Bolivia-safe?

[franc]

I'm planning to visit Bolivia at the end of the month. I was strongly advised not to go there by our ministry for foreign affairs. Can anybody "dawn there" send me some informations about situation there.Hvala (thank you)

[DiasDePlaya]

Bolivia is now in big troubles. A coca zone leader is creating all kind of problems to the goverment with the excuse of a possible installation of a gas pipe to export natural gas to USA via Chile.
If you see the news every day there are new riots.
If you go to Bolivia try to visit more the Santa Cruz area, not La Paz. In Santa Cruz all is very quiet as allways.

Regards,

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Ya verás como quieren en Chile al amigo cuando es forastero (traditional song)

Jose Pedro Espinosa
Curico, Chile

[JamesCo]

Not there myself (in Peru) but a friend currently in Bolivia says the situation is bad and the strikes are getting worse. Trying to cross the border to Copacabana a week ago she found everything closed and had to walk back.

That said, having seen a few protests and roadblocks there myself at other times, I don't think it's *too* much to worry about. Situation normal for Bolivia - just avoid La Paz/El Alto. These periods of instability tend to end after a few weeks and aren't aimed at gringos, no?

James

[Dave and Sam KTM]

we are currently in la paz and i can tell you it is under seige. we ha ve been here for 6 days and tried to leave yesterday and found every route blocked in a major way by protesters . 26 people were killed yesterday at el alta (12 kms from here) and the embassies are advising foreigners not to leave their hotels.restaurants and shops are closed and boarded up and there is talk of main services to be turned off.this morning we found rocks blocking all roads in the city and tear gas being used all over the city. i dont think this situation is only in la paz, but countrywide. i will update when next possible

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[Timido]

Hi board, this is me again after a few months leave (had an accident, had to sell the Kawa, just settling again in Santa Cruz to find the country falling into pieces) My two cents for this time...

DO NOT ENTER BOLIVIA

This does NOT compare to earlier disturbances in Bolivia, 12-13 of February this year was ONLY limited to La Paz, this time all of the country is turned upside down.

All routes on the Altiplano are blocked and locals are very hostile to foreigners (that is, everybody who is not from the same village/neighbourhood). Cochabamba, Potosí and Oruro are completely unsafe, all commerce is closed, Santa Cruz is still ok but Friday a mayor clash is expected between, on one side, farmers and students, and other other side right-wing locals. Expect all commerco to be closed, outcome not to foresee...

The only mayor route still free is Santa Cruz-Argentinean border through Yacuiba-Camiri, it is NOT possible to enter Brazil, neither through San Ignacio-San MAtias or San Jose-Puerto Suarez because of huge roadblocks right on the Brazil-side of the Rio Grande bridge. Of course the Chapare-road from Cochabamba to Santa Cruz is blocked also.

Press (local and foreign) has suffered attacks from both the protesters and the government, so not everything you read, hear OR DO NOT HEAR is true.

Until further notice, this country is in war.

Will keep you updated

[Timido]

As you might´ve noticed... "The war on gas" is over

Bolivia is ready again to receive you. Have a nice trip!