This guide provides all the necessary details to ensure your car rental experience in Guatemala is smooth and enjoyable. Save money, stay safe, and explore Guatemala with confidence. Consult the summary at the end for a quick overview.
Yes, Peruvian travelers can rent and drive cars in Guatemala if they meet the licence holding period, age rules, and documentation and payment requirements set by the rental companies.
Form of ID:
Foreign renters must present a valid passport.
Driving licence:
The main and any additional drivers must hold a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence must have been held for at least 1–5 years, depending on the specific car/rental offer.
Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
Accepted cards:
Payment at the counter generally requires Visa or MasterCard credit cards. For some offers, a physical credit card in the full name of the main driver is required. Debit cards and other card types may not be accepted.
Age requirements:
Depending on the vehicle/rental offer, the permitted driving age ranges typically from 18–80, 21–75, 21–80, 21–99, or 25–99 years. Young driver surcharges may apply: for example, drivers aged 21–24 may be charged about US$14–15 per day on some offers, or US$5 per day for ages 21–25 on others. Some rentals allow driving up to 80 or 99, with possible additional checks or fees for drivers from about 75–80 years old. Check the specific car’s terms for the exact age band and any young driver fee.
Requirements may vary between rental companies. Always confirm details when booking.
Choose from trusted global chains or innovative local alternatives. Each offers different advantages for Polish travelers.
Global Chain Companies
Local Brands
Avis
Locations:
15Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Both business and leisure travelers
Hertz
Locations:
26Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Europcar
Locations:
12Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers looking for diverse vehicle options and excellent service
ACE Rent a Car
Locations:
2Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
Alamo
Locations:
22Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Leisure travelers and families
Hertz
Locations:
7Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Keddy by Europcar
Locations:
2Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
Right Cars
Locations:
3Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers
America Car Rental
Locations:
2Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and familiesChoosing 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 USA.
Manual transmission
Often cheaper, better fuel economy, more control.
Most Polish drivers prefer automatic for USA road trips.
Consider your comfort level with left-hand driving and automatic cars.
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 Polish 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 same fuel level, most economical option.
Full-to-Empty
Pay upfront for full tank, convenient but often more expensive.
Same-to-Same
Return with 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.
Guatemala CityMid-size/Full-size car with unlimited mileage, flexible cancellation.
cross-countryConvertible/SUV with comprehensive insurance, prepaid fuel option.
Antigua, Lake Atitlán
Compare with Confidence on QEEQ
Guatemala welcomes travelers with its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. Renting a car allows you to explore destinations like Guatemala City, Antigua, and Lake Atitlán conveniently and at your own pace.
You need at least basic insurance to drive in Guatemala legally. For added security during your trip, consider additional coverage. Understanding the types of insurance available can help ensure a worry-free rental experience.
Covers damage to the rental vehicle due to collision or theft.
Offers protection against the theft of the rented vehicle.
Covers injury or damage caused to third parties or their property.
Covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers in case of an accident.
Perfect for travelers who want comprehensive protection without the complexity. One price covers everything, and AXA's trusted network ensures reliable claims processing throughout Guatemala. Get comprehensive coverage online for about 50% less than counter rates.
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Strategic planning and smart booking can help Peruvian travelers save significantly when renting cars in Guatemala. Understand the market trends, compare options, and choose wisely to make the most of your travel budget.
Important considerations and potential issues to watch for when renting a car in Guatemala.
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.
Polish and Guatemalan traffic rules differ primarily in road signage symbols, alcohol tolerance levels, and road infrastructure, while sharing similarities in seatbelt and mobile phone usage regulations.
Right-of-Way at Intersections
Yield to vehicles coming from the right unless otherwise indicated.
Right-of-way is indicated by specific signage or signals.
Blood Alcohol Limit
0.08% BAC for drivers.
0.02% BAC for drivers.
Road Conditions
Roads may include unpaved surfaces in rural regions.
Most roads are paved and well-maintained.
Mobile Phone Use
Use of mobile phones is only allowed with hands-free equipment.
Mobile phones must be used with hands-free devices.
Seatbelt Laws
Mandatory for all occupants.
Mandatory for all occupants.
Common questions for travelers from Peru renting a car in Guatemala
