Bolivia Family Travel Itinerary: A 10-Day Adventure
Trip Overview
- Duration: 10 Days
- Best Travel Season: Dry Season (May – October) – Ideal weather for exploring without rain interruptions
- Ideal For: Families seeking adventure, wildlife, and cultural experiences
- Family-Friendliness: Great – Plenty of outdoor activities, wildlife encounters, and historic sites
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1-2: Arrive in La Paz & Acclimate to the Altitude
Stay: Stannum Boutique Hotel or family-friendly Airbnb in Sopocachi
Getting There: Fly into El Alto International Airport (highest international airport in South America and even the world!)
- Take it slow to adjust to the high altitude (La Paz sits at 3,650m)
- Ride the Mi Teleférico (cable car system) for the best city views
- Explore the Witches’ Market for unique Bolivian souvenirs
- Visit Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) – A surreal rock formation landscape
- Enjoy a relaxed dinner with traditional salteñas (Bolivian empanadas)
Family Tip: Bring coca tea or altitude pills to help with acclimatisation!
Day 3-4: Uyuni & The Salt Flats Adventure
Stay: Palacio de Sal (salt hotel) or Luna Salada Hotel
Getting There: Take a short domestic flight or an overnight bus from La Paz
- Take a private 4×4 tour across Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat
- Visit Incahuasi Island, filled with giant cacti and panoramic views
- Watch a surreal sunset reflecting off the salt flats (best during rainy season!)
- Stay in a hotel made of salt – a cool experience for the kids!
- Optional: Take a stargazing tour – Uyuni’s night sky is magical
Family Tip: If visiting with young kids, opt for a one-day tour instead of the full 3-day tour.
Day 5-6: Sucre – The White City
Stay: Parador Santa María La Real or a colonial-style guesthouse
Getting There: Fly from Uyuni or take a bus (~8 hours)
- Explore Sucre’s historic colonial center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Visit Parque Cretácico (Dinosaur Park) – Real dinosaur footprints & a life-size T-Rex model!
- Stroll through the Tarabuco Market for local crafts and textiles
- Take a family-friendly cooking class and learn how to make Bolivian dishes
- Hike up to La Recoleta for sunset views over the city
Family Tip: Sucre is at a lower altitude, making it a good spot to recover from La Paz’s high elevation.
Day 7-8: Potosí & The Silver Mines Experience
Stay: Hostal Patrimonio or Hotel Coloso Potosí
Getting There: Bus from Sucre (3-4 hours)
- Visit Casa de la Moneda (National Mint) – A fascinating look at Bolivia’s silver history
- Tour a Potosí Silver Mine (best suited for older kids & teens)
- Walk around the city’s colonial streets and Plaza 10 de Noviembre
- Enjoy a visit to Laguna Tarapaya, a natural hot spring near Potosí
Family Tip: The silver mine tours can be intense, so research beforehand if it’s suitable for your kids.
Day 9-10: Lake Titicaca & Copacabana
Stay: Las Olas Eco Lodge or Hotel Rosario del Lago
Getting There: Bus from La Paz (~4 hours)
- Take a boat to Isla del Sol, the birthplace of the Incan sun god
- Hike to the Inca ruins for breathtaking lake views
- Explore Copacabana’s markets for local crafts and Bolivian snacks
- Relax by the lake and enjoy a peaceful sunset over the water
Family Tip: Isla del Sol has no cars, making it perfect for a safe family adventure.
Accommodation & Transport Tips
✅ Best Family Hotels & Airbnbs: Choose colonial guesthouses in Sucre, salt hotels in Uyuni, and eco-lodges in Copacabana
✅ Getting Around: Domestic flights save time, but buses are the most budget-friendly option
✅ Budget Tip: Bolivia is one of the cheapest South American countries – expect meals for as little as $3-5 per person!
Estimated Budget Breakdown
- Accommodation: $20–$100 per night (budget to mid-range stays)
- Food: $3–$15 per meal (local restaurants offer excellent value)
- Transport: Domestic flights ~$50, long-distance buses ~$10–$30
- Activities: $10–$50 per excursion (salt flats tours, museums, guided hikes)
How to Pack for Bolivia’s Dry Season
✅ Warm layers – High-altitude areas can be cold, especially at night
✅ Sun protection – The sun is intense at high elevations
✅ Comfortable walking shoes – Many streets are cobblestone
✅ Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated to combat altitude sickness
✅ Motion sickness tablets – Roads can be winding, especially in the Andes
Read our full guide: Bolivia Packing Guide
Final Thoughts
Bolivia is a hidden gem for family travel, offering a mix of adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. This 10-day itinerary balances exploration and relaxation, making it perfect for families traveling in South America.
Modify for toddlers: Spend extra time in Sucre and skip Potosí’s mines
Modify for teens: Add more adventure activities like biking the Death Road
Shorten itinerary: Stick to La Paz, Uyuni, and Lake Titicaca for a one-week trip
Would you take your family to Bolivia? Let us know your thoughts! 🚀
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