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Traveler Warning: Possible Violence in Pando

This warning is for people traveling to Bolivia in general and to Cobija city and PandoDepartment in particular. On Sunday, June 1st and after, violence could explode in this area, when an illegal autonomy referendum is scheduled, due to the illegal nature of this act, civil unrest, demonstrations and blockades are expected.Demonstrations or large gatherings may take place in major cities on June 1st and after. Travelers are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational between the promoters of this act and security forces, demonstrators, and bystanders, and escalate into violence. Travelers are urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any protests. If you find yourself in the vicinity of a large gathering, it is recommended you leave the area immediately for your own safety. Travelers should stay current with media coverage of local events.In addition to civil unrest in cities, it is not uncommon for roads between cities to be blocked by protesters or marchers. Please note that the police have limited capabilities outside major cities and communication is poor.The police will be on alert for potential civil unrest. Because the police will be involved in addressing potential civil unrest, there will be minimal police patrols. As a result, you can expect criminals to take advantage of large crowds and use ruse or diversionary tactics to prey on potential street victims. Pick-pocketing, purse snatching, and theft are the most common street crimes during such periods. Everyone is advised to limit their cash on hand, unnecessary credit cards, jewelry, and other portable valuables.

Traveler Warning: Posible Violence in Beni

This warning is for people traveling to Bolivia in general and to Trinidad city and Beni Department in particular. On Sunday, June 1st and after, violence could explode in this area, when an illegal autonomy referendum is scheduled, due to the illegal nature of this act, civil unrest, demonstrations and blockades are expected.Demonstrations or large gatherings may take place in major cities on June 1st and after. Travelers are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational between the promoters of this act and security forces, demonstrators, and bystanders, and escalate into violence. Travelers are urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any protests. If you find yourself in the vicinity of a large gathering, it is recommended you leave the area immediately for your own safety. Travelers should stay current with media coverage of local events.In addition to civil unrest in cities, it is not uncommon for roads between cities to be blocked by protesters or marchers. Please note that the police have limited capabilities outside major cities and communication is poor.The police will be on alert for potential civil unrest. Because the police will be involved in addressing potential civil unrest, there will be minimal police patrols. As a result, you can expect criminals to take advantage of large crowds and use ruse or diversionary tactics to prey on potential street victims. Pick-pocketing, purse snatching, and theft are the most common street crimes during such periods. Everyone is advised to limit their cash on hand, unnecessary credit cards, jewelry, and other portable valuables.

Coming event: El Gran Poder

Fiesta de Jesús del Gran Poder

If you're in La Paz on May 17th this is an event you can miss. Fiesta de Jesús del Gran Poder is one of the larges celebrations in Bolivia outside the Carnabal. The religious celebration include dances performed by devotes of the image of Jesus, one of the most revered and venerated images in Bolivia.

The dancers parade starts around 10:00 a.m. and lasts the entire day, it starts at Cementerio near the Jesus of Grand Poder Chruch and finishes at Park Roosevelt near the Hernando Siles Stadium, crossing the entire downtown area, you'll need to get a sit early in the morning, the area near Plaza San Francisco is considered to be one of the best places to be watch this magnificent traditional dances display. For additional information, check the event official Web Site (click here)

May 17th (Movable according with the Catholic Calendar)
Fiesta de Jesús del Gran Poder
La Paz-La Paz
Religious/ethnic

Road Block at Oruro-Cochabamba road

Due to social unrest the road from Oruro-Cochabamba is blocked at Colcapirhua. More updates on this coming soon. (Date: 5/9/08)


Road block lifted (Date: 5/10/08)