never felt explicitly unsafe besides the incident I mentioned earlier. I did feel watched much of the time when I was on the beach, so I didn’t stay there often. Keep your belongings close to your body and don’t flash your money around, and you should be safe. I got by with minimal Spanish - most people had a basic understanding of English.

Posted: January 22, 2024

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Eveline

Austria

Ascencion De Guarayos, Solo travel

I just spend a few days in Guarayos since I was a Volunteer at Parque Ambue Ari (about 40mins away). I always spend my days off in town mostly to relax but I can tell you it is more than worth it to go to Ambue Ari. You get to know a complete different lifestyle and work with the most amazing animals, the people you meet there are incredible and it is a wonderful place.

Posted: November 25, 2023Experienced: October, 2023

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Bolivia, Solo travel

I travelled solo across Bolivia for 20 days. I started my journey in Sucre, then went to Uyuni, and later to La Paz. I was worried initially, but now I can say that I felt really safe. I used local buses, taxis and visited a lot of places. My only recommendation for Bolivia is to beware of scams. One guy sold me a bus ticket to another city at double the price.

Posted: October 24, 2023

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Bolivia, Solo travel

I felt quite safe as a solo traveler, but of course with a certain general awareness. Bolivia is such a beautiful country with charming people and I would definitely recommend going there. I flew to La Paz and it was a bad idea because I got altitude sickness. I would recommend flying to a lower-lying city because it's really hard to know whether you're susceptible to it or not.

Posted: October 11, 2023

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Bolivia, Group travel

I didn't have any problems in Bolivia, even though I went on a half-day tour. It's actually one of my favorite countries in the world, so underrated, and people are charming. It's also much better for vegetarians compared to Brazil and Peru.

Posted: October 11, 2023

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Is Bolivia safe for women?

La Paz Murillo

La Paz is a great city to walk around, the transport is cheap and definitely has a great street food. cheapest and vibrant is a great place to explore by yourself if you know Spanish if you don't you might struggle a lit

Posted: July 28, 2024

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La Paz

It depends on the zone. For example El Alto it is definitely not a safe place, I wouldn't be walking alone nor at noon nor at night. Sopocachi is the central part and it's pretty safe. I live in the south zone, the safest of all zones.

Posted: July 6, 2024

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Meet locals in Bolivia

Wendy

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Hello! My friends call me Dy or Dydy. I love meeting new people and I also love listening to their adventures (I am not traveling yet).

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Yara

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Hi, I’m yara. I walk in the life with medicine plants, tantra, the pleasure of breathing and joy the life. I’m a tarot reader, learning for be Amawt’a one day.

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Yara

La Paz

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I’m yara. I walk in the life with medicine plants, tantra, the pleasure of breathing and joy the life. I’m a tarot reader, learning for be Amawt’a one day.