Last Updated on February 15, 2025
If you’re planning to visit La Paz, Bolivia, it’s crucial to understand that many parts of the city are, in fact, dangerous for tourists and those unfamiliar with the area. While there are large areas and neighborhoods where you can be very safe, in most parts of the city, you’ll need to exercise considerable caution.
For tourists, most of La Paz, Bolivia, is a dangerous city. However, it’s very safe, even at night, in the following zones: San Miguel, Calacoto, Sopocachi, and Miraflores. It’s also generally safe throughout the South Zone and the Central Zone (though this last zone is not safe at night).
Here, we’ll discuss the safety of La Paz city for tourists or those unfamiliar with navigating it. We have lived in Bolivia our entire lives, so we know almost every risk you might encounter when visiting this major Bolivian city.
A General Overview of Safety in La Paz City
La Paz, Bolivia, is generally a dangerous city for tourists *because you risk becoming the target of theft, muggings, and robbery*. Despite this, your chances of being killed are almost zero, unless you are on the outskirts of either La Paz or El Alto.

Furthermore, the risk of kidnapping is generally low throughout the city. You have almost zero chance of experiencing this during the day, *but not at night, when the likelihood increases*. In some areas, you’ll be safe even at night, but in most parts of the city, *being outside alone at night can be quite threatening* to your possessions and even your life.
La Paz is not as dangerous as some other South American cities. For example, if you compare it to certain cities in Mexico or Brazil, where in some neighborhoods you could easily be killed or kidnapped, *this is very unlikely to happen in La Paz*. However, on the outskirts of the city, very close to rural areas, if you’re in the wrong places during the day or on the wrong streets at night, you could also fall victim to serious incidents.
On the other hand, if you’re in affluent zones and neighborhoods where many expats from developed countries also reside, *such as San Miguel, Calacoto, or Sopocachi*, and to a slightly lesser extent, Miraflores, you have almost zero risk of being assaulted or facing dangerous threats from criminals, even late at night.
El Alto is More Dangerous
As a tourist, or if you’re unfamiliar with Bolivia’s major cities, we don’t recommend visiting El Alto City (unless you’re with a knowledgeable guide). *The entire city is quite dangerous for tourists*. In El Alto, you should only remain near the airport and cable car stations. *No neighborhood in El Alto is sufficiently safe for tourists.*
Do not even consider being in the city at night. It’s extremely dangerous, and your life may be at risk. People may not hesitate to harm you at night, believing you might be a robber or concealing something. It’s also quite common to see, even in the very center of El Alto (La Ceja) and during the day, people being assaulted or, in some cases, stabbed.
Perhaps after several months or years of living in La Paz, you might be able to visit these parts of the city without significant problems, as natives typically do. Thieves, pickpockets, and kidnappers *can very easily identify an unsuspecting tourist and target them*.

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The Safest Areas and Neighborhoods of La Paz
As we mentioned, four neighborhoods in La Paz are *very safe for tourists*. These areas are also the primary destinations for expats and foreigners from developed countries coming to live in the city:
- San Miguel
- Calacoto
- Sopocachi
- Miraflores
1) San Miguel
San Miguel is the safest neighborhood in La Paz, Bolivia. It’s both a commercial and residential affluent area, which is also quite busy at night, even on Sundays. Many foreigners and hundreds of expats from developed countries reside in this neighborhood, along with Calacoto.

When you’re in this neighborhood, you’ll feel as though you’re in an urban area in the United States. *Safety is high there*, with numerous police officers and security measures, such as hidden cameras and secure doors. It’s also very uncommon to encounter gangs, groups of robbers, or intoxicated individuals.
There are many hotels and resorts in San Miguel, as well as numerous high-quality Airbnbs. They will cost you 30% to 100% more than if you choose to stay in the Central Zone of La Paz or in tourist areas around the Witches’ Market, where many hotels and hostels of all types are located. *However, we believe your safety is well worth the extra price you’ll pay*.
2) Calacoto
This is the largest, very safe area you’ll find in La Paz. It’s a primarily residential, but somewhat commercial, neighborhood right next to San Miguel, where many foreigners (a few thousand), mostly from developed countries, currently reside. There are also numerous high-rises, malls, and various types of entertainment within this neighborhood, along with several hotels and Airbnbs.

