This guide provides all the necessary details to make car rental seamless, safe, and enjoyable in Peru. An overview table is included at the end for quick reference.
Yes, Italian travelers can rent and drive a car in Peru with the proper passport, driving licence and age eligibility. Additional young or senior driver conditions may apply depending on the offer.
Form of ID:
Foreign renters must present a valid passport at pick-up.
Driving licence:
The main and any additional drivers must hold a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements, issued for at least 1–2 years.
Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP).
Accepted cards:
Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover and American Express are accepted depending on the specific offer.
Age requirements:
Depending on vehicle/offer, the valid driving age ranges by product: some cars require drivers to be 25–70, others 21–80, 20–80, or 18–70 years old. For certain offers, drivers aged 20–25 may pay a young driver fee (e.g. about US$5.90 per day), and for ages 21–24 or 75–80, any surcharge will be confirmed at the counter.
Requirements may vary between rental companies. Always confirm details when booking.
Explore reputable car rental companies to find the ideal vehicle for your journey in Peru. Choose from well-known global chains or reliable local options.
Global Chain Companies
Local Brands
Hertz
Locations:
10Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
SIXT
Locations:
23Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers looking for quality and value
Alamo
Locations:
15Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
Budget
Locations:
15Prices:
$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
Europcar
Locations:
32Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Leisure travelers and business rentals
Hertz
Locations:
9Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Keddy by Europcar
Locations:
9Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
Wellas
Locations:
1Prices:
$-$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers
America Car Rental
Locations:
6Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local excursionsChoosing the right rental car can make your trip more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Think about your travel group, the destinations on your route, and the type of driving you'll be doing. With QEEQ, you can compare multiple car types and policies to find the one that best suits your journey.
Consider your travel group size and luggage needs
Economy cars (2-4 people, 1-2 suitcases)
Perfect for city driving and short trips
Compact cars (4-5 people, 2-3 suitcases)
Good balance of space and fuel efficiency
Mid-size cars (5 people, 3-4 suitcases)
Comfortable for longer distances
Full-size/SUV (5-7 people, 4+ suitcases)
Ideal for families and group travel
Choose between automatic and manual transmission
Automatic transmission
Easier for city driving and traffic, more common in PE
Manual transmission
Often cheaper, better fuel economy, more control
Most Italian drivers prefer automatic for international road trips
Consider your comfort level with PE's driving conditions
Check what insurance coverage comes with your rental
Basic liability
Covers damage to other vehicles and property, usually included
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Covers damage to your rental car, often optional
Theft protection
Protects against car theft, may be included or additional
Personal insurance
Check if your Italian insurance or travel insurance covers rentals
Understand booking flexibility and fees
Free cancellation
Usually available up to 24-48 hours before pickup
Prepaid vs. Pay-at-counter
Prepaid often cheaper but less flexible
Change fees
Cost to modify dates, locations, or car type
Travel insurance
Consider coverage for trip cancellations or delays
Check distance restrictions and additional charges
Unlimited mileage
Best for long road trips and cross-country travel
Limited mileage
Cheaper daily rate but extra charges for excess miles
Consider your planned route distance and potential detours
Factor in mileage costs when comparing total rental prices
Understand fuel requirements and costs
Full-to-Full
Return with the same fuel level, the most economical option
Full-to-Empty
Pay upfront for a full tank, convenient but often more expensive
Same-to-Same
Return with the same level as pickup, fair pricing
Pre-purchase fuel options
Compare costs with local gas station prices
Quick Decision Guide
Compact/Economy car with automatic transmission, full-to-full fuel policy
Lima, Arequipa, TrujilloMid-size/Full-size car with unlimited mileage, flexible cancellation
Coastal highways, Sacred ValleyConvertible/SUV with comprehensive insurance, prepaid fuel option
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca
Compare with Confidence on QEEQ
Peru is a captivating country offering diverse landscapes, from the Andes mountains to the Amazon rainforest. Travelers can explore the historic city of Cusco, the vibrant capital city of Lima, or the breathtaking sites of Machu Picchu. Renting a car in Peru provides the flexibility to visit these attractions and many hidden gems.
Travelers driving in Peru should ensure they have proper insurance coverage for their rental car. This includes mandatory liability insurance and potentially additional coverage for extra protection and peace of mind. Rules vary by region, and it’s advised to choose appropriate coverage to avoid high costs in case of incidents.
Provides coverage for damage to the rental vehicle caused by collisions or theft.
Protects against financial loss in case of theft of the rented vehicle.
Covers damages or injuries to other parties and their property.
Covers medical expenses or death benefits for you and your passengers.
Perfect for travelers who want comprehensive protection without the complexity. One price covers everything, and AXA's trusted network ensures reliable claims processing throughout Peru. Get comprehensive coverage online for about 50% less than counter rates.
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Planning ahead and understanding the local car rental practices can significantly reduce costs for Italian travelers visiting Peru. Knowing the right strategies ensures you get the best deal while avoiding unnecessary fees.
Important considerations and potential issues to watch for when renting a car in Peru.
Being prepared and knowing what to expect can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent stressful situations. Take time to understand all terms and inspect your rental thoroughly.
Italian and Peruvian traffic rules differ in road signage, overtaking protocols, and alcohol limits, while similarities include mandatory seatbelt use and prohibition on mobile phone usage while driving.
Right of Way
Yield to vehicles already on roundabouts
Typically yield to the right at intersections
Overtaking
Overtake only on the left
Overtaking on both sides is permissible under certain conditions
Blood Alcohol Limit
0.5% BAC
0.1% BAC (stricter limit)
Road Signage
Signs primarily in Spanish with some unique symbols
Signs in Italian and European-standard symbols
Mobile Phone Use
Only hands-free use permitted
Only hands-free use permitted
Seatbelt Laws
Mandatory for all occupants
Mandatory for all occupants
Parking Rules
Park in designated areas only; avoid unauthorized zones
Strict parking regulations with fines for violations
Common questions for travelers from Italy renting a car in Peru
