20-Day Ultimate Family-Friendly Epic Journey Across Bolivia
Bolivia is a land of breathtaking contrasts, from tropical lowlands to the surreal high-altitude landscapes of the Andes. This 20-day epic journey is specifically designed for families who want to experience the soul of South America without the typical stress of high-altitude travel. By starting in the lowlands of Santa Cruz and slowly ascending, your family can acclimate comfortably while enjoying world-class dinosaur tracks, colorful markets, and the world's largest salt flats.
Our 'Family Travel Guides' style focuses on manageable daily schedules, private transfers for intercity travel, and selecting attractions that spark wonder in children and adults alike. With an average daily cost of USD 34.33, this itinerary proves that an epic continental adventure can be both accessible and affordable for those traveling with little ones.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Santa Cruz de la Sierra - Tropical Arrival
Arrival at Viru Viru International Airport
Touch down in Bolivia's largest and lowest-altitude city. This is the perfect place to start your trip to avoid immediate altitude sickness.
Check-in & Lunch at Plaza 24 de Septiembre
Enjoy a relaxed lunch in the main square. The plaza is stroller-friendly and perfect for people-watching while the kids spot sloths in the trees.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Lawrence
Climb the clock tower for a panoramic view of the city (older kids will love the narrow stairs).
Dinner at Montero Street
Taste local 'Majadito' (rice and duck) in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Day 2: Santa Cruz - Nature & Butterflies
Biocentro Güembé
Spend the day at this massive ecological park. It features the world's largest butterfly dome and multiple swimming pools for kids to burn off energy.
Güembé Buffet Lunch
Enjoy a hassle-free meal within the park grounds, featuring fresh local fruits and juices.
Laguna de los Helechos
Take a gentle boat ride on the lagoon to see orchids and aquatic birds.
Evening at Manzana Uno
Visit this art gallery located in a renovated police station; the outdoor space is great for kids to run around.
Day 3: Santa Cruz - Wildlife Exploration
Santa Cruz Municipal Zoo
Focusing on South American fauna, this zoo allows kids to see jaguars, toucans, and monkeys in a lush, shaded environment.
Lunch at Los Tajibos
A comfortable, family-oriented restaurant with high chairs and a varied menu.
Plazuela Calleja
A quiet, bohemian square perfect for an afternoon ice cream and a relaxed walk.
Packing & Prep
Early night to prepare for your short domestic flight tomorrow.
Day 4: Santa Cruz to Sucre - The White City
Flight to Sucre
A quick 45-minute flight takes you to the beautiful colonial capital. This avoids a 12-hour bumpy bus ride.
Settling into Sucre
Check into a colonial guesthouse. Sucre is at 2,800m, so keep activity levels low today.
Plaza 25 de Mayo
Explore the central square, home to the Cathedral and historical government buildings.
Chocolate Tasting
Visit 'Para Ti' chocolate shop—a mandatory stop for kids in the chocolate capital of Bolivia.
Day 5: Sucre - Dinosaurs & History
Parque Cretácico (Dino Truck)
Take the 'Sauromóvil' from the main square to this incredible park featuring 5,000+ dinosaur footprints. A massive hit for children.
Lunch with a View
Eat at a cafe overlooking the Cretaceous park cliffs.
Casa de la Libertad
Learn about Bolivia's independence in the building where the declaration was signed.
Dinner at Condor Cafe
A non-profit vegetarian cafe with a cozy atmosphere and great kids' options.
Day 6: Sucre - Panoramic Views & Play
La Recoleta Monastery
Walk up (or take a taxi) to the plaza for the best views over the terracotta roofs of Sucre.
ASUR Textile Museum
An educational look at indigenous weaving. Kids can often see weavers in action.
Bolivar Park
A large green space with a mini Eiffel Tower and a playground—essential for 'reset' time for kids.
Family Dinner at Abis Cafe
Located right on the main square with excellent pastries and snacks.
Day 7: Sucre to Potosí - Moving Higher
Private Transfer to Potosí
A 3-hour scenic drive ascending to 4,060m. Private cars offer more comfort for families than the public bus.
Arrival in Potosí
Check in and have a light lunch. Rest is crucial today as you are now at very high altitude.
Potosí City Walk
Slowly walk to the main plaza to admire the silver-rich colonial architecture.
Early Dinner
Soup is a local favorite and helps with digestion at high altitudes.
Day 8: Potosí - Silver History
Casa Nacional de la Moneda
The Royal Mint of Potosí. It is a massive museum with old machinery and coins—very engaging for school-aged kids.
Lunch near the Market
Try the local salteñas (Bolivian empanadas) from a reputable bakery.
San Francisco Convent Rooftop
Great views of Cerro Rico, the legendary silver mountain.
Rest & Hydrate
Drink plenty of water before the journey to Uyuni tomorrow.
Day 9: Potosí to Uyuni - The Gateway
Travel to Uyuni
A 4-hour drive through the Altiplano. Keep an eye out for vicuñas and llamas along the road.
Lunch in Uyuni Town
A chance to stock up on snacks and sunblock before heading into the salt flats.
Train Cemetery
Located just outside town, these rusted locomotives are a giant playground for kids and adults alike.
Salt Hotel Experience
Stay in a hotel made entirely of salt blocks—walls, beds, and tables!
Day 10: Salar de Uyuni - The Great White
Exploring the Salt Flats
Drive into the vast white expanse. Take the classic "perspective" photos that kids will love posing for.
Isla Incahuasi
A cactus-covered island in the middle of the salt. Hike to the top for a 360-degree view.
Colchani Village
Visit local salt processing workshops and buy salt-made souvenirs.
