Is Santa Cruz Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Santa Cruz features a lively cultural scene that draws in many solo travelers. However, for a solo female traveler, it's crucial to remain vigilant due to occasional reports of petty crime incidents and unwanted attention. While unaccompanied women in Santa Cruz are relatively safe during daylight hours, especially in well-populated areas, nighttime can pose certain risks, hence it's advisable to avoid isolated areas after dark and always use trusted transportation services. Always bear in mind the cultural norms and dress code to avoid unwanted attention. In emergency situations, police and local communities show a good will to assist. Increased caution and a proactive approach to personal safety can make the journey more enjoyable and secure.
Safety rating
Santa Cruz is currently ranked #8 safest place in Bolivia for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 2.1 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.
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How safe is Santa Cruz?
Safety at night:Unsafe
Santa Cruz requires caution when walking alone at night. Despite certain areas being labelled safe and bustling during the daytime, the evenings can sometimes invite unwarranted attention or potential safety issues. It's essential to stick to well-lit, busy areas, arrange secure transportation and avoid venturing too far off the beaten path. However, if you're staying in a reputable hotel or accommodation, and use trusted transport like authorized taxis, you can change your experience significantly. Nonetheless, remaining vigilant and adhering to basic travel safety precautions is advised.
Public transportation:Moderate
Public transportation in Santa Cruz, presents a medium level of safety. Local buses, also known as 'micros', and shared taxis, known as 'trufis', are commonly used. These are relatively safe during the day, albeit overcrowded. Bus stops and trufi stations can attract petty thieves, so it's important to be vigilant about your belongings. Also, it's advisable not to travel alone at night or in remote areas. No significant incidents of violence are reported on public transportation, but it is always advised to stay cautious and aware of your surroundings.
Street harassment:Low
Santa Cruz has a relatively relaxed environment with respect to street harassment. Like any city, incidents can occur, but they are not high in frequency. Many solo female travelers have reported traversing the city and interacting with locals with ease. Stay aware of your surroundings and practice common safety precautions, especially at night or in deserted areas. Respect for women travelers has noticeably improved in recent years.
Petty crimes:Moderate
Santa Cruz has a moderate level of petty crime. Instances most frequently reported include pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from unattended vehicles or hotel rooms. It's important to be cautious in crowded places such as markets and public transportation where such crimes are likely to occur. Consider using hotel safes and carrying a limited amount of cash. Despite this, the city can be relatively safe, provided you take standard precautions.
Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?
@Virguit
Peru
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 2
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Is Santa Cruz safe for women?
Jocelyn
It’s safe if you know how to “behave” like not showing that you have that much, not using your cellphone in public and being kind of alert of your surroundings. Also if you are with a local it would be easier cause you would know which streets or regions not to go, or to visit until what time.
Posted: May 26, 2025 0
0
Safety in Bolivia
