🐾 Traveling to Bolivia with Pets
Pet-Friendly Bolivia
Bolivia offers unique adventures for pets and families, from Andean highlands to Amazon rainforests. While not as developed as some destinations, many hotels, tours, and outdoor areas welcome well-behaved pets, especially in cities like La Paz and Santa Cruz.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
Health Certificate
Dogs, cats, and ferrets need a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, confirming good health and no contagious diseases.
Certificate must be endorsed by official authorities in the country of origin.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days but no more than 1 year before entry.
Vaccination record must be included in all documentation; boosters required as per schedule.
Microchip Requirements
All pets must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before vaccination.
Chip number must be linked to vaccination records; bring scanner if possible for verification.
Import Permit
Obtain an import permit from SENASAG (Bolivian agricultural service) at least 15 days before arrival.
Submit health certificate and vaccination proof; processing may take 5-10 days.
Restricted Breeds
Certain aggressive breeds like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers may be restricted or require special permits.
Muzzle and leash mandatory for larger dogs in public areas; check with Bolivian embassy.
Other Pets
Birds, reptiles, and exotic animals require additional CITES permits and quarantine upon arrival.
Small mammals like rabbits need similar health certifications; contact SENASAG for specifics.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across Bolivia on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (La Paz & Santa Cruz): Urban hotels like Hotel Rosario and Los Tajibos welcome pets for 50-150 BOB/night, with nearby parks and walking areas. Many mid-range options are flexible.
- Eco-Lodges & Jungles (Amazon & Yungas): Rainforest lodges often allow pets at no extra charge, with space for exploration. Ideal for nature-loving dogs in Madidi National Park areas.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and local listings in Sucre and Cochabamba frequently permit pets, especially in residential neighborhoods. Homes provide yards for pets.
- Farmstays (Altiplano): Rural farms near Lake Titicaca welcome pets alongside llamas and alpacas. Great for families seeking cultural immersion with animals.
- Campsites & Eco-Camps: Sites in Uyuni and Toro Toro are pet-friendly, with open spaces and trails. Desert and national park camping suits adventurous pets.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: High-end resorts like Hotel Atix in La Paz offer pet amenities including walking services and gourmet treats for special occasions.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Andean Hiking Trails
Bolivia's highlands feature pet-friendly paths in Isla del Sol and Cordillera Real.
Leash pets near livestock; check with guides for altitude considerations.
Lakes & Rivers
Lake Titicaca and Amazon rivers have areas for pet swimming; Copacabana beaches allow dogs.
Respect local communities; avoid peak boating times for safety.
Cities & Parks
La Paz's Monticulo Park and Sucre's Recoleta welcome leashed dogs; markets are pet-tolerant.
Santa Cruz plazas permit pets; outdoor eateries often accommodate.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Bolivian café culture in cities includes outdoor seating for pets with water bowls.
Ask before entering; many spots in La Paz's Sopocachi neighborhood are welcoming.
City Walking Tours
Outdoor tours in Potosí mines and La Paz valleys allow leashed pets for free.
Avoid indoor sites like museums; focus on cultural walks.
Cable Cars & Lifts
La Paz's Mi Teleférico cable cars permit small pets in carriers for 3-5 BOB extra.
Larger dogs may need to travel off-peak; confirm with operators.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Buses (Intercity): Companies like Todo Turismo allow small pets free in carriers; larger dogs 20-50 BOB with muzzle/leash. Pets permitted in luggage holds if crated.
- Urban Transport (La Paz): Cable cars and micros allow small pets free; larger dogs 5-10 BOB. Avoid crowded rush hours for comfort.
- Taxis: Most taxis accept pets with notice; negotiate fare. Apps like Yape may have pet options in cities.
- Rental Cars: Agencies like Budget allow pets with deposit (100-300 BOB). 4x4s recommended for altiplano roads and pet space.
- Flights to Bolivia: Airlines like Boliviana de Aviación permit cabin pets under 10kg for 100-200 BOB. Book early; compare on Aviasales for pet-friendly routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: LATAM and Avianca accept in-cabin pets (under 10kg) for 150-250 BOB. Larger pets in hold with health certificate.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour clinics in La Paz (Clínica Veterinaria Los Andes) and Santa Cruz offer urgent care.
Travel insurance recommended; consultations 100-300 BOB.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Chains like Pet Shop in major cities stock food, meds, and accessories.
Pharmacies carry basic items; bring prescriptions for imports.
Grooming & Day Care
Services in La Paz and Cochabamba for 50-150 BOB per session.
Book ahead; hotels can recommend local providers.
Pet-Sitting Services
Local services and apps like PetBacker available in cities for day/overnight care.
Hostels often assist; inquire for trusted sitters.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in cities, markets, and national parks. Rural areas may allow off-leash but control near animals.
- Muzzle Requirements: Larger dogs need muzzles on public transport and in crowded areas like La Paz markets.
- Waste Disposal: Carry bags; bins available in cities. Fines up to 100 BOB for not cleaning up.
- Beach & Water Rules: Lake Titicaca areas allow pets but avoid sacred sites; respect no-pet zones.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Outdoor seating common for pets; keep quiet and off furniture.
- National Parks: Pets allowed on leashes in Uyuni and Madidi; avoid during wildlife seasons.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Bolivia
Bolivia for Families
Bolivia captivates families with ancient ruins, salt flats, and cable car rides. Safe for kids with interactive sites, though altitude requires caution. Markets buzz with energy, and eco-tours educate on culture and nature.
