Pannon Scout On The Trail In Bolivia II – Safety & Gear

Don’t be stupid! It’s as simple as that. Be polite and friendly to everybody. It’s not that hard, because Bolivians are amazingly nice and hospitable people. Crime is an issue in Bolivia. But on the other hand it is not downtown Bagdad! If you follow some simple rules that will work everywhere else you will be good to go.

Cocain lab or just a hut. Listen to locals and their warnings!

Leave your Rolex or Patek Philippe at home. Don’t count money out on the streets. Be aware of your surroundings and keep a reasonable distance to people. Try to move at least in pairs and watch each other. 99% of the crime you will encounter is thievery. Don’t let your stuff unattended and make sure the guy who is trying to sneak near to you will realize that you are watching him closely. Keep your pockets and bags closed and don’t carry around more money then you need. Like I said before I like options. Having a weapon on you is an option. I’m not saying that you should, it is just an option you should think about. Make sure that you are aware of legal restrictions when you acquire a specific weapon and if you want to follow them or not. Don’t behave like in a zoo. You can make pictures and capture interesting characters and people’s lifestyle but don’t overdo it. If your guide tells you not to take pictures in a certain place you should obey. He will know why and this will save you from unpleasant experiences. Listen to the advices locals give to you. If you are traveling in a group make sure that everybody understands the rules. Single women in their mid forties who are self proclaimed traveling experts with “a lot of experience” are the worst. They will not listen to the local guide, start discussions about everything and question decisions by experienced folks just because they have nothing else to do. Don’t try to save them, because they are already lost. You should stay away from them and don’t integrate them in your plans. If you have to sacrifice them you should do so. You are only responsible for your own safety.

Be aware of theives on crowdes streets and plazas.

Use the services that your countries embassy is providing. Make sure that they know you are in Bolivia and where to contact you. Have the embassies emergency phone number on your person 24/7. If you plan to stay longer you should pay them a visit and get some personal contacts. On the other hand you should not expect to much help from them. There will be no cavalary send out to save you. The USA and probably Great Britain and Israel are the only countries that are able to conduct rescue operations to evacuate their citizens abroad. Rooming dogs can be a problem especially to the hiker. Local folks told me that the dogs in Bolivia are not as aggressive as in Peru. Well, I have to say that I had some unpleasant encounters. You will find them in every village or town you will come trough. If you adopt an aware and responsible mindset you will be good to go and easily enjoy your stay.

Explosion in a canyon. Explosives are sold to the miners on markets and are easily accessible to locals. In the jungle it is used for blast fishing. Somehow or other it is dangerous!

Gear! What to bring?
Bring a knife! Have a good folder and a fixed blade. Consider them as a tool and a weapon. There are no legal restrictions in Bolivia concerning blade length or action. Bring lights! Keep in mind that electrical services tend to break down in third world countries. Have a powerful torch for the jungle plus a headlight and at least one small backup torch on your person. The last one will be the one used the most and will save the day more than once! Bring a sleeping bag even when you don’t plan to sleep in the outdoors. The nights are cold and there are lots of hotels where you are happy you don’t have to use the nasty blanket they offer you. Make sure you pack for 3 seasons. The days can be really warm even during the winter months. The nights are cold. On the Altiplano you can witness a temperature drop of 20 degrees Celsius when the sun sets. Bring a proper hydration system and consider a water filter. In the Chapare and Beni region it’s hydrate or die! You will easily consume 6-8 L of water during a 30k day hike. Carrying more then 3L is heavy and bulky. Your local guide might encourage you to drink from the crystal clear rivers and creeks in the jungle. Don’t do it! Make sure that you have a look around the next bend of the river before you start to filter water. Bolivians love to go out and wash everything from cars to laundry in the jungle rivers. Gaiters can save you from the unpleasant experience of insects and snakes crawling up into your pants or boots. I also recommend bringing shirts with long sleeves. This will reduce your exposure to mosquitoes significantly. Wearing shorts and a t-shirt will not only make you a formidable meal for everything that wants to stitch you but will also expose you to the sun. In 4000m height the sun will roast you in no time. So cover yourself and bring a good sunscreen.

ALWAYS ON THE TRAIL!