Destination: Bolivia

Dangers & Annoyances

Bolivia is a comparatively mellow travel destination, but certain dangerous and/or annoying instances may arise. First there's a strong tradition of social protest - demonstrations are a weekly occurrence. These are usually peaceful, but police occasionally deploy force and tear gas to disperse crowds. The Bolivian workforce is heavily unionized, and work stoppages by bus drivers, teachers and others can affect travelers. Roadblocks (bloqueos) and strikes by transportation workers often lead to long delays. The rainy season means flooding, landslides and road washouts, causing delays. Getting stuck overnight behind a slide is common: you'll be a happier camper with ample food, drink and warm clothes on hand.

Scams

Psst, hey, my friend: One popular scam involves a shill spilling something on you and while you or they are wiping it off, another lifts your wallet or slashes your pack. The ruse often starts with a fat luggi or phlegm ball being spat on your shoulder; the perpetrator may be an innocent granny or young girl. After dark outside dodgy bus stations, beware of hopping into shared cabs with strangers - several violent assaults have been reported in the past few years, usually targeting solo female travelers.