Traveling to Bolivia has recently sparked many questions. Political events have caused concern among travelers. Is it safe to visit now?
This guide will provide all the essential safety information. We’ll cover current conditions and practical advice. Stay informed and travel confidently.
Safety is a top priority for any trip. Our tips will help you navigate Bolivia safely. Let’s explore Bolivia with peace of mind.
At the end of June of this same year, a lot of things were happening. In Bolivia political tension created fear. In La Paz , there was an attempt to overthrow the government. The situation, thankfully, was controlled shortly after.
However, this is an occurrence that reflects a lot of political frustrations. And it is still a little delicate. So if you want to know about it, we’ll try to explain it.
Plaza Murillo, in La Paz, was the scenario. The ex militar Juan Jose Zuñiga was the one on the front. Zuñiga was a recently destitute commander of the National Military.
He along with a group of armed soldiers and even tanks made its way to the government centers in Plaza Murillo. And there was a confrontation against these forces.
The confrontation happened in the first hours of the evening. This apparently lasted for 3 hours before the situation calmed down.
Police officers were injured. But there is no report of casualties. At least nor prevalent ones.
The public transport in the city center was off for some hours. All of it happened in tourist areas. And the news about it all became international quickly.
Juan Jose Zuñiga was part of the military with a well established career. At least before declarations he made weeks before. In declarations he speaked against the ex president of Bolivia, Evo Morales.
Despite Zuñiga denying in interviews that he was trying to gain control of the government. He was also promoting the idea that the military could take care of the population. This settles the notion of a serious power struggle.
But further from just the motivations of one man, everything is more complicated. And the ripples of these events are still developing. So we have to explain a little of the background of Evo Morales in Bolivia.
Evo Morales is one of the most prominent political figures in Bolivia. He was president for more than 10 years in the country. But more importantly, he was the first president with indigenous blood.
This was a significant moment for the history of Bolivia. But the reason makes us go deeper into sensible topics. Bolivia is a country with a significant population of indigenous people. But these same people used to be outside the spheres of power.
This was due to various forms of discrimination. And it created the need for a indigenous voice in the government. The ascension of Evo Morales in power was significant for that reason.
Despite this importance, the actions of Evo Morales as President were controversial. Evo Morales was a representative of a left leaning political group. This left leaning was supported by a part of the population. Others thought that it was too close to marxism.
This happened almost 20 years ago. The left leaning ideas you are familiar with today, were not the same Morales preached. Its ideas were anti-imperialist. So many economical measures wanted to avoid any intervention of the US in Bolivia.
However, commerce was a huge part of the economical activities in La Paz and Santa Cruz. Many of these activities ended up occurring behind the agents of law.
Another problem bolivians faced was the insanely high taxes. Those were in place to avoid international interventions. But it affected the populations, forcing many to work in the informality.
Evo Morales had suspicions of participating in corruption. The laws that he regulated about certain problems like women safety were heavily criticized. Controversy was always a factor in his government.
And this is just a resume of many years of government. Many actions taken in favor of the people. But others that in practice made life harder for the population.
The immediate consequences in Bolivia were economic. The country in the last years had a difficult financial situation. And with the news about the attempt, the prices went up immediately after.
Not many embassies or consulates gave testimonies. So the attempt, despite its intensity, failed in more than one way.
This occurrence also opened the current president, Luis Arce, to declare some of its struggles. For example the role of the Ex president Evo Morales in the powers of the country. This will also fuel political speculation in the months to come.
Now that you are ready to tackle the panorama, we can talk about traveling. In the next few weeks, and maybe the next month, traveling will be possible. However you have to consider some temporary measures.
Traveling to Bolivia in the near future will be a little more expensive than usual. With the days the situation is becoming more stable. But there was an increase in prices during the last few weeks.
Each day the situation is slowly going back to normal. The most affected sector on this is the housing market. However, when it refers to traveling. The difference will not be that significant.
Foreign currency keeps its value. But equally with the harsh conditions, some prices will go up. In particular, small purchases.
The country right now is as safe as it always is. The concern right now is that any other political player will attempt something. And how the government will respond.
Despite the concern about traveling to Bolivia. There are no major prohibitions. Tourist visas are still available. The Bolivian embassies or Consulates are still functioning all over the world.
Politically, the event of the 26th of June was small. At least that is the perception of many Bolivians. Most of them compare the current situation with the occurrence of 2019.
The international media however, covered this event in great detail. Giving the appearance of a big event in the city of La Paz. This definitely fueled speculation. This was one of the causes of the economical problems.
If the economical aspect is the main repercussion, is safe traveling to Bolivia? At least for the time being, Yes. Of course these are uncertain times. So you have to be careful in some areas.
