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Your Ultimate Guide to Car Hire in Guatemala: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Guatemala boasts a rich cultural heritage, awe-inspiring landscapes, and ancient Mayan ruins. For first-time visitors looking to explore its breathtaking terrains and hidden gems at their own pace, hiring a car is an excellent option. But before you jump behind the wheel, here's everything you need to know about driving in Guatemala.


1. Understanding Guatemalan Driving Culture

  • Right-side Driving: Like most countries in the Americas, Guatemalans drive on the right-hand side of the road.

  • Traffic and Roads: Expect a mix of well-maintained highways and rugged dirt roads, especially in more rural areas. Be prepared for occasional potholes and slow-moving traffic.

  • Horn Etiquette: It's common for drivers to use their horn as a friendly warning, especially in narrow streets or when overtaking. It's not always an aggressive gesture!


2. Car Hire Tips

  • Documentation: Ensure you have a valid driver's license, passport, and a credit card for security deposits.

  • Age Limit: Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 25 years old, but some may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee.

  • Insurance: It's highly recommended to take comprehensive insurance, given the unpredictability of certain roads.


3. Weather Influence on Car Types

  • Dry Season (Nov-Apr): Any standard car will do, but if you're heading to more remote areas, consider a 4x4.

  • Rainy Season (May-Oct): Roads can be slippery, and some might get flooded. It's advisable to opt for a 4x4 or a car with good ground clearance.


4. Popular Driving Routes

  • Pan-American Highway: This iconic route stretches across the country, offering glimpses of picturesque landscapes, towns, and villages.

  • Route to Lake Atitlán: Drive to one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, surrounded by majestic volcanoes and charming towns.

  • Tikal Route: Journey to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Americas.


5. Guatemalan Customs to Keep in Mind

  • Friendly Locals: Guatemalans are known for their warmth and hospitality. If you're lost, don’t hesitate to ask for directions.

  • Parking Etiquette: In towns and cities, look for 'Parqueo' signs for parking spaces. Some areas may have attendants who watch over your car for a small fee.

  • Respecting Holy Week (Semana Santa): This is a significant event in Guatemala, especially in Antigua. During this week, roads might be closed for processions, so plan your route in advance.


6. Recommendations for First-Time Visitors

  • Stay Alert: Watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, and animals, especially on rural roads.

  • Avoid Night Driving: It's safer to travel during daylight hours due to the reduced visibility and increased risk of criminal activity after dark.

  • Familiarize with Local Laws: For instance, seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and using a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free system is illegal.

  • Fuel Up: While there are plenty of gas stations in major cities, they can be sparse in remote areas. It's a good practice to keep your tank at least half full.


Conclusion: 

Driving in Guatemala offers the opportunity to explore the country at your own pace. However, it's essential to be prepared, stay vigilant, and respect local driving customs and laws. Safe travels!

(Note: The above information serves as a general guide. Always check with local authorities or official sources for up-to-date and region-specific advice.)


 


Cheapest car hire in Guatemala

Nissan Versa

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 24.45 EUR/day
Nissan Versa

7 Days rental at 171.16 EUR from 20/05/2024

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Yaris

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 42.21 EUR/day
Toyota Yaris

7 Days rental at 295.48 EUR from 20/05/2024

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Yaris

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 42.21 EUR/day
Toyota Yaris

7 Days rental at 295.48 EUR from 20/05/2024

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Kia Picanto

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 23.15 EUR/day
Kia Picanto

7 Days rental at 162.07 EUR from 20/05/2024

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Kia Rio

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 25.75 EUR/day
Kia Rio

7 Days rental at 180.25 EUR from 20/05/2024

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Chevrolet Aveo

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 41.78 EUR/day
Chevrolet Aveo

7 Days rental at 292.51 EUR from 20/05/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Rush

6 Adults, 5 Doors

From 116.25 EUR/day
Toyota Rush

7 Days rental at 813.80 EUR from 20/05/2024

  5 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Rush

6 Adults, 5 Doors

From 116.25 EUR/day
Toyota Rush

7 Days rental at 813.80 EUR from 20/05/2024

  5 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Rush

6 Adults, 5 Doors

From 116.25 EUR/day
Toyota Rush

7 Days rental at 813.80 EUR from 20/05/2024

  5 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Nissan Sentra

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 49.03 EUR/day
Nissan Sentra

7 Days rental at 343.24 EUR from 20/05/2024

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Nissan Sentra

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 49.03 EUR/day
Nissan Sentra

7 Days rental at 343.24 EUR from 20/05/2024

  5 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Nissan Sentra

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 49.03 EUR/day
Nissan Sentra

7 Days rental at 343.24 EUR from 20/05/2024

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Top tips when hiring a car in Guatemala

  • Understand Insurance Coverage: Insurance is crucial when renting a car. Make sure you understand what insurance coverage is included in the rental agreement and what additional options are available. In Guatemala, basic insurance typically covers third-party liability, but you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage for collision damage and theft protection.

  • Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly: Before accepting the car, inspect it carefully for any pre-existing damage, both inside and out. Take note of any scratches, dents, or other issues, and ensure that these are documented in the rental agreement to avoid being held responsible for them upon return. Test the lights, brakes, and other essential functions to ensure everything is in working order.

  • Be Mindful of Road Conditions: Guatemala's road conditions can vary significantly, from well-maintained highways to rough, unpaved roads in rural areas. Choose a vehicle that suits your travel plans and comfort level. If you plan to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, consider renting a 4x4 or SUV with high ground clearance for better handling on uneven terrain.

