12-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Bolivia
Bolivia is often perceived as a rugged destination for backpackers, but it is also a treasure trove for families seeking culture, nature, and adventure at a slower pace. This 12-day itinerary prioritizes low-altitude starts, comfortable transportation, and engaging activities that will keep children entertained without exhausting the adults.
We have carefully selected routes that minimize long bus rides in favor of domestic flights or private transfers, ensuring your family stays rested. From the tropical gardens of Santa Cruz to the prehistoric wonders of Sucre and the surreal landscapes of the Salt Flats, this is the definitive guide to exploring Bolivia with your loved ones.
Day 1: Santa Cruz de la Sierra - Arrival & Tropical Transition
Arrival at Viru Viru International Airport
Touch down in Bolivia's most modern city. Santa Cruz is at a lower altitude, making it the perfect place for families to acclimatize before heading into the mountains.
Lunch at Plaza 24 de Septiembre
Enjoy a relaxed meal at one of the cafes surrounding the main square. The plaza is flat, stroller-friendly, and perfect for people-watching under the shade of massive trees.
Santa Cruz Zoo
Visit the Zoológico Fauna Sudamericana, which focuses on native Bolivian species. It is manageable in size and features paved walkways suitable for strollers.
Dinner at a Local Churrasqueria
Santa Cruz is famous for its grilled meats. Many restaurants feature outdoor seating and a very kid-welcoming atmosphere.
Day 2: Santa Cruz de la Sierra - Nature & Water Play
Biocentro Güembé Mariposario
This massive eco-park features one of the world's largest butterfly houses. It is a sensory delight for children and offers plenty of space to run around safely.
Picnic Lunch at Güembé
Enjoy a lunch surrounded by tropical plants. There are several onsite restaurants that offer high chairs and kid-friendly menus.
Swimming in Natural Lagoons
Cool off in the park's beautiful swimming pools and lagoons. The water is shallow in several areas, making it safe for toddlers under supervision.
Evening Stroll in Equipetrol
Explore the upscale Equipetrol district, which has paved sidewalks and a variety of international dining options that cater to picky eaters.
Day 3: Santa Cruz to Sucre - The White City Journey
Morning Flight to Sucre
Take a short 45-minute flight to Sucre. This saves you 10+ hours on a bus, which is a major win for family sanity.
Check-in and Altitude Rest
Sucre is at 2,800m. Spend the first few hours relaxing at your hotel to help the kids adjust to the thinner air.
Plaza 25 de Mayo Exploration
Walk the main square. Sucre is known as the 'White City' for its beautiful colonial architecture. The plaza is a central hub where kids can feed pigeons and watch street performers.
Chocolate Tasting at Chocolates Para Ti
Visit the most famous chocolate shop in Sucre. It’s a guaranteed hit with the children and a great place to pick up sweet souvenirs.
Day 4: Sucre - Dinosaurs & Culture
Parque Cretácico (Dinosaur Park)
Take the 'Dino-bus' from the city center to see the world’s largest collection of dinosaur footprints. There are life-sized models and a playground for the little ones.
Lunch with a View at La Recoleta
Eat at a cafe near the Recoleta monastery. It offers a stunning panoramic view of the city and has a large open plaza for kids to roam.
ASUR Textile Museum
A calm, indoor activity where kids can see traditional weaving techniques. It’s visually stimulating and culturally educational without being overwhelming.
Family Dinner at Joy Ride Cafe
A popular spot with a dedicated menu for kids and a very relaxed, international vibe.
Day 5: Sucre - Local Life & Crafts
Mercado Central Visit
Explore the fruit stalls and juice bars. It’s a great way to introduce kids to exotic fruits like cherimoya in a vibrant, safe environment.
Simon Bolivar Park
This is Sucre’s favorite family park. It features a miniature Eiffel Tower that kids can climb and a large playground area.
Casa de la Libertad
The historic building where the Bolivian declaration of independence was signed. The inner courtyards are peaceful and easy to navigate with a stroller.
Relaxed Evening at the Hotel
Order in or enjoy the hotel courtyard to prepare for the travel day ahead.
Day 6: Sucre to Uyuni - Transition to the Altiplano
Morning Flight to Uyuni
Again, a short flight is much preferred over the long, bumpy road journey. Uyuni is higher and colder, so layer up!
Check into a Salt Hotel
Stay in a hotel literally made of salt. This is a magical experience for children and very comfortable for families.
Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes)
Located just outside town, these rusted 19th-century locomotives are like a giant jungle gym for kids to explore and photograph.
Stargazing Intro
Uyuni has some of the clearest skies in the world. Many hotels offer early evening stargazing sessions suitable for older kids.
