Traveling the Altiplano often takes you to areas where you cannot rely on infrastructure or quick assistance. Most of the time you will feel that everything is working fine, but when things get complicated, it is the most basic items you have in the car that make the difference.
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Spare fuel
In most cases the amount of fuel in your tank will be enough. However, that only applies until you find yourself in more remote parts of the Altiplano. Especially in southern Bolivia or the northern part of Chile you can easily reach vast areas with no significant settlements. Not only will you not find any gas stations, but often there will be no one who can sell you fuel from their own supplies.
Among our articles you’ll also find more detailed information about fuel from our experience in Bolivia, which we visited during the country’s fuel shortage.
Personally, while traveling through Bolivia we carried three 20-liter jerry cans of fuel and topped them up whenever possible. Spare fuel gives you freedom in planning and significantly reduces the stress of unexpected detours.
Spare drinking water
In most situations you’ll feel like you’re carrying water unnecessarily and that a normal daily supply will suffice. Its true value becomes apparent when things go wrong—during a vehicle breakdown, getting lost, or medical complications.
Our typical supplies while traveling Bolivia ranged from 6 to 12 liters of drinking water. This reserve gave us enough time to handle situations without panic and unnecessary risk.
First aid kit
A first aid kit should always be within reach in the car. We recommend having at least basic supplies to treat minor injuries such as cuts, abrasions or blisters. In an environment where the nearest medical help is often several hours away, even a small injury can significantly complicate the situation.
Appropriate clothing
When we talk about appropriate clothing, we don’t mean comfort while driving, but the ability to cope with extreme conditions. If you fail to find accommodation in time or have to spend the night in the car, clothing determines whether it will be just an unpleasant experience or a serious problem.
Warm layers, a hat, gloves and a waterproof jacket should be a given. Night temperatures on the Altiplano often drop below freezing, even after a relatively warm day.
Reliable offline navigation
The further into remote areas you go, the more you will rely on high-quality and up-to-date navigation. Offline maps are an absolute must. We found Mapy.cz (Mapy.com) particularly useful and, in some cases, Waze as well.
Paradoxically, Google Maps shows many tourist points of interest in this area, but the road network of the Altiplano itself is rather poorly mapped. Relying exclusively on a single source is therefore not advisable.
Starlink and connectivity outside GSM coverage
We had the opportunity to travel with the mobile version of Starlink, which kept us practically always online. That advantage was literally priceless.
Constant connectivity greatly helps with navigation, but even more importantly it allows you to make correct decisions based on current and available information. Given our improvisational travel style, it allowed us to book accommodation or guides at the last minute. In emergency situations any connection to the outside world is extremely valuable, so we recommend Starlink or another solution that lets you be online even outside GSM coverage.
Dust, salt and protecting equipment
Dust and salt are omnipresent on the Altiplano. During long transfers they get into luggage, electronics and the vehicle’s undercarriage. Fine dust acts like an abrasive and salt significantly accelerates the corrosion of metal parts.
We recommend packing items into sealable boxes or plastic bags and cleaning the car and equipment as soon as possible after driving in dusty or salty conditions. This is especially true for the undercarriage, where the consequences of neglected maintenance may not be immediately visible.
If you travel with a dog
If you travel the Altiplano with a dog, keep in mind that all preparedness principles also apply to your four-legged travel companion. Spare water and emergency food should be a given for the dog as well, especially in situations where a transfer is unexpectedly prolonged.
Evening and night temperatures often drop below freezing, so a dog coat can be very useful, especially for short-haired breeds. We also recommend having basic supplies to treat minor injuries, particularly paw injuries.
A collar and leash are essential for walks during transfers. When moving in the dark or in low visibility we recommend a light-up collar, which increases safety and visibility.
It also doesn’t hurt to pack “booties, i.e., protective paw covers. The surface in the Altiplano area is often rough, strewn with dry, sharp grass, pebbles or salt deposits, which can significantly strain a dog’s paws.
Conclusion: preparedness as part of the experience
The Altiplano is a region where preparedness is not a sign of excessive caution but respect for the environment. The items you have in the car often determine whether you enjoy the trip in peace or it turns into a stressful ordeal. Good equipment gives you the freedom to improvise, change plans and fully enjoy your journey.