Car Rental

In the last years, the infrastructure has improved as the government invested money in road construction. Now many roads have adequate signage and lighting. Driving during the night is safer but still not recommended due to unlit vehicles and livestock. However, despite the progress , many roads are still unpaved and during the rainy season driving on them without four-wheel-drive is downright impossible.

In order to drive a car in Guatemala you only need the valid driver’s license. Of course, carry the passport with you at all times (you don’t want trouble with the police, do you?). You should be at least 25 to be able to rent a car in Guatemala. The driving rules are similar to the ones in Europe and the USA. Keep in mind that due to the landscape you won’t be able to drive fast (an average of 40mph is what you should consider when calculating the time).

Prices and other info

Renting a car in Guatemala is very cheap. If you travel during the dry season, economy cars are not a bad choice , especially if you plan to drive only on the main roads. Expect to pay from US$108 per week for Toyota Yaris. However, driving during the rainy season means you need a 4×4 car, such as a standard pickup which will set you back US$250 per week.

You will need a credit card to rent a car (debit card and cash payments are not accepted) if you want to do this online. Personal accident insurance and effects coverage will cost extra ($70 per week). The liability insurance is not included in the price either. Of course, different rental agencies have different prices, so do your homework and search various offers. Pay attention to what’s included (or not) in the rental price.

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