Day 7: Salar de Uyuni - The Great White Desert
Exploring the Salt Flats
Head out onto the vast white expanse. It’s flat, safe, and endless—perfect for children to run around without getting lost.
Picnic Lunch on the Salar
Most private tours set up a table and chairs in the middle of nowhere for a truly memorable family meal.
Perspective Photoshoot
Use the horizon to take 'funny' photos (e.g., kids standing on a giant water bottle). This is often the highlight of the trip for children.
Sunset over the Salt
Watch the colors change. If it’s the rainy season (Jan-Mar), the mirror effect is breathtaking but can be cold, so keep the kids warm.
Day 8: Uyuni - Islands and Colchani
Incahuasi Island
A hilly outcrop covered in giant cacti. The paths are well-maintained, though not stroller-accessible; a baby carrier is recommended here.
Lunch in Colchani Village
Learn how salt is processed manually. It’s a quick and interesting stop that shows local industry at a grassroots level.
Ojos del Salar
See the 'Eyes of the Salt Flat'—bubbles emerging from the ground. It’s a fascinating natural phenomenon that sparks curiosity.
Warm Dinner at the Salt Hotel
Enjoy a hearty Andean soup to warm up as the desert temperatures drop quickly at night.
Day 9: Uyuni to La Paz - Sky-High Adventure
Morning Flight to La Paz
Fly into El Alto airport. On a clear day, the views of the Illimani mountain from the window are spectacular.
Mi Teleférico Ride
Instead of a taxi, take the cable car system down into the city. It’s clean, safe, stroller-friendly, and offers the best 'playground' view ever.
Late Lunch in Sopocachi
This neighborhood is flatter and more residential, making it easier to walk with a family than the steep historic center.
Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas)
A vibrant and quirky market. Kids will be fascinated by the colorful textiles and strange potions (just keep an eye out for dried llama fetuses!).
Day 10: La Paz - Valley of the Moon
Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)
A short drive from the city center, this maze of clay formations feels like another planet. There is a clearly marked walking circuit.
Lunch in Mallasa
The area near Moon Valley has a lower altitude and warmer climate than central La Paz, with many restaurants featuring gardens.
Vesty Pakos Zoo
Located in Mallasa, this zoo is spacious and focuses on Andean wildlife like the Andean Bear and Condors.
Dinner near Plaza Murillo
The political heart of the city is beautifully lit at night and generally easy to walk around in the evening.
Day 11: La Paz - Museums & Toys
Museo de Instrumentos Musicales
A very hands-on museum where children are encouraged to try out some of the unique Bolivian instruments.
Lunch at a Salteñería
Try Salteñas, the delicious Bolivian breakfast pastries. They are savory, slightly sweet, and loved by children.
Calle Jaén Exploration
The most beautiful colonial street in La Paz. It’s narrow and traffic-free, making it safe for kids to explore the small museums and galleries.
Farewell Dinner with Folklore
Find a restaurant that offers a 'Peña' (traditional music and dance show). The vibrant costumes and upbeat music are very engaging for kids.
Day 12: La Paz - Departure
Souvenir Shopping at Sagarnaga
Pick up last-minute alpaca sweaters or handcrafted toys. This street is iconic and very colorful for a final walk.
Last Ride on the Green Line
Take one final cable car ride to soak in the views of the sprawling city nestled in the mountains.
Leisurely Farewell Lunch
Enjoy one last Bolivian meal at a cafe in the Zona Sur, the modern and most accessible part of the city.
Transfer to El Alto Airport
Head back to the airport for your flight home, having successfully navigated the wonders of the Andes with your family.
Best Time to Visit Bolivia
The best time to visit Bolivia is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During these months, the skies are clear and blue, making travel by air and road much more predictable. For families, this avoids the muddy roads and flight delays of the rainy season. If you want to see the 'mirror effect' on the Salt Flats, visit between January and March, but be prepared for cold nights and possible itinerary changes due to water levels.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Boliviano (BOB). While high-end hotels and restaurants in Santa Cruz and La Paz accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard are most common), Bolivia remains a cash-heavy society. You will need small bills for markets, public transport, and tips. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 10% in sit-down restaurants is standard. ATMs are widely available in cities but can be scarce in rural areas like Uyuni.
Getting Around Bolivia
For families, the best way to travel between major cities like Santa Cruz, Sucre, and La Paz is by domestic flight. Airlines like Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) are reliable. Within La Paz, the 'Mi Teleférico' cable car system is the most efficient, clean, and fun way to get around. For shorter distances or day trips, hiring a private driver or using 'Radio Taxis' (ordered via phone or app) is safer and more comfortable than public minibuses or 'micros'.
