Traveling to Santa Cruz with children requires some planning for the ground transport portion. Viru Viru is a manageable airport, but a few things work differently than what you might be used to.
The airport with kids
Viru Viru has a single terminal, and the walk from the gate to immigration is not long. Immigration lines can take 20-45 minutes, which is the hardest part with restless children. The baggage claim area has limited seating. Once through customs, the arrivals hall has basic facilities. There is not much to entertain kids inside, so the goal is to move through and get to your vehicle efficiently.
Transport choices for families
The official taxi counter assigns you a sedan. For a family of three or four with standard suitcases, this works. For larger families, multiple children, strollers, and the extra bags that come with traveling with kids, a sedan will be tight. Booking a private transfer with a larger vehicle (SUV or minivan) is the practical solution.
Avoid tuk-tuks or motorcycle taxis for family travel. They do not exist at VVI in the same way as in Asian airports, but unofficial small vehicles sometimes operate nearby, and none are suitable for children.
Child seats
Bolivia does not have strict child seat enforcement for taxis. Standard taxis from the counter will not have child seats. If your children are young, bring a travel car seat or request one through a private transfer provider when booking. Availability is limited in Santa Cruz, so confirming in advance is important. Do not assume one will be available without explicit confirmation.
The ride to town
The 17 km drive from VVI to Santa Cruz is on a divided highway that is in good condition. The ride is smooth and takes 20-35 minutes. Traffic picks up as you approach the city's ring roads, but it is not the aggressive driving you find in other South American cities. Kids generally handle this ride well because it is short and the road is straight.
Practical tips
Have Bolivianos in cash before you reach the taxi counter. Keep a bag with snacks, water, and entertainment for the car ride accessible. If you need a stroller at the airport, note that the terminal is not enormous, so carrying a child is also feasible for the short distances involved. And book your transfer in advance if you have specific vehicle or child seat requirements; there is no way to guarantee these on arrival.
Hotels with family-friendly pickups
Some hotels in the Equipetrol area and upscale chains in Santa Cruz offer airport transfers that can accommodate families. When booking your room, ask about vehicle size and whether they can arrange child seats. This can simplify your arrival significantly.