  • Familiarize Yourself with Traffic Laws: Traffic regulations in Guatemala may differ from those in your home country. Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, road signs, and driving customs before hitting the road. Pay attention to speed limits, traffic signals, and pedestrian crossings. Additionally, exercise caution, especially in densely populated urban areas where traffic congestion and erratic driving behavior are common.

By following these tips, you can ensure a more enjoyable and stress-free experience when renting a car in Guatemala.

 

Popular car hire destinations in Guatemala

  • La Aurora Int Airport
  • Maya Trails

Laws and rules of the road when driving in Guatemala

  •  

    R

    Road Driving Side

  •  

    50kph

    Urban speed Limit

  •  

    80kph

    Rural Speed Limit

  •  

    110kph

    Motorway Speed Limit

  •  

    GTQ  9.60/Ltr

    Current Petrol Price

  •  

    80mg

    Drink Drive Limit

  •  

    GTQ

    Currency

  •  

    YES

    Tolls

  •  

    21

    Min Rental Age

    16

    Min Driving Age

  •  

    Front and Rear

    Seatbelts

  •  

    Fixed and Mobile

    Speed Cameras

  •  

    Hands Free Only

    Mobile Phones

Compare car rental agents in Guatemala

Rental Agent
Locations
Rating (/10)
Customer Reviews
Mini (€/day)
Compact (€/day)
Intermediate (€/day)
Standard (€/day)
 Alamo
4
8.6/10
40
€ 42.21
€ 49.03

Car rental agent statistics in Guatemala

  • Highest Rated Agent Icon
    8.6/10
    Highest rated agent:
    ALAMO
  • Lowest Rated Agent Icon
    8.6/10
    Lowest rated agent:
    ALAMO
  • Total Number of Reviews Icon
    40
    Total number of reviews in
    Guatemala
  • Most Locations Icon
    5
    Most Locations in Guatemala:
    ENTERPRISE
  • Average Wait Time Icon
    15
    Average wait time
    (Min.)
  • Total Rental Companies Icon
    7
    Total rental companies
     

Average prices per day for car hire in Guatemala

ItemPercent
January€ 62
February€ 61
March€ 61
April€ 62
May€ 67
June€ 68
July€ 64
August€ 63
September€ 64
October€ 61
November€ 63
December€ 62
ItemPercent
January€ 45
February€ 45
March€ 42
April€ 46
May€ 60
June€ 58
July€ 55
August€ 52
September€ 52
October€ 44
November€ 46
December€ 44
ItemPercent
January€ 92
February€ 91
March€ 90
April€ 103
May€ 99
June€ 105
July€ 110
August€ 104
September€ 101
October€ 90
November€ 102
December€ 93
ItemPercent
January€ 72
February€ 74
March€ 73
April€ 74
May€ 77
June€ 77
July€ 75
August€ 77
September€ 78
October€ 80
November€ 75
December€ 68
ItemPercent
January€ 83
February€ 81
March€ 82
April€ 94
May€ 97
June€ 94
July€ 82
August€ 99
September€ 103
October€ 105
November€ 100
December€ 62
ItemPercent
January€ 35
February€ 37
March€ 36
April€ 36
May€ 36
June€ 40
July€ 41
August€ 36
September€ 38
October€ 39
November€ 39
December€ 35
ItemPercent
January€ 84
February€ 85
March€ 81
April€ 78
May€ 84
June
July
August
September
October
November€ 79
December€ 83
ItemPercent
January€ 70
February€ 70
March€ 68
April€ 67
May€ 74
June€ 71
July€ 77
August€ 70
September€ 70
October€ 71
November€ 72
December€ 73

Select category to see average car hire prices in Guatemala

*average daily rates based on 7 day rental, search for today's best prices.

Fuel prices in Guatemala

DieselUnleaded
Apr , 2023

€ 0.92

€ 1.03

May , 2023

€ 0.82

€ 1.03

Jun , 2023

€ 0.87

€ 1.08

Jul , 2023

€ 0.86

€ 1.06

Aug , 2023

€ 0.98

€ 1.18

Sep , 2023

€ 1.10

€ 1.19

Oct , 2023

€ 1.15

€ 1.23

Nov , 2023

€ 0.95

€ 0.95

Dec , 2023

€ 0.94

€ 0.95

Jan , 2024

€ 0.94

€ 0.97

Feb , 2024

€ 0.99

€ 1.02

Mar , 2024

€ 0.97

€ 1.07

Month, YearDiesel €/ltrUnleaded €/ltr
Mar , 2024 0.97 1.07
Feb , 2024 0.99 1.02
Jan , 2024 0.94 0.97
Dec , 2023 0.94 0.95
Nov , 2023 0.95 0.95
Oct , 2023 1.15 1.23
Sep , 2023 1.10 1.19
Aug , 2023 0.98 1.18
Jul , 2023 0.86 1.06
Jun , 2023 0.87 1.08
May , 2023 0.82 1.03
Apr , 2023 0.92 1.03

Car rental price statistics in Guatemala

  • Average Price Icon
    € 162.05
    Average price:
    (per week)
  • Highest Daily Price Icon
    € 120.86
    Highest daily price:
    Toyota Innova
  • Total Vehicles Icon
    142
    Total cars available
     
  • Most Popular Car Model Icon
    22
    Most popular model:
    Toyota Yaris
  • Locations with Most Cars Icon
    39
    Location with most cars:
    Guatemala City - La Aurora Intl. Airport
  • Cheapest Daily Price Icon
    € 23.2 per day
    Cheapest daily price:
    RIGHT CARS - Guatemala City - La Aurora Intl. Airport
FAQs - How can we help?

There are always some points on which you are not sure when hiring a car, so we have done our best to answer the frequently asked questions. Just click this link and you will find the questions are sorted by category for easy navigation.

Useful links if renting a car in Guatemala

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