Bolivia With Kids: Dinosaurs, Cable Cars, Animals
Advisory as of October 2026. A nationwide state of exception has been in force in Bolivia since June 2026. Road blockades and protests can close routes, including those to airports, at short notice, and fuel shortages are regular, so keep family plans loose. Britain’s FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Chapare Province, including Villa Tunari, and the US also warns against going there. Read the UK FCDO advice and travel.state.gov before booking.
A family trip, planned carefully
Children tend to remember Bolivia’s dinosaurs, cable cars and rescued animals long after the museums blur. The country asks more of parents than most, because of the altitude, the long road days and the occasional blockade. Pick a few anchor outings, and leave days empty.
Altitude is the main risk
At 3,600 to 4,000 m, La Paz and El Alto are far higher than most family holidays. Children may get headaches, sleep badly, or feel sick, and small ones cannot always say so. Book a check-up with a doctor or travel clinic before you go, plan a quiet first two days and offer plenty of fluids. Sucre, at about 2,810 m, is a kinder first stop. Coca tea is drunk locally, but it is not a proven treatment and nothing reliably prevents sickness. Go down if a child seems unwell.
Dinosaur wall at Cal Orck’o
On the edge of Sucre, a quarry wall some 110 m high carries thousands of Cretaceous footprints, and the neighbouring park displays life-size dinosaur models, with a sandpit and a viewing trail. Cal Orck’o is on Bolivia’s UNESCO Tentative List. Foreign adult entry has been about Bs 30, and the open-top Dino Bus from the main square runs for roughly Bs 15 return. Check times with your hotel, since guided base walks run only at set hours.
Cable cars in La Paz
Kids often rate the Mi Teleférico ride above any museum. The cars cross rooftops, hillside football pitches and cliff edges, and a single ride on the first line is about Bs 3, with about Bs 2 for each transfer. The network keeps moving when roads are blocked. Stay on in daylight and hold on to small children at the stations.
Animal rescue near Coroico
La Senda Verde in Yolosa shelters monkeys, birds and Andean bears taken from traffickers, and visitors look but do not touch. It suits curious school-age children. Landslides can close the access road, so call or check sendaverde.org first.
Sucre’s park
The central Parque Bolívar has a small iron tower to climb, a treat after a morning of walking. Keep it as a short break.
What not to do with children
The working silver mines of Potosí, Death Road cycling and high peaks are for adults only. Skip them, along with long overland days at altitude.
Money and health
- The boliviano floated in 2026 to about 12 per US dollar. Carry small notes and pay entry fees in cash.
- For lowland trips, children need a yellow fever vaccination, so ask a clinic well in advance.
- Pack sun protection, since the Andean sun is strong, and warm clothes for cold nights.
Read more: Day trips in Bolivia and the 3 day Bolivia plan .
Search for kid-friendly tours on Viator Bolivia family tours .