19-Day Ultimate Family Adventure and Epic Journey in Bolivia
Bolivia is often seen as a rugged destination for backpackers, but it is also a treasure trove of wonder for families who enjoy epic landscapes and vibrant cultures. This 19-day route focuses on comfortable intercity travel, avoiding the most grueling bus rides in favor of domestic flights and private transfers, ensuring the little ones stay happy and the pace remains relaxed.
Starting in the tropical lowlands to allow for gradual altitude adjustment, you will traverse colonial cities, see real dinosaur tracks, and explore the world's largest salt desert. We've prioritized stroller-accessible plazas and activities that engage a child's imagination while satisfying the adult desire for an epic journey.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Santa Cruz, Bolivia - Tropical Arrival
Arrival at Viru Viru International
Land in Bolivia's largest city. Santa Cruz is at a lower altitude, making it the perfect entry point for families to adjust before heading to the highlands.
Plaza 24 de Septiembre
Enjoy a gentle stroll through the main square. It is flat, stroller-friendly, and perfect for watching local life under the shade of massive trees.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Lawrence
Visit this iconic brick cathedral. Older kids will enjoy the small museum inside, while the courtyard offers a quiet space.
Dinner at Montero Street
Sample local Salteñas (savory pastries) which are a hit with children due to their slightly sweet crust.
Day 2: Santa Cruz, Bolivia - Nature & Wildlife
Biocentro Güembé
A massive park with butterfly houses, aviaries, and several swimming pools. It is highly accessible and kids can run free in a safe environment.
Lunch by the Lagoons
Eat on-site at Güembé to maximize your relaxation time near the water.
Noel Kempff Mercado Museum
A natural history museum that is small enough not to overwhelm children but full of fascinating local specimens.
Equipetrol District Walk
The modern side of the city with paved sidewalks and international dining options suited for picky eaters.
Day 3: Santa Cruz to Sucre, Bolivia - The White City
Morning Flight to Sucre
Take a short 45-minute flight to Sucre. This avoids a 12-hour bus ride, which is vital for maintaining family sanity.
Hotel Check-in & Rest
Sucre is at 2,800m. Spend the afternoon resting to prevent altitude sickness in children.
Parque Bolívar
A beautiful park featuring a miniature Eiffel Tower and a playground. It is the social heart for local families.
Chocolates Para Ti
Visit the famous local chocolate shop for a tasting tour. It is a guaranteed win for all ages.
Day 4: Sucre, Bolivia - Dinosaur Discovery
Cal Orck’o (Parque Cretácico)
See the world's largest collection of dinosaur footprints. The park features life-sized dino sculptures and a fossil museum.
Dino-themed Lunch
Eat at the park's restaurant which overlooks the footprint wall.
La Recoleta Viewpoint
A flat plaza with a stunning view over the white-washed city. There are cafes nearby for an afternoon snack.
ASUR Indigenous Art Museum
Showcases beautiful textiles. Children often find the vibrant colors and weaving demonstrations fascinating.
Day 5: Sucre, Bolivia - Local Markets & Culture
Mercado Central
Explore the fruit stalls. Let the kids pick out exotic fruits like chirimoya or tumbo for a fresh juice.
Cooking Class (Family Friendly)
Learn to make simple Bolivian dishes. Many local chefs offer sessions tailored for families.
Casa de la Libertad
The birthplace of the nation. It’s a grand historical building with large courtyards easy for strollers to navigate.
Evening Puppet Show
Check local listings for cultural performances often held in the colonial patios of the city center.
Day 6: Sucre to Potosí, Bolivia - High Altitude History
Private Transfer to Potosí
A 3-hour scenic drive. Private cars allow for bathroom breaks and photo stops, much better than the public bus.
Lunch at El Tenorio
Hearty Andean food to help with the energy needed for the higher altitude of Potosí (4,060m).
Casa Nacional de la Moneda
The former Royal Mint. The massive wooden machinery is impressive even for those who don't follow the history.