Calacoto is a neighborhood for affluent individuals, so residents take numerous precautions to ensure it’s a safe place to live. There are many police officers, hidden cameras, and constant street patrols, and it’s very safe to walk outside late at night. It’s also very difficult to encounter gangs, intoxicated individuals, or suspicious people there. *This is why so many expats have chosen this neighborhood to settle in*.
If you stay or live in Calacoto, you’ll feel as safe as if you were in a town in the US. Additionally, you’ll be surrounded by people with an income over $1,500/month, which is a high income by Bolivian standards. Houses there also cost on average $1 million. *You’ll feel as though you were in a developed country in this neighborhood*.

For example, look at the Airbnbs that you can find in this neighborhood at this Airbnb link:
Calacoto is considered the most residential and luxurious neighborhood in the entire city. It’s for affluent Bolivians and expats from developed countries. There, you’ll enjoy a lifestyle similar to what you’d find in a developed country, *with all the proper safety measures you’d expect*.
3) Sopocachi
This neighborhood is located farther away from the other two mentioned above. It’s very close to the city center, near, for example, Murillo Square, the Witches’ Market, El Prado, etc. However, it’s also a residential neighborhood for affluent individuals – not as residential as San Miguel and Calacoto, but still a good neighborhood to live or stay in.

The US embassy, among others like the Brazilian embassy, is located within this neighborhood. It also has many green areas and entertainment venues. It’s a very safe place to be, both during the day and at night. It’s only 10 minutes by car from the historic center of La Paz and has numerous hotels of various star ratings, as well as many Airbnbs.
High-income residents of La Paz live there, mostly individuals who want to be very close to the city’s downtown area. It’s difficult to find robbers and pickpockets there, except for Avaroa Square, where you need to be a bit more cautious at night; some gangs are typically present at that time of day. However, beyond that, this neighborhood is generally very safe, and we recommend it for your stay.
4) Miraflores
This is another generally very safe neighborhood in La Paz, also very close to the city’s historic center (10 minutes away). Miraflores is very safe during the day, but not as safe as you might expect at night, so exercise caution during that time. A sufficient number of hotels and Airbnbs are also present there.

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This is a residential neighborhood where you can find educated and affluent individuals living. It’s not known for being dangerous for locals, and you won’t find many gangs or suspicious individuals on its streets. *However, be careful when heading up the streets towards the Villa Fatima neighborhood*, which has numerous hidden dangers and threats.
If you stay in Villarroel Square and the streets and avenues below, like Busch Avenue, the La Paz stadium (which is in this neighborhood), and the Triangular Square, you’ll be fine during the day, *but remain cautious at night*. Don’t go beyond Villarroel Square into Villa Fatima; you’ll encounter numerous threats in the streets above.
There are many hotels and Airbnb hosts within these neighborhoods, but they are more expensive than in other locations within the city (30% to 100% more costly). *However, we believe the added safety of being in a safer neighborhood justifies the price.*
Other Relatively Safe Areas of La Paz
All the neighborhoods mentioned above are very safe, even late at night (except for Miraflores). You shouldn’t expect any trouble there, and you’ll feel as though you’re in a developed country. However, there are also *other relatively safe places, not as secure, but still safe enough*, which we’ll discuss next.
The Rest of the South Zone
The following neighborhoods and places are located in the South Zone of La Paz:
- Los Pinos
- La Florida
- Irpavi
- Cota Cota
- Obrajes
- San Jorge
- La Florida
- Auquisamaña
- Calacoto (already mentioned)
- San Miguel (already mentioned)
Almost all the neighborhoods listed above *surround Calacoto and San Miguel*, demonstrating the level of security in these two neighborhoods. Furthermore, almost all these neighborhoods (except for Obrajes and San Jorge, which are next to Sopocachi) are in the designated “South Zone” of La Paz city.