Top Family Attractions
Mi Teleférico Cable Cars (La Paz)
World's highest cable car system with stunning city and mountain views.
Tickets 3-5 BOB per line; family fun with panoramic rides for all ages.
Lake Titicaca Boat Tours (Copacabana)
Explore floating islands of Uros and Isla del Sol with indigenous culture.
Tickets 50-100 BOB adults, 25-50 BOB kids; full-day adventures.
Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats
Endless white expanse with jeep tours, hexagons, and flamingo lagoons.
3-day tours 800-1200 BOB/person; magical for kids with perspective photos.
Dinosaur Footprints (Sucre)
Cal Orck'o site with 1.5 billion-year-old tracks and museum exhibits.
Tickets 30 BOB adults, 15 BOB kids; interactive paleontology fun.
Tiwanaku Ruins (Near La Paz)
Ancient pre-Inca site with monoliths, temples, and guided tours.
Entry 80 BOB adults, 40 BOB kids; educational history for families.
Toro Toro National Park
Caves, fossils, and river canyons with easy hikes and dinosaur sites.
Guided tours 100-200 BOB; adventure for kids 5+ with safety focus.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across Bolivia on Viator. From Uyuni salt flat tours to Lake Titicaca boat trips, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (La Paz & Sucre): Hotels like Hotel Europa and Parador Santa María la Real offer family rooms for 200-400 BOB/night. Include cribs, play areas, and kids' meals.
- Eco-Resorts (Uyuni & Amazon): Family lodges with activities, pools, and guides. Places like Tayka Hotel des Sal offer salt hotel stays for kids.
- Farm Holidays (Altiplano): Stays near Lake Titicaca with animal interactions and cultural experiences. 150-300 BOB/night with meals.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering in Santa Cruz with kitchens for family meals. Space for kids to play indoors.
- Hostels (Budget): Family rooms in Cochabamba hostels for 100-200 BOB/night. Clean with communal kitchens.
- Colonial Hotels: Stay in historic buildings like in Potosí for immersive family tales. Gardens and courtyards for play.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
La Paz with Kids
Cable cars, witches' market, zoo, and Valle de la Luna hikes.
Chocolate factories and puppet shows add cultural fun.
Uyuni & Southwest with Kids
Salt flats jeep tours, train graveyard, and hot springs.
Perspective photos and stargazing excite young explorers.
Cochabamba with Kids
Christ of Concordia statue, zoo, and Cristo de la Concordia park.
Water parks and easy hikes for family outings.
Lake Titicaca Region
Boat to Isla del Sol, reed islands, and Copacabana beach.
Legendary stories and gentle water activities for kids.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Buses: Kids under 5 free; 6-12 half-price. Family seats available on long routes with space for strollers.
- City Transport: La Paz cable cars family passes 10-15 BOB. Stroller-friendly with wide cabins.
- Car Rentals: Child seats 20-50 BOB/day; mandatory under 12. 4x4s for rough roads.
- Stroller-Friendly: Cities like Sucre are walkable; cable cars and some sites accessible. Cobblestones challenge in historic areas.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Salteñas and empanadas for 10-20 BOB. High chairs in tourist spots.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Markets and api shops casual for families. Santa Cruz has play areas.
- Self-Catering: Markets like La Paz's for fresh fruits, baby food. Supermarkets stock diapers.
- Snacks & Treats: Helados and chicha morada keep kids happy on the go.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: In malls and major hotels; limited in rural areas.
- Pharmacies: Stock formula, diapers; English-speaking in cities.
- Babysitting Services: Hotels arrange for 50-100 BOB/hour; local nannies available.
- Medical Care: Clinics in La Paz; hospitals for emergencies. Vaccinations advised.
♿ Accessibility in Bolivia
Accessible Travel
Bolivia is improving accessibility, especially in La Paz with cable cars and ramps. Major sites offer some adaptations, but terrain challenges persist. Tourism offices provide info for planning inclusive trips.
Transportation Accessibility
- Buses: Limited wheelchair access; some companies offer assistance. Book ahead for help.
- City Transport: La Paz cable cars fully accessible with wide doors and priority seating.
- Taxis: Standard taxis fit folding wheelchairs; specialized services in cities via apps.
- Airports: La Paz and Santa Cruz airports have ramps, assistance, and accessible facilities.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Sites: Tiwanaku has partial ramps; Sucre museums offer audio guides.
- Historic Sites: Potosí mines limited; focus on surface views.
- Nature & Parks: Uyuni tours adaptable with 4x4 vehicles; Lake Titicaca boats accessible.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; look for elevators and wide doors.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (May-October) for highlands and Uyuni; wet season (November-April) for lush Amazon.
Avoid rainy periods for salt flats; shoulder months milder.
Budget Tips
Combo tour tickets save; markets cheaper than restaurants.
Family homestays and picnics reduce costs.
Language
Spanish official; Quechua/Aymara in highlands. English in tourist areas.
Basic phrases help; locals welcoming to families.
Packing Essentials
Layers for altitude, sun protection, rain gear. Sturdy shoes for uneven paths.
Pets: Acclimatize to altitude, bring food, leash, records.
Useful Apps
Google Maps offline, Busbud for transport, Duolingo for Spanish.
Local apps like Mi Teleférico for real-time updates.
Health & Safety
Altitude sickness common; hydrate. Safe overall; dial 110 for emergencies.
Vaccinations for yellow fever; water purification advised.