Top 11 Activities for Kids in Bolivia

From soaking in thermal rivers to enjoying an exciting cable car ride, Bolivia offers a wide range of safe and enjoyable attractions for all ages.

Experience stunning landscapes and engaging natural adventures on a family vacation where everyone stays entertained. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling with kids in Bolivia.

Is Bolivia suitable for children?

As a lesser-known destination, Bolivia's attractions are less crowded, making it perfect for exploring with a larger group.

You can easily find formula, baby food, and diapers in the cities, and most hotels offer family rooms or can provide additional beds or cribs.

While public facilities are somewhat limited, diaper changing stations are typically available at airports, some bus stations, and mid- to high-end restaurants.

Public squares and parks are generally accessible in all cities, though many streets may be difficult to navigate with a stroller. Opt for a durable stroller to handle potholes and uneven surfaces, or consider using a baby carrier instead.

Public buses can be cramped and uncomfortable, and airports and bus stations lack play areas. In smaller towns, it may be challenging to find formula and baby food. However, locals are generally very friendly and willing to assist you.

Ready to begin planning your family getaway? Check out our guide to the ideal times to visit

What are the best destinations in Bolivia for kids?

Bolivia boasts an array of stunning natural attractions that kids will love. The Aguas Calientes hot springs in eastern Santa Cruz are a top spot for all ages, while the Uyuni Salt Flats offer a breathtaking experience, particularly during the rainy season when the sky reflects in the water.

Top activities for families with babies and toddlers in Bolivia

Enjoy the hot springs in Chiquitania

Aguas Calientes is a quaint town situated 436 km (270 miles) east of Santa Cruz. This delightful destination features a thermal water river that is about 75 cm (2.5 ft) deep and maintains a cozy temperature of around 38ºC (100ºF).

Toddlers can safely explore the lush tropical surroundings while watching for little fish. There are family-friendly hotels equipped with high chairs, spacious rooms, and a small play area, and visiting on weekdays is recommended for a less crowded experience.

Unwind in Bolivia's city parks

Bolivia boasts several expansive parks that will keep children entertained. Spend the day at the playground, relax under a tree’s shade, or enjoy a family picnic.

Parque Los Mangales in Santa Cruz is a favorite among families, while Parque de la Familia in Cochabamba attracts visitors at night with its stunning light displays and dancing fountains.

Take a trip to a farm and feed the animals

Few things delight little ones more than animals, and Bolivia offers several farms that are family-friendly. Ranchito Feliz, just a 15-minute drive from the main plaza in Tarija, provides a fantastic hands-on experience where kids can feed chickens, sheep, rabbits, and horses.

Admission is $1 and should be reserved at least one day in advance.

Let us assist you in selecting your destinations in Bolivia with our guide to the must-see places

Top activities for kids in Bolivia

Explore life-sized dinosaurs at Sucre's Parque Cretácico

Parque Cretácico features one of the largest collections of fossilized dinosaur footprints in the world, along with astonishing life-size dinosaur models. Located just 5 km (3 miles) from Sucre, you can catch the shuttle bus service that departs from the main square every hour.

Discover the cosmos at Tarija's observatory

Tarija's Observatorio Astronómico Nacional, the first of its kind in the country, offers an amazing hands-on experience for kids to learn about space and the galaxy.

There’s a large telescope for children to look through, along with a fantastic planetarium. It’s advisable to call ahead before your visit.

Enjoy a day in nature at Biocentro Guembé near Santa Cruz

Experience a wonderful day outdoors at Biocentro Güembé, located just a 15-minute drive from the heart of Santa Cruz. The center features a butterfly sanctuary, an aviary, lagoons, and a swamp.

Join a guided tour with a biologist or explore the grounds at your leisure. Wrap up your day by enjoying one of the 13 pools on the property or savor a meal made with fresh produce from the surrounding gardens.

Experience the cable car ride in La Paz

Riding the world's longest urban cable car system is a must-do for children visiting La Paz. The breathtaking views of the city and the distant snow-capped mountains are unforgettable.

Some stations offer nearby attractions, like Mother Earth Park at the Central Station of the Red Line, featuring dancing waters and playgrounds where kids can play before hopping back into the cabin.

Getting around Bolivia can be tricky. Here are our top tips for transportation

Top activities for tweens and teenagers in Bolivia

Capture some stunning shots at the Uyuni Salt Flats

Visit the iconic Uyuni Salt Flats during the rainy season (December to February) to witness breathtaking sunsets or the night sky beautifully reflecting on the water.

Teenagers obsessed with social media can spend hours capturing Instagram-worthy photos and videos for their friends.

Insider tip: If possible, take a few days to acclimatize to the altitude before visiting Bolivia’s top tourist destination.

Stroll through Moon Valley near La Paz

Once you arrive in La Paz, Valle de la Luna is an essential attraction. This otherworldly geological formation resembles lunar craters and can be explored through two trekking circuits, ranging from 15 to 45 minutes, offering stunning views.

Located 10 km (6 miles) from downtown La Paz, you can visit via a tour operator, taxi, or bus.

Experience the tropical wilderness of Amboró National Park

Staying at the Refugio de Los Volcanes in Amboró National Park offers a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts.

This lodge is nestled in the tropical forest, 68 km (42 miles) from Santa Cruz. It features various hiking trails of differing difficulty levels, along with waterfalls and natural pools.

Embark on an adventure into the jungle

For adventurous tweens and teens, a journey into the heart of the Amazon to explore its exotic wildlife is a must-do.

Starting from Rurrenabaque, you can embark on a three-day wildlife safari by canoe, where you may encounter various species such as birds, monkeys, capybaras, snakes, caimans, and even pink dolphins. Prices vary, but anticipate around US$150 per person per night, which includes lodging, meals, and transportation.

Traveling tips

If you're traveling with children and only one parent is present in Bolivia, it's necessary to carry a permit issued by an Ombudsman’s Office—available in every city, usually at bus stations. You'll need to present identification and complete a form.

The permit is free and valid for multiple trips over one to three months. While it may not be required for every journey, ensure you have it along with your travel documents when flying, as it may be needed for boarding. No permit is needed for children traveling with both parents.