The South Zone is a vast area of La Paz, with a more pleasant climate than the rest of the city due to its lower elevation. *It’s also the preferred zone for Paceños (residents of La Paz) who have achieved higher incomes*. These neighborhoods are also relatively safe, *but not safe enough* to allow you to conduct your activities and walk outside *without any concern*.
In fact, almost all the neighborhoods surrounding Calacoto and San Miguel are relatively safe, but not as secure as these two. They are also inhabited primarily by Bolivians. You can clearly notice the difference; *expats from developed countries choose almost exclusively either Calacoto or San Miguel to live in*, and not areas like Los Pinos, Cota Cota, La Florida, etc.
Why are these neighborhoods riskier and less safe?
Well, the neighborhoods listed above *still have a mix of lower- and higher-income residents of La Paz*. Therefore, these areas have increased risk due to the presence of lower-income individuals, as well as intoxicated individuals, gangs, and pickpockets. Another important aspect is that these zones are primarily residential and not very commercial, making them emptier and therefore more dangerous at night.
There are also far fewer hotels, resorts, hostels, or Airbnbs in these other neighborhoods. In summary, you should feel relatively safe in these areas, *but remain cautious*, especially at night. *There is a higher risk in the areas and neighborhoods surrounding Calacoto and San Miguel*.
What about Obrajes and San Jorge?
These two neighborhoods are very close to Sopocachi. Furthermore, some embassies are located there (some embassies are also in the La Florida neighborhood, but La Florida is very empty throughout the day, making it riskier).
The US embassy is on the border between the Sopocachi and San Jorge neighborhoods. *However, San Jorge, beyond Arce Avenue* (the main avenue in this neighborhood), *is quite a deserted place*, making it riskier at night, though not as dangerous during the day.
Obrajes is, again, a neighborhood with a mix of affluent and lower-income residents. It’s more of a transitional neighborhood connecting the South Zone and the Central Zone of La Paz. Therefore, *it’s also quite empty*, but generally very safe if you’re on 24 de Septiembre Avenue and its surroundings.
The Historical Downtown of the City
The following zones and places are located in the central part of La Paz city:
- The Central Zone
- Tourist areas
The historical center, also the financial center of La Paz, is located at the very center of the city. Important tourist attractions are located within this area, commonly referred to by locals as the Central Zone (“la Zona Central”). The following well-known places are located in this zone:
- Murillo Square
- The Witches’ Market (Mercado de las Brujas)
- San Francisco Church
- El Prado of La Paz
- Government buildings
- Banking Avenue (Camacho Avenue)
- Comercio Street
- The Presidente Hotel
- Jaen Street
- Numerous museums of different types
Therefore, this area of La Paz is heavily visited by tourists. However, for this reason, it has become the place *where most robbers and scammers specializing in targeting foreigners* and tourists operate. Consequently, you need to be particularly cautious in this area, both during the day and at night, but especially at night.

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During the day, *if you take the proper precautions*, remain aware of your surroundings, don’t accept anything from strangers, avoid isolated streets, don’t walk alone (for instance, assaults have recently been reported on Jaen Street), and follow your tour guide’s advice, you should be fine.

However, late at night, even walking outside in this zone is dangerous. Therefore, avoid doing so for your own safety. In some cases, gangs have even killed people late at night in El Prado and surrounding areas. You should always leave this zone before 9:00 p.m. unless you are very familiar with the area and know what you’re doing.
Beyond 9:00 p.m., the Central Zone becomes significantly more dangerous. Main avenues become deserted, and you’ll commonly encounter gangs, intoxicated individuals, few police officers, homeless people, and even foreigners from other South American countries, many of whom are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
The Central Zone of La Paz is considerably more dangerous at night, and without proper precautions, also during the day. This zone is where thieves targeting tourists are most prevalent. Do not remain outside there after 9:00 p.m.
What About Other Tourist Locations?
Places like the Moon Valley, the Devil’s Tooth, the cable car and its routes, the Triplet Bridges, etc., which are outside the Central Zone, are generally quite dangerous at night. During the day, they are also very risky if you’re alone or if you don’t follow your tour guide’s instructions.
For example, the cable car has some routes that terminate in very dangerous zones, where you could easily become the target of robbers. Another example is the Moon Valley. You must never be there at night or alone. We can assure you that it will end very badly for you, as it’s an isolated place where robbers and intoxicated individuals often sleep.
Similar important precautions must be taken in all tourist locations outside the Central Zone of La Paz. You should always follow your tour guide’s instructions, visit during the day, stay with your group, never accept anything from strangers, etc.
The Rest of La Paz is Quite Dangerous
Beyond the neighborhoods and zones mentioned above, the rest of La Paz is quite dangerous, both during the day and at night. All the remaining neighborhoods and places not previously mentioned should be approached with serious caution when visiting or being in them.

These relatively dangerous places (the unmentioned remaining areas of La Paz) include:
- San Pedro Zone
- The North Zone (bus station is located here)
- Any Villa of La Paz (Villa Fátima, Villa Victoria, Villa Copacabana, etc.).
- The Buenos Aires Zone (near The Witches’ Market)
- The Cementerio Zone
- Any neighborhood located on the slopes of the city.
- Achumani, Irpavi 2, Chasquipampa, and nearby neighborhoods.
- Mallasa, Mallasilla, La Paz Zoo.
- Any other area not previously mentioned.
These large areas and neighborhoods of La Paz are generally lower-income zones, and in some cases, pre-rural neighborhoods, *where foreigners, in general, are not welcome*. People in these places will view you with considerable suspicion. Robbers and pickpockets will quickly target you there. Also, many dangerous gangs operate in these neighborhoods, making them significantly more dangerous than the Central Zone.

