17-Day Epic Family Journey: The Ultimate Bolivia Travel Guide
Bolivia is often seen as a destination for rugged backpackers, but it is actually a hidden gem for families seeking an epic journey. This 17-day itinerary prioritizes a relaxed pace, choosing comfortable intercity travel and starting at lower altitudes to ensure the kids (and parents!) stay energized and healthy throughout the trip.
We have carefully selected locations that balance educational history with pure outdoor fun. You will glide over cities in cable cars, walk in the tracks of real dinosaurs, and witness the surreal beauty of the world's largest salt flats, all while staying in family-oriented accommodations with reliable transport links.
Day 1: Santa Cruz, Bolivia - Arrival & Tropical Transition
Arrival at Viru Viru International Airport
Touch down in Bolivia's most modern city. Starting in Santa Cruz (400m altitude) is the best way for kids to acclimatize before heading to the Andes.
Check-in & Lunch at Plaza 24 de Septiembre
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a cafe overlooking the main square. The plaza is great for stroller walks and watching the local sloths that occasionally hang from the trees.
Catedral Metropolitana
Visit the iconic brick cathedral. Older kids will enjoy climbing the bell tower for a panoramic view of the tropical city.
Dinner at a 'Churrasquería'
Santa Cruz is famous for its grilled meats. Many restaurants feature play areas for children, making it a stress-free first dinner.
Day 2: Santa Cruz, Bolivia - Tropical Wildlife Fun
Biocentro Güembé
A massive park with the world's largest butterfly dome, orchid gardens, and multiple swimming pools. It is fully accessible and perfect for a full family day out.
Lunch at Güembé Restaurant
Stay on-site for a buffet-style lunch featuring both international and local dishes like 'Majadito'.
Lomas de Arena
Take a short taxi ride to these massive sand dunes. It is like a giant sandbox for the kids, and you can even try sandboarding.
Evening Leisure
Return to the hotel for an early night. Preparation for tomorrow's short flight is key.
Day 3: Sucre, Bolivia - Journey to the White City
Flight to Sucre
Take a short 45-minute flight to Sucre. This avoids a 12-hour bus ride, keeping the kids happy and the schedule on track.
Lunch at Mercado Central
Head to the upper floor for fresh fruit juices and 'Salteñas' (Bolivian empanadas). It is a colorful, sensory experience for children.
Parque Bolívar
Sucre’s favorite park features a miniature Eiffel Tower and a large playground. It is the most stroller-friendly spot in the city.
Dinner at La Taverne
A quiet, cozy spot with kid-friendly French-Bolivian fusion and high chairs available.
Day 4: Sucre, Bolivia - Dinosaurs & History
Parque Cretácico (Cal Orck’o)
Take the 'Dino-Bus' from the main square. See the world's largest collection of dinosaur footprints on a vertical wall. The life-sized models are a huge hit with kids.
Lunch at Dino-Café
The park has a themed cafe with views of the footprint wall, perfect for a quick bite before heading back.
Casa de la Libertad
Learn about Bolivia's independence in this beautiful colonial building. The courtyards are spacious and peaceful.
Chocolate Tasting
Sucre is the chocolate capital of Bolivia. Visit Para Ti Chocolate for some sweet souvenirs and a hot cocoa.
Day 5: Sucre, Bolivia - Rooftops & Relaxation
Convento de San Felipe Neri
Climb to the tiled roof for the best views of the white city. The rooftop is flat and safe for supervised children to walk on.
Garden Lunch
Enjoy lunch at a garden restaurant like 'Abis Cafe' which offers pancakes and familiar comfort foods.
ASUR Indigenous Art Museum
Watch local weavers at work. It's a great cultural lesson for children to see how traditional textiles are made.
Quiet Evening
Packing for the scenic drive to Potosí tomorrow.