Plaza 10 de Noviembre
A brief walk around the square before retiring early to help the body adjust to the thin air.
Day 7: Potosí to Uyuni, Bolivia - Road to the Salt Flats
Drive to Uyuni
A 4-hour drive through the Altiplano. Keep an eye out for wild vicuñas and llamas along the road.
Arrival in Uyuni Town
A dusty but legendary outpost. Check into a hotel built entirely of salt for a unique family experience.
Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes)
A collection of rusted 19th-century steam locomotives. It’s a giant playground for kids to climb and explore.
Stargazing Intro
The sky here is incredibly clear. Enjoy a quiet evening looking at the southern constellations.
Day 8: Uyuni, Bolivia - The Great White Desert
Salar de Uyuni Entrance
Enter the world's largest salt flat. In the dry season, it's a giant white puzzle; in the wet season, it's a mirror.
Picnic on the Salt
Most private tours set up a table and chairs in the middle of nowhere for a truly epic family lunch.
Perspective Photography
Spend time taking the famous 'forced perspective' photos. Kids love playing with toy dinosaurs in these shots.
Sunset at the Salt Flats
Watch the colors change over the horizon. Bring warm layers as the temperature drops instantly.
Day 9: Uyuni, Bolivia - Islands & Cacti
Incahuasi Island
An island of giant cacti in the middle of the salt. The trail is well-marked, though rocky, so sturdy shoes are needed.
Llama Spotting
Visit the edges of the Salar where local herders often keep their llama flocks.
Colchani Village
Visit the salt processing workshops and buy small souvenirs made of salt.
Relax at the Salt Hotel
Enjoy the novelty of the salt furniture and warm up with a local quinoa soup.
Day 10: Uyuni to La Paz, Bolivia - Flying to the Clouds
Transfer to Joya Andina Airport
Short transfer for your flight to La Paz. Avoid the 10-hour overnight bus with children.
Arrival in La Paz
The highest administrative capital in the world. Head straight to your hotel in the lower, warmer district of Sopocachi.
Mi Teleférico Ride (Yellow Line)
La Paz’s cable car system is the world's best 'urban tour.' It is clean, safe, and stroller-friendly.
Sopocachi Park
A quiet neighborhood park where local children play, offering a bit of normalcy in a chaotic city.
Day 11: La Paz, Bolivia - Witches & Markets
The Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas)
A fascinating (and slightly spooky) market with dried llamas and herbal charms. Great for older kids' curiosity.
Lunch at Café del Mundo
A traveler-favorite with a varied menu that usually appeals to children's tastes.
Calle Jaén
The best-preserved colonial street in La Paz. It is pedestrian-only and home to several small museums.
Museum of Musical Instruments
Many instruments can be touched or played, making it a highly interactive stop for kids.
Day 12: La Paz, Bolivia - Moon Landscapes
Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon)
Located in the lower part of the city. The clay formations look like a lunar landscape. The paths are well-maintained.
Lunch in Mallasa
Eat in the sun-drenched valley outside the city center, where restaurants often have outdoor seating.
Vesty Pakos Zoo
Nearby the Valley of the Moon, this rescue center focuses on Andean species like the Andean Bear.
Cable Car Night Tour
Take the Blue or Red lines at night for a sparkling view of the city lights across the bowl.
Day 13: La Paz to Copacabana, Bolivia - Lake Titicaca
Bus/Private Car to Copacabana
A 3.5-hour journey. Includes a fun ferry crossing at Tiquina where the bus goes on a barge and people take a small boat.
Trout Lunch by the Shore
Copacabana is famous for its fresh Lake Titicaca trout (Trucha). Sit at the stalls on the beach.
Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana
A massive white cathedral. On weekends, watch the 'Blessing of the Cars'—a colorful local tradition.
Beach Walk
Rent a swan-shaped pedal boat for some light-hearted fun on the world's highest navigable lake.