The main centers of government are the city of la Paz and Sucre. These are also important tourist areas. For the time being, you may be safer avoiding the political spheres of these cities.
This may be an inconvenience when traveling to Bolivia, but it is a precaution. There is a high chance you won’t have problems touring the historical streets. But at the end of the day, this is just a recommendation.
The main concern when traveling to Bolivia right now is safety. We have kind of detailed how things are in the country. Many can speculate that the closer we are to the next elections, the panorama will become more volatile.
This is a real possibility. But despite this it is possible to have a safe journey in this amazing country. You have to take some measures. But we promise you can have a great trip.
The first thing you have to consider for traveling to Bolivia safely is to avoid the political areas. So focus your travel plans around rural areas. Great destinations like the Uyuni salt flats will be the best.
Further from Sucre, La Paz and Santa Cruz you’ll be the safest. At least if something happens. Other touristic areas like Lake Titicaca will be perfectly safe.
This measure probably will be necessary in the next 30 days. After that if the situation is more stable, you can plan for a visit to Plaza Murillo.
At least for the time being, you don’t need any other international certificate to enter Bolivia. You just need your regular tourist visa. Which shows proof of the possibility for traveling.
Traveling to Bolivia should not cause fear. Otherwise, you are closing yourself to a great experience. Taking precautions is part of the regular experience of traveling.
Traveling to South America is a regular occurrence. And there are ways to keep you safe. Even when the country’s situation is delicate.
Trying to foresee the worst case is a way to put the scenario in perspective. And take extra precaution if needed. If something at large occurs in Bolivia, you have to be well informed.
In that case, you have to be able to communicate. So you have to account for an internet plan for that. This is something easy to fix in planning.
You have to be able to move to your country’s embassy or consulate. They will help you if you aren’t able to return for the regular ways. Also know the location beforehand.
Another concern should be withdrawing money. Money exchange situation is a little of these days. So, take some cash with you in dollars. This could be helpful in case something happens.
Just be discrete about it. And keep your emergency cash always near you. This way you ensure you can exchange small amounts according to your needs. The important part is that you won’t be relying on an ATM or international payment.
To be 100% honest, it depends. The mental framing you give the situation can alter significantly your experience. This is more a personal matter in some cases.
Some travelers, when traveling to Bolivia, are aware of the country’s history. They can understand the situation and embrace it. Even in dark times, they will be able to accept reality and adapt.
Others may be looking for a place to have family vacations. And social disruption is not good for them. So giving a universal answer is kind of impossible.
It is possible that in the next month nothing will happen. And life will resume as always in the cities of La Paz and Sucre. Traveling to Bolivia will be perfectly normal for everyone.
So, the recommendations will be to wait for the next 30 days to happen. If you already have a reservation you can not cancel. Take this advice to keep you safe in this situation. And try to enjoy traveling to Bolivia as much as you can.
Now that we had time to lay the situation for traveling. We can discuss what to do before traveling to Bolivia. In this part, we’ll focus on things you should do in every situation.
The major concerns can make you forget about the usual preparations. We can’t let that happen. You have to prepare yourself in the right way. Traveling to Bolivia can be enjoyable, but remember this is a high plateau andean Country.
Traveling to Bolivia will bring concerns for altitude sickness. At least in certain parts of the country. Many of the major attractions are in High altitude. Remember to spend some days resting at high altitude in a comfortable location.
This is the only way to ensure you’ll be fine the rest of the journey. During these days you can take city tours, or check the cable car systems in La Paz. Think in relaxing light activities for your first days traveling to Bolivia.
Other concerts may relate to pre existing medical conditions. For example cardiovascular diseases. Some famous hikes will take you even higher. So consult your doctor about it. Don’t risk it.
If your plans include cities like Santa Cruz. You have to prepare for other health concerns. A part of Bolivia actually bellows to the Amazon rainforest. And you’ll find some tour that will lead you there.
Traveling to Bolivia is definitely more than just high andean plains. And the proximity to the Amazon, requires extra steps. You’ll need the yellow fever vaccination.
You can take the vaccine in your country. You should carry the vaccination card with months validity remaining. Further than this, you’ll be able to explore the mysterious bolivian jungle.
Traveling to Bolivia requires you to engage with the local cuisine. The usual advice is to look for stalls trusted by locals. And drink bottled water. Tap water in Bolivia is not safe without boiling for human consumption.
Another tip for traveling to Bolivia, is to use radio Taxis. The public transportation system is not really that friendly. And taxis by application can be a little more expensive. Instead get the number of a local company of radio taxis.