Day 6: Potosí, Bolivia - The Silver City
Private Transfer to Potosí
A 3-hour drive through beautiful mountain scenery. Private transfers allow for bathroom breaks and photo stops, making it much easier for families.
Lunch at Plaza 10 de Noviembre
Eat at one of the traditional restaurants around the square. Try the 'Kalapurka', a soup kept hot by a volcanic rock.
Walk the Historic Center
Potosí is high (4,000m+). Keep the walking slow. Explore the ornate colonial doorways and the colorful streets around the plaza.
Early Dinner & Rest
Acclimatization is vital here. Drink plenty of 'mate de coca' (coca tea) which is safe for all ages in moderation.
Day 7: Potosí, Bolivia - Colonial Treasures
Casa Nacional de la Moneda
The National Mint is one of South America's finest museums. The wooden machinery and silver coin collections are fascinating for school-aged children.
Family Lunch
Enjoy a hearty Andean meal at 'El Empedradillo' to keep energy levels up in the thin air.
Convent of Santa Teresa
A beautiful museum-convent with art and quiet courtyards. It's much more kid-friendly than the cramped silver mines.
Evening Cocoa
Relax at a local cafe and prepare for the journey to the desert tomorrow.
Day 8: Uyuni, Bolivia - Gateway to the Salt
Bus/Drive to Uyuni
A 4-hour journey. The road is well-paved and offers sightings of wild vicuñas and llamas out the window.
Arrival and Late Lunch
Check into your hotel. Uyuni is a dusty town, so choosing a hotel with good heating and a restaurant is essential.
Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes)
Located on the edge of town, these rusted 19th-century steam trains are a giant playground for kids who love to climb and explore.
Dinner at Minuteman Pizza
A famous spot in Uyuni located inside the Tonito Hotel, offering familiar food that kids will love.
Day 9: Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia - The Great White Salt Flat
Private 4x4 Tour Start
For families, a private tour is a must. It allows for flexible stops and your own pace. Start at the salt processing village of Colchani.
Perspective Photo Fun
The flat white horizon is perfect for forced-perspective photos. Bring toy dinosaurs or props to 'frighten' the kids in the photos!
Incahuasi Island
A 'coral' island in the middle of the salt sea covered in giant cacti. The trails are easy enough for kids, offering 360-degree views.
Sunset on the Flats
Watch the sun go down as the salt turns pink and orange. Truly a magical family moment.
Day 10: Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia - Lagoons & Flamingos
Drive to Laguna Colorada
Explore the high-altitude lagoons. Seeing thousands of pink flamingos in the wild is a highlight for children.
Picnic Lunch
Your driver will set up a picnic. Keep an eye out for the 'Vizcacha'—a rabbit-like creature that lives in the rocks.
Arbol de Piedra
The 'Stone Tree' is a rock formation shaped by wind. It's a great spot for kids to see the power of nature's erosion.
Return to Salt Hotel
Enjoy the novelty of sleeping in a hotel made of salt blocks.
Day 11: Uyuni to La Paz, Bolivia - Transition Day
Uyuni Market Visit
A quick stroll through the local market to buy warm llama wool sweaters for the higher altitude of La Paz.
Lunch in Uyuni
A light lunch before heading to the airport.
Flight to La Paz
The flight takes about 1 hour. Flying into El Alto airport provides a spectacular view of the sprawling city below.
Check-in La Paz
Head to the lower, warmer 'Zona Sur' for your hotel to make sleeping easier for the family.
Day 12: La Paz, Bolivia - The City in the Clouds
Mi Teleférico Adventure
La Paz has the world's most advanced cable car system. It is clean, silent, and incredibly fun for kids. Take the Yellow or Green lines for the best views.
Lunch at a 'Pension'
Try a family-run local eatery for 'Sopa de Mani' (peanut soup), a mild and delicious favorite for children.
Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas)
A fascinating (if slightly spooky) market filled with colorful potions and textiles. Kids will find the llama fetuses and dried herbs intriguing.
