The chaos of mid-October that forced the presidentÂ’s resignation has passed, mass demonstrations in the cities have stopped and roadblocks in the Altiplano and Yungas Valley have been dismantled, but the political and social situation remains uncertain. Roadblocks could be constructed at any time and travel between Oruro and Lake Titicaca, and to the Yungas Valley east of La Paz, should be undertaken with caution. Campesino groups have attacked local travelers and foreigners in these areas, and roadblocks should be respected even if they appear to be unattended. In Santa Cruz, BoliviaÂ’s second largest city, the 22-year-old daughter of a U.S. consular official was killed recently in a carjacking attempt. The city is experiencing a crime wave, with a marked increase in carjackings and daylight robberies.