Day 14: Copacabana, Bolivia - Island Exploration
Boat Trip to Isla del Sol
Take a private boat for a more flexible schedule. Visit the southern part of the island (Yumani).
Inca Stairs & Fountain of Youth
Walk up the stone steps. It's a bit of a climb, so take it slow with the kids. Drink from the 'holy' water.
Aptapi (Highland Picnic)
Experience a traditional communal meal with potatoes, corn, and cheese overlooking the blue water.
Return to Copacabana
Enjoy the sunset from the boat deck as you head back to the mainland.
Day 15: Copacabana to Coroico, Bolivia - Into the Jungle
Travel to Coroico
Travel back toward La Paz and then down into the Yungas (tropical valleys). The road is paved and safe (not the Death Road!).
Arrival in Coroico
The air is thick, warm, and full of oxygen. It’s an immediate relief for anyone feeling the altitude.
Poolside Relaxation
Most hotels here have pools and lush gardens. Let the kids swim while you enjoy the mountain views.
Dinner in the Plaza
The central square is small and cozy, perfect for a relaxed evening meal.
Day 16: Coroico, Bolivia - Coffee & Cascades
Coffee Plantation Tour
Visit a local farm. Kids can see how coffee and coca grow and learn about the local Afro-Bolivian culture.
Las Cascadas (Waterfalls)
Take a taxi to the nearby waterfalls. The walk is easy and the water is refreshing.
Butterfly Spotting
The Yungas are home to hundreds of species. See how many different colors the kids can find.
Relaxing Evening
One last tropical night before returning to the high city of La Paz.
Day 17: Coroico to La Paz, Bolivia - Return to the City
Scenic Drive Back
Enjoy the climb from 1,700m back to 3,600m. The changing ecosystems are a geography lesson in real-time.
Lunch in La Paz
Try a 'Lunch of the Day' at a local pensión for an authentic and budget-friendly experience.
Shopping at Sagarnaga Street
The best place for alpaca sweaters, colorful textiles, and unique Bolivian gifts.
Farewell Dinner
Celebrate the end of the journey at a high-end restaurant like Gustu for a modern take on Bolivian ingredients.
Day 18: La Paz, Bolivia - Museums & Relaxation
Tiwanaku Day Trip (Optional)
If the family isn't too tired, visit these ancient ruins. Otherwise, stay in the city for the Interactive Science Museum.
Pizza at Mozzarella
A local favorite in Sopocachi that is very welcoming to families with children.
Plaza Murillo
Watch the changing of the guard and feed the hundreds of pigeons (a simple joy for younger kids).
Packing & Prep
Organize your bags and enjoy a final Bolivian hot chocolate.
Day 19: La Paz, Bolivia - Final Departure
Final Souvenir Hunt
A quick last-minute stop for any forgotten gifts near the hotel.
Transfer to El Alto International
Allow plenty of time (1 hour+) as traffic in La Paz can be unpredictable.
Airport Lunch
Have a final meal at the airport before checking in for your flight home.
Departure
Head home with incredible memories of the Bolivian Andes and lowlands.
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 and stable weather, which is ideal for exploring the Uyuni Salt Flats and Lake Titicaca. However, keep in mind that this is also the coldest time of year in the highlands, so warm clothing for the nights is essential. If you want to see the 'mirror effect' on the salt flats, aim for January or February, but be prepared for some rain-related travel delays.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Boliviano (BOB). While major hotels and upscale restaurants in La Paz and Santa Cruz accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard are most common), Bolivia remains a cash-heavy society. You will need cash for markets, small cafes, and rural areas. 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
For a family-friendly experience, we recommend a mix of domestic flights and private transfers. Flights between Santa Cruz, Sucre, and La Paz are affordable and save days of travel time on winding mountain roads. Within cities like La Paz, the Mi Teleférico cable car system is the most efficient and scenic way to get around. For regional travel, such as the trip to Copacabana or Coroico, hiring a private driver provides the flexibility and comfort needed when traveling with children and strollers.
