Hire a Car in Lima, Peru: Competitive Prices and a Practical UK Traveller’s Guide

Check licence and ID requirements before you land: Bring your driving licence and passport, and confirm whether your rental company requests an International Driving Permit. Requirements can vary by provider even when local rules are similar.

Plan around Lima traffic peaks: Allow extra time for departures and returns, especially weekday mornings and late afternoons. If possible, start early to clear the city before the Pan-American Highway builds up.

Keep fuel topped up outside the city: Fuel stations are common on major highways, but spacing increases on inland routes. Refill before long stretches (e.g., heading towards Cañete Valley or Antioquía) to avoid detours.

Choose insurance that matches how you will drive: If you’re leaving metropolitan Lima, consider cover that reduces excess and includes theft/damage protection. Read exclusions carefully (tyres, glass, underbody and unpaved roads often differ).

Carry some cash for tolls and small stops: Peru’s main highways often have toll booths. Having small denominations helps keep the journey smooth, especially if card terminals are slow or temporarily unavailable.

Download offline maps and pin key waypoints: Mobile coverage can drop on valley and mountain roads. Save offline maps, pin your accommodation, and mark fuel and rest stops before you leave.

Photograph the vehicle at pick-up and drop-off: Take clear photos and a short walkaround video (wheels, windscreen, bumpers and interior). This is the simplest way to avoid disputes about pre-existing damage.

Drive defensively on mountain routes: For trips to inland villages, expect narrow lanes, bends and occasional rockfall or roadworks. Keep speeds modest, avoid night driving where possible, and let faster local traffic pass safely.