Among these places, there are some *red zones*, such as the Buenos Aires Zone, the Cementerio Zone, and most of the Villas, where every corner is extremely dangerous. *You could enter a building in these red zones and never return*. We are being very serious about this risk.
We don’t recommend visiting these places and neighborhoods *unless you have a very good reason and are fully aware of what you’re doing*, and also with the proper guidance. In general, you need to have a much greater understanding of La Paz and its hidden risks if you intend to visit these areas.
The Entire City of El Alto is Also Quite Dangerous
You may be familiar with El Alto City, which is the third-largest city in Bolivia. Well, *the entire city is quite dangerous* for foreigners and tourists.
- El Alto’s Ceja district
- The 16 de Julio fair
- All other neighborhoods
- The outskirts of the city
During the day, El Alto City doesn’t really have any safe areas (except for *inside* the cable car stations and *inside* the airport, *which you should reach by vehicle*).
You may have heard of El Alto’s La Ceja, the city’s downtown area. It’s significantly more dangerous during the day than the downtown area of La Paz. Regarding the 16 de Julio fair, which is a huge, open-air market where you can find almost anything, *many of the items sold there are stolen*. It’s very uncommon to see tourists there, so exercise extreme caution if you decide to visit this fair. Never go alone, only in large groups, and with the guidance of a reputable tour guide.
Never Be Outside at Night in El Alto City
At night, El Alto City reaches another level of risk, with potentially life-threatening situations. It’s extremely dangerous everywhere. You could be kidnapped, poisoned, stabbed, or even killed in areas like La Ceja, 6 de Marzo Avenue, and the surrounding neighborhoods.

On the outskirts of the city, *it’s even more dangerous*. If you’re in these neighborhoods at night, there’s a high risk of not returning. You could easily be killed in these areas, and no one will help you. Furthermore, *your risk is heightened if people realize you are a tourist.*

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You can compare the outskirts of El Alto City, along with La Ceja and nearby areas, to the ghettos that exist in the US; this is the level of risk you face in these places.
How Safe is La Paz at Night?
As we’ve shown throughout this article, the entire city of La Paz is quite dangerous at night. The only neighborhoods where you should feel relatively safe at night are San Miguel, Calacoto, Sopocachi, and Miraflores (this last one requiring greater caution). Anywhere else is risky, and you need to be careful.

As we mentioned earlier, if you think the city center is safe at night, it is not. It’s quite dangerous after 9:00 p.m. Take all necessary precautions at night in this part of the city. The remaining neighborhoods and areas of La Paz are risky enough that it’s advisable to avoid them entirely at night.

Furthermore, El Alto City during the night is so dangerous that even your life is at risk. No one will help you there. Similar risks exist in dangerous neighborhoods of La Paz, such as the Buenos Aires Zone, the Cementerio Zone, and the Villas. These areas at night can be compared to the ghettos of the US.
Conclusions:
In this article about whether La Paz is a safe or dangerous city, you’ve learned that most areas of this city are indeed quite dangerous. However, there are also some very safe neighborhoods where highly educated and affluent individuals reside, along with many expats from developed countries. These neighborhoods are San Miguel, Calacoto, Sopocachi, and to a lesser extent, Miraflores.
You’ve also seen that all the neighborhoods surrounding San Miguel and Calacoto are also relatively safe, though not as safe as these two neighborhoods, and almost all of them are located in the designated South Zone of La Paz. Two other neighborhoods, San Jorge and Obrajes, are considered relatively safe.
Furthermore, you’ve learned that the Central Zone of the city can be considered somewhat safe, primarily during the day, but not at night, when you should always exercise caution. Many tourist attractions are located there. You’ve also seen that at night, the city center can be quite dangerous, and you should never be outside there after 9:00 p.m.
Finally, you’ve learned that the remaining areas and neighborhoods within La Paz City, and the entirety of El Alto City, are dangerous during the day and extremely dangerous, even life-threatening, at night. The outskirts, red zones, and Villas of both cities present risks comparable to those of ghettos in the US. You should never be in these places unless you have extensive knowledge of the area and know exactly what you’re doing.
We hope this information has been helpful. If you’d like to know which are the safest places to live in Bolivia, whether you’re a tourist or an expat, with comprehensive details about each location, please visit our dedicated guide here: [Link].
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