2 guides, each rated 1 to 5 with the reason — and two lists per place, where you are comfortable and where to pay attention. Nowhere is called dangerous; the specific thing is what helps.
The altitude and the cold are the whole risk: the flat is 3,656m, the southern lagoons reach 4,900m, and July nights hit -20°C. Choose the tour operator on safety rather than price — there have been fatal 4x4 crashes on the flat caused by speed and by drivers who had been drinking. Ask directly about seatbelts, radios and whether the driver drinks.
Comfortable: Uyuni · Colchani
4x4 operators — there have been fatal crashes on the flat caused by speed and by drivers who had been drinking. Ask directly about seatbelts, radios and the driver
The cold, which reaches -20°C on winter nights on the southern route
Altitude on the lagoon circuit, which climbs to 4,900m
Driving onto the salt yourself, where the crust thins near the edges and vehicles go through
The altitude is the first thing and it is serious: 3,600m in the city, 4,061m at the airport. Arrive and do nothing for a day, drink water, skip alcohol. Crime is opportunist — express kidnapping from street taxis is a documented risk, so use an app. Protests and road blockades are frequent and can close the airport road.
Comfortable: Sopocachi · Zona Sur, La Paz · San Miguel, La Paz · Mi Teleférico
Express kidnapping from street taxis, which is documented — use an app or a radio taxi
El Alto — the market areas, on Thursday and Sunday, with valuables on show
Plaza Murillo — and the centre during protests, which are frequent and can close roads for days
The altitude, at 3,600m, which is the actual first-day risk
The ratings are this site's own, from the guides' authors and the corrections readers send in; they are not an index. Read the general advice in travel safety tips.
