Australians planning to travel to South America have been urged to pay attention to their itineraries.
Government website smarttraveller.gov.au has updated its advice for anyone planning to visit Bolivia.
"We now advise [you] reconsider your need to travel to the Chapare region in the department of Cochabamba due to the risk of violent crime," the website says.
"Criminal groups and gangs linked to illegal drug trafficking operate in this region.
"Authorities may be very limited or unable to provide assistance in this area.
"We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Bolivia overall due to the threat of violent crime and the risk of civil unrest."
Most of the rural territory consists of valley rainforests that surround the area's main waterway, the Chapare River, a tributary of the Amazon.
The provincial capital is Sacaba, while the town of Villa Tunari is a popular tourist destination.
Australia joins the UK in warning against visiting the region. It warns against "all but essential travel" to or through the Chapare region.
Image: Cochabamba City, Bolivia
