A bar where customers can openly consume cocaine while sipping cocktails and socializing like it’s just another night out—sounds unreal, right? Yet, deep in the nightlife of La Paz, Route 36 is an infamous fixture in underground tourism. Dubbed the world’s first cocaine bar, it has attracted an international crowd, making it one of Bolivia’s worst-kept secrets.

How Does Route 36 Operate?

Despite being 100% illegal, Route 36 continues to thrive. Its secret? Constant relocation. Unlike regular bars, Route 36 is not tied to a single address. Instead, it moves from one hidden location to another, evading authorities who are either unable or unwilling to crack down on it permanently.

• The bar reportedly operates through word of mouth, with taxi drivers and certain locals leading curious tourists to its latest hidden venue.
• Inside, cocaine is not just tolerated but openly served—it’s allegedly offered on a menu, much like ordering a beer or a shot of tequila.
• Security measures are tight—patrons are reportedly searched for weapons, but drug use is fully encouraged within the premises.

A former visitor once described the experience:

“I was handed a drink and a mirror with a pile of coke on it—like a complimentary snack at a restaurant.”

This unsettlingly casual approach to drug consumption has made Route 36 a legend in illicit tourism.

Why Is Bolivia Allowing This?

Bolivia has a complex relationship with cocaine. As one of the world’s top producers of coca leaves, the country has long been a major player in the global drug trade.

Former Bolivian president Evo Morales—who was himself a coca farmer—pushed for policies to decriminalize coca leaf cultivation, arguing that coca has traditional uses beyond cocaine production. However, Route 36’s open-door policy for drug tourism casts a shadow over Bolivia’s stance on drug regulation.

Despite efforts to combat the international drug trade, local corruption and weak enforcement allow Route 36 to exist. It has been reported that police raids do happen, but the owners simply bribe their way out or relocate the bar overnight.

Who’s Going to Route 36? The Cocaine Tourist Phenomenon

Bolivia’s drug tourism industry is booming, with Route 36 as its main attraction. The bar is frequented not by locals but by Western backpackers, digital nomads, and thrill-seekers.

A South American travel blogger described it as:

“The one place where gringos go to feel like Pablo Escobar for a night.”

Tourists who visit Route 36 often share the same motivations:

✔️ Curiosity – The idea of a secret cocaine bar is too wild to pass up.
✔️ Cheap Prices – Cocaine in Bolivia is significantly cheaper than in North America or Europe.
✔️ The Thrill – Being part of an “underground” scene makes them feel like outlaws.

However, there are also serious dangers:

• Spiked drinks and violence: Reports of drink-spiking, robberies, and even assaults have surfaced over the years.
• Unregulated drugs: Tourists have no way of knowing whether the cocaine is pure or laced with dangerous chemicals.
• Legal risks: Being caught in a drug-related incident can land a foreigner in a Bolivian prison, where conditions are notoriously harsh.

The Ethical Debate: A Party Bar or a Criminal Enterprise?

Route 36 might be Bolivia’s worst-kept secret, but it raises important ethical questions:

❌ Does it exploit local poverty?
While foreign tourists party with cheap cocaine, the reality for many Bolivians is far from glamorous. Drug production fuels violence, exploitation, and corruption in poorer communities.

❌ Does it put tourists in danger?
No country explicitly allows a cocaine bar to exist—meaning that if something goes wrong, the victim has little to no legal protection.

❌ Is it fueling the global drug trade?
By supporting Route 36, tourists are directly funding illegal drug networks, making them active participants in the cocaine economy.

The real impact of Route 36 extends far beyond a night of partying.

Will Route 36 Ever Be Shut Down?

For over a decade, authorities have tried and failed to shut down Route 36. Its moving locations, bribes, and underground network have made it nearly impossible to eliminate.

With Bolivia’s ongoing struggle with drug regulation, it’s likely that Route 36 will continue to operate in some form, attracting thrill-seekers who want a taste of the forbidden.

But for every tourist who walks into Route 36 for a wild night, there’s a much darker reality behind the scenes—one that tourists might not be prepared to face.

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