The fires, the most damaging in the country's recent history, have left thousands homeless and half the country blanketed in smoke. Visitors to eastern Bolivia should be aware of the health risks of heavy smoke and the probable damage to local infrastructure. 2 June '99 Lonely Planet has received a number of credible reports of the drugging and subsequent rape of female tourists who have taken jungle and pampas tours around Rurrenabaque, with an independent guide formerly employed by a tour company that has since closed. This individual has an excellent knowledge of the Bolivian lowlands and may be operating under a false name in other parts of the country. Jungle and pampas tours have become very popular, and are still strongly recommended.
Most travellers have an excellent experience, but caution is warranted.
As a general rule all travellers, but especially women travellers, who take tours in isolated regions should be security conscious. It is often safer to travel with larger groups on tours run by reputable agencies. Avoid rogue guides or those who have broken away from established agencies. The Bolivian authorities have grounded several of their aircraft for safety checks after recent problems on their domestic routes raised questions about LAB's safety practices. The announcement recommends that all American travelers exercise caution in the use of domestic air services within Bolivia - presumably the rest of us are immune to plane crashes.