Sunset on the Salar
Watch the colors change on the horizon—an unforgettable family moment.
Day 11: Uyuni to La Paz - Moving to the Metropolis
Flight to La Paz
The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the seat of government.
Arrival in La Paz
Experience the dramatic arrival at El Alto airport, overlooking the valley of La Paz.
Lunch in Sopocachi
Try some modern Bolivian cuisine at one of the many cafes in this trendy district.
Relax at the Hotel
Let the kids adjust to the 3,600m altitude of La Paz.
Day 12: La Paz - Cable Cars in the Clouds
Mi Teleférico Tour
Ride the world's highest cable car system. The Red and Yellow lines offer spectacular views and are stroller-friendly.
Lunch at Mercado Lanza
A clean, modern market where you can grab fresh fruit juices and local snacks.
Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas)
Explore the fascinating stalls selling colorful textiles, herbal medicines, and quirky charms.
Dinner in the City Center
Enjoy a cozy meal before the city lights sparkle below you.
Day 13: La Paz - Moon Valley Exploration
Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)
A short drive to the south of the city. Walk through the bizarre, eroded clay formations that look like the lunar surface.
Lunch in Mallasa
Eat at a garden restaurant near the valley, which usually has more space for kids to play.
Vesty Pakos Zoo
Located near Moon Valley, this zoo focuses on Andean conservation and has plenty of walking paths.
Evening Chill
Return to the hotel via the Green Line teleférico.
Day 14: La Paz - Culture & Museums
National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore (MUSEF)
The mask room is incredible and usually captures the imagination of children.
Lunch at Gustu
A world-renowned restaurant that offers a 'tasting' of Bolivia's biodiversity (book in advance for a treat).
Plaza Murillo
Feed the pigeons and see the Presidential Palace and the Congress building.
Street Food Tour
Join a guided evening food tour to safely try 'Anticuchos' (skewered beef heart).
Day 15: La Paz to Copacabana - Lakeside Bound
Tourist Bus to Copacabana
A 4-hour journey to Lake Titicaca. The bus crosses the Tiquina Strait on a barge—a fun experience for kids.
Lunch by the Lake
Try the 'Trucha' (Lake Trout), the specialty of the region, at a shoreline stall.
Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana
Visit the stunning white moorish-style cathedral.
Sunset Walk
A gentle stroll along the beach as the sun sets over the world's highest navigable lake.
Day 16: Lake Titicaca - Isla del Sol
Boat Trip to Isla del Sol
Take a private or shared boat to the southern part of the island. It is quiet, peaceful, and car-free.
Yumani Stairs
Climb the Inca stairs to the Fountain of Youth. Go slowly—the altitude is high!
Traditional Apthapi Lunch
Enjoy a communal highland lunch laid out on the ground with local potatoes, cheese, and grains.
Return to Copacabana
Relax on the boat ride back across the deep blue water.
Day 17: Copacabana - Relaxation Day
Paddle Boating on the Lake
Rent a swan-shaped paddle boat for some lighthearted family fun on the water.
Picnic Lunch
Grab supplies from the local market and head to a quiet spot on the shore.
Horca del Inca
A pre-Incan astronomical observatory. The hike is short but steep.
Farewell Lakeside Dinner
One last trout dinner before heading back to the city.
Day 18: Copacabana to La Paz - The Return
Bus back to La Paz
Enjoy the views of the Royal Cordillera mountains on the return journey.
Check-in & Souvenir Shopping
Head to Calle Sagarnaga for the best selection of wool sweaters and gifts.
Musical Instrument Museum
A small, hands-on museum where kids can try playing traditional Andean instruments.
Dinner in Calacoto
The lower, warmer part of La Paz has excellent international dining options.
Day 19: La Paz - Tiwanaku Day Trip
Drive to Tiwanaku
A 2-hour drive to the most important pre-Columbian ruins in Bolivia.
Exploring Akapana Pyramid
See the Gate of the Sun and the monolithic statues. It's an outdoor museum, so bring hats!
Local Quinoa Lunch
Try dishes made from the Altiplano's superfood at a nearby village restaurant.
Return to La Paz
Rest on the drive back to the city.
Day 20: La Paz - Departure
Final Breakfast
Enjoy a slow breakfast with fresh tropical fruits from the yungas region.
Transfer to El Alto Airport
Allow plenty of time for the drive uphill through La Paz traffic.
Last Minute Shopping
The airport has great coffee and high-quality chocolate for last-minute gifts.
International Departure
Head home with memories of an epic Andean adventure.
Best Time to Visit Bolivia
The best time to visit Bolivia is during the dry season, from May to October. This period offers clear blue skies, which are perfect for visiting the Salar de Uyuni and hiking in the Andes. However, if you want to see the 'mirror effect' on the salt flats, you should visit during the rainy season (January to March), but be prepared for some road closures and travel delays. For families, the dry season is generally preferred for its predictable weather and easier transport conditions.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Boliviano (BOB). While credit cards are increasingly accepted in major hotels and upscale restaurants in La Paz and Santa Cruz, Bolivia remains a heavily cash-based society. You will need cash for markets, small cafes, and public transport. ATMs are widely available in cities, but it's wise to carry some USD as a backup. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 10% in restaurants is a standard gesture for good service.
Getting Around Bolivia
Intercity travel in Bolivia can be challenging but rewarding. For families, domestic flights (via BoA or Amazonas) are highly recommended between Santa Cruz, Sucre, and La Paz to save time and avoid long, winding bus journeys. Within cities, La Paz's 'Mi Teleférico' cable car system is the gold standard for clean, safe, and efficient transport. For the Salar de Uyuni, always book a private 4x4 tour for maximum comfort and flexibility with kids.