Evening at Plaza Murillo
Feed the pigeons and watch the changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace.
Day 13: La Paz, Bolivia - Moonscapes & Museums
Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon)
Just outside the city, these clay formations look like the lunar surface. There are easy walking paths suitable for families.
Lunch in Mallasa
Enjoy a garden lunch in the nearby suburb of Mallasa, which is warmer and greener than central La Paz.
Veltri Doll Museum or Musical Instrument Museum
Two quirky, kid-friendly museums that offer a break from the standard historical sites.
Dinner in Sopocachi
Explore this trendy neighborhood for excellent pizza or pasta at 'Mozzarella'.
Day 14: La Paz, Bolivia - Cultural Wonders
Calle Jaen
The best-preserved colonial street in La Paz. It's pedestrian-only and perfect for photos and slow-paced exploration.
Lunch at Gustu
While a top-rated restaurant, Gustu also offers a relaxed atmosphere for families to try gourmet versions of Bolivian ingredients.
Cholita Wrestling (Sundays Only)
If it's a Sunday, this is a must! Indigenous women in traditional dress perform high-flying wrestling moves. It's theatrical and funny for kids.
Rest & Pack
Preparing for the trip to the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Day 15: Copacabana, Bolivia - Lake Titicaca Shores
Private Drive to Copacabana
A 3.5-hour drive. The highlight is the Tiquina Strait crossing, where your car goes on one ferry and you go on another small boat!
Lunch on the Waterfront
Eat fresh 'Trucha' (trout) caught directly from the lake. Many restaurants have outdoor seating by the beach.
Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana
A stunning white cathedral. On weekends, you can see the 'Blessing of the Cars', a colorful local tradition.
Sunset Walk
Walk along the shore. The altitude is high here, so keep the pace slow and enjoy the breeze.
Day 16: Isla del Sol, Bolivia - Island of the Sun
Private Boat to Isla del Sol
Avoid the crowded public boats. A private launch is faster and more comfortable for children. Visit the Pilkokaina ruins.
Traditional 'Apthapi' Lunch
A communal highland lunch laid out on a cloth. It's a fun and interactive way for kids to try local potatoes, corn, and cheese.
Yumani Village
Walk up the Inca stairs (take it slow!). The views of the snow-capped Andes across the blue lake are world-class.
Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a final Bolivian feast in Copacabana, sharing stories of the trip.
Day 17: Return to La Paz & Departure
Return Drive to La Paz
A final chance to enjoy the Altiplano scenery on the drive back to the city or directly to the airport.
Final Souvenir Shopping
Stop at the Sagarnaga Street shops in La Paz for any last-minute llama wool gifts or silver jewelry.
Airport Transfer
Head to El Alto International Airport (LPB). Allow extra time for traffic, which can be unpredictable in La Paz.
Flight Departure
Depart Bolivia with a lifetime of family memories from the heart of South America.
Best Time to Visit Bolivia
The best time for a family trip to Bolivia is during the dry season, from May to October. The skies are clear and blue, making travel by road and air more reliable. While it can be chilly at night in the highlands, the daytime sun is pleasant. If you want to see the 'mirror effect' on the Salt Flats, visit between February and April, but be prepared for some road delays due to rain.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Boliviano (BOB). While major hotels and high-end restaurants in La Paz and Santa Cruz accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), Bolivia remains a cash-heavy society. Always carry small denominations for markets and public transport. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving 10% in sit-down restaurants is appreciated.
Getting Around Bolivia
For families, we recommend a mix of domestic flights and private transfers. Airlines like BoA link major cities quickly, saving you from grueling 12+ hour bus rides. Within cities like La Paz, the 'Mi Teleférico' cable car system is the most efficient and enjoyable way to move. For the Salt Flats and intercity routes like Sucre to Potosí, private 4x4 vehicles or vans offer the flexibility and comfort required for traveling with children.
