When you are planning a visit
to a foreign country, getting information beyond the requisite
travel warnings for Bolivia is definitely
necessary. Being informed helps you feel more confident
and helps to make your trip safer. Following these rough
guidelines will help ensure your Bolivia safety.
Most travel warnings for Bolivia give the same general
advice, which is good to follow no matter what country
you are visiting from.
In cities like Santa Cruz, coca farmers are agitating
for more rights and this anger frequently takes the forms
of protests and marches, some of which can become violent.
It is best to avoid these demonstrations whenever possible.
If you encounter a roadblock, it is wise to avoid it if
at all possible and not try to breach it. Protestors have
been known to block access to road with stones, fallen
trees and other debris. They have also planted bombs in
roadblocks and can react violently when drivers attempt
to bypass them.
Though on the itinerary of many a Bolivia tour, the area
between the Cochabamba, Santa Cruz and Yungas region northeast
of La Paz known as Chapare is a place of political unrest
and regional violence. This can be a problem at times
for tourists visiting that region. Area residents and
government military clashing over coca cultivation have
erupted into disturbances involving the use of tear gas
other more forceful methods to quiet disturbances. These
farmers, and those groups that are pro coca are fervently
against the United States. American government and private
interests in Bolivia have been targets of these groups
in the past. Visitors to the Chapare or Yungas regions
from the any country are encouraged to check with the
Consular department of your country prior to your trip.
Female travelers are urged not to take tours alone, and
try to go with a larger group tour whenever possible.
If you and a travel partner decide to go with a tour guide,
be sure to ask to see la autorización.
If you have chosen a trusted and reputable guide or company
for your Bolivia tour, they will outline the risks you
can expect to be taking. A wild Anacondas is just one
example are one of the many natural risks are commonplace
in the Amazon, so this and all other hazards are explained
to you so that you can take necessary precautions.
Other health risks in Bolivia include typhoid, tetanus,
altitude sickness, rabies, Chagas' disease, malaria, yellow
fever, hepatitis, cholera, and dengue fever. As with any
overseas trip, a few key shots, some helpful advice, and
exercising caution is the best way to combat these inherent
risks. Bolivia safety is a breeze if you are well prepared.
