Is La Paz Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
La Paz offers a rich blend of culture and history, making it an interesting destination. However, solo female travelers need to exercise vigilance. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common. Always stay in crowded, well-lit areas, and maintain awareness of your belongings. Avoid isolated areas and do not accept food or drink from strangers, as there have been cases of drugging. Moreover, be sure to use only reputable transport services. The city does provide a unique experience, but safety precautions are necessary.
Safety rating
La Paz is currently ranked #2 safest place in Bolivia for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 3.4 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.
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How safe is La Paz?
Safety at night:Unsafe
La Paz at night can be quite challenging. Although there are some safe areas, narrow, dimly-lit streets can pose a risk, especially outside of the main city. Tourists are recommended to avoid walking alone after dark in most parts of the city. Instead, a safer alternative would be taking a registered taxi. As always, being aware of your surroundings and taking general safety precautions is advised.
Public transportation:Moderate
Public transportation in La Paz consist of mainly buses and cable cars. While the cable car system called Teleferico is considered reliable, clean, and safe, using buses can be more of a mixed experience. Buses can often be crowded and not in the best condition, and isolated incidents of pickpocketing have been reported. So, it's important to be alert while on buses. However, general commuter crime is relatively low, and many locals use these modes of commuting every day.
Street harassment:Moderate
In La Paz, it is common to encounter street vendors and occasional beggars who may approach you, but most interactions remain respectful. However, unwanted attention and comments, usually from male individuals, can happen especially in crowded, urban areas. It's recommended to stay vigilant, dress modestly, avoid walking alone late at night and always be cautious of your surroundings.
Petty crimes:High
In La Paz, petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and theft from backpacks or luggage are quite common, especially in crowded areas like local markets, public transport, and tourist hotspots. Be vigilant and careful in safeguarding your belongings. It's recommended to carry only what you need for the day and leave valuable items in a secure place. Having copies of your important documents is also a good way to prevent issues if your originals get lost or stolen.
Is La Paz worth visiting?
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 0
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Is La Paz safe for women?
Safety index
3 /5
Based on 5 local experiences
Crime index
1.7 /5
Based on 5 local experiences
The safety of this city depends on where you are, such as the "Ceja" or "Alto" zones, which are highly dangerous. In the "Centro" zone, you should be careful with your cell phone; they'll steal it quickly. The South zone is a little safer; generally, I don't have too many concerns for my safety there. In general, you should be careful on dark or small streets with no people around.
Posted: August 10, 2025 0
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Safety in Bolivia
