Car Rental in Peru

Renting a Car in Peru

When visiting Peru, renting a car can be a convenient and flexible way to explore the country. However, it’s important to understand the local driving laws and requirements before hitting the road.

Driving Laws and Requirements

Before renting a car in Peru, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the local driving laws and requirements. In Peru, you must be at least 18 years old to drive and have a valid driver’s license from your home country. Additionally, it’s mandatory to have car insurance, and driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Choosing the Right Vehicle

When renting a car in Peru, consider the type of vehicle that best suits your needs. If you plan to explore the Andes or other mountainous regions, opt for a 4×4 vehicle with good traction and ground clearance. If you’ll be navigating through urban areas, a smaller and more fuel-efficient car may be more practical.

Driving Tips

Driving in Peru can be a unique experience, so it’s important to be prepared. Keep in mind that road conditions may vary, and it’s common to encounter livestock or pedestrians on the road, especially in rural areas. Additionally, be mindful of local driving habits and always drive defensively.

Choosing a Rental Company

When selecting a car rental company in Peru, it’s crucial to choose a reputable and reliable provider. Look for companies that offer clear rental agreements, transparent pricing, and good customer service. Additionally, consider the company’s coverage options and roadside assistance services.

Renting a car in Peru can enhance your travel experience, providing the freedom to explore the country at your own pace. By understanding local driving laws and requirements, choosing the right vehicle, and driving responsibly, you can have a safe and enjoyable road trip in Peru.

Rental Requirements

Age Limits

To rent a car in Peru, you must be at least 21 years old. Some rental companies may have a maximum age limit, typically around 75 years old.

Driving License Requirements

You will need a valid driver’s license from your home country to rent a car in Peru. If your license is not in Spanish, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Some rental companies may require you to have held your license for a minimum amount of time, typically one to two years.

Documentation

When renting a car in Peru, you will need to present a valid passport, a credit card in the name of the primary driver for the security deposit, and any additional documents required by the rental company.

Insurance Information

When renting a car in Peru, it’s important to understand the different types of insurance that are typically included in the rental agreement. Basic insurance usually includes Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection, which covers damages to the rental vehicle in the event of an accident or theft.

Additional Insurance

In addition to basic insurance, there are also options for additional coverage, such as Personal Accident Insurance and Supplemental Liability Insurance. Personal Accident Insurance provides coverage for medical expenses in the event of an accident, while Supplemental Liability Insurance offers additional protection in case of third-party claims.

Insurance Tips

Before renting a car in Peru, it’s recommended to check your existing travel insurance policies to see if they already provide coverage for rental vehicles. This can help you avoid purchasing duplicate coverage and save money on insurance costs. It’s also important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the insurance offered by the car rental company to fully understand what is and isn’t covered.

Local Driving Laws and Regulations in Peru

General Traffic Rules

Driving Side: In Peru, driving is on the right side of the road.
Speed Limits: The speed limits are typically 30-60 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 100-120 km/h on highways.
Other Useful Info: It is mandatory to carry your driver’s license and car registration at all times.

Overtaking and Lane Usage

Overtaking Rules: Overtaking is only allowed on the left side of the road when it is safe to do so.
Lane Discipline: The ‘keep right except to overtake’ rule is enforced on multi-lane roads.
Other Useful Info: Be cautious of motorcycles and pedestrians, especially in urban areas.

Seat Belt and Child Safety

Seat Belt Laws: Seat belts must be worn by all passengers in the vehicle.
Child Safety: Children under 12 years old must use a car seat or booster seat, depending on their height and weight.
Other Useful Info: Failure to comply with seat belt and child safety laws can result in fines.

Use of Mobile Phones

Mobile Phone Restrictions: It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, unless it is a hands-free device.
Other Useful Info: Pull over to a safe location if you need to make a call or send a text.

Alcohol and Driving

Legal Blood Alcohol Limits: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.
Zero Tolerance Policies: There is zero tolerance for alcohol for new drivers and commercial drivers.
Other Useful Info: Driving under the influence of alcohol can result in severe penalties, including license suspension.

Tolls and Charges

Toll Roads: There are toll roads in Peru, and payment is typically in cash or electronic toll collection.
Congestion Charges: There are no urban congestion charges in Peru.
Other Useful Info: Have local currency on hand for toll payments.

Roundabouts and Intersections

Navigating Roundabouts: Roundabouts are common in Peru, and vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way.
Intersection Rules: Vehicles approaching from the right have the right of way at intersections.
Other Useful Info: Be cautious of aggressive driving and use your horn when necessary.

Headlight and Windshield Wiper Laws

Headlight Usage: Headlights must be used at night and during adverse weather conditions.
Windshield Wiper Rule: There is no specific requirement to turn on headlights when using wipers.
Other Useful Info: Keep your headlights on at all times for visibility.

Emergency Vehicles

Right of Way for Emergency Vehicles: Pull over to the side of the road and allow emergency vehicles to pass.
Other Useful Info: Do not block emergency vehicle access when parking.

Driving Tips for Peru

Road Conditions

In Peru, road conditions can vary widely. While major highways are generally well-maintained, rural roads can be rough and unpaved. It’s important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially when driving in mountainous or jungle areas.

Urban vs. Rural Driving

In urban areas like Lima, driving can be hectic and chaotic, with heavy traffic and aggressive drivers. In rural areas, road quality may be poorer and driving styles more relaxed. Be prepared for different driving conditions depending on your location.

Navigational Tips

Using a GPS can be very helpful for navigating Peru’s roads, especially in cities. However, it’s also a good idea to have a physical map as a backup, as GPS signal can be unreliable in more remote areas. Familiarize yourself with the route before setting off on your journey.

Other Useful Tips

– Be aware of local driving laws and regulations, such as speed limits and rules of the road.
– Take caution when driving at night, as visibility may be reduced and road conditions can be more dangerous.
– Consider renting a car with good ground clearance if you plan on exploring rural areas, as some roads may be rough and uneven.

Roadside Assistance and Emergency Procedures

Breakdown Procedures

If you experience a breakdown while driving in Peru, the first thing to do is to safely pull off to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers, and then contact the rental company immediately to report the issue. They will provide you with instructions on what to do next.

Emergency Services

In case of an emergency, it’s important to have the contact numbers for the local police, ambulance, and roadside assistance. Keep these numbers handy in case you need them:
– Police: 105
– Ambulance: 106
– Roadside Assistance: Contact your rental company for their specific emergency assistance number.

Rental Company Policies

Most rental companies in Peru offer 24/7 roadside assistance and towing services in case of a breakdown. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific policies of the rental company you choose, so you know exactly what support is available to you in case of an emergency.

Where can you Rent a Car in Peru?

You can browse all the city locations below, sorted alphabetically. Use Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F on a Mac) to quickly find the one you want to explore.

• Car Rental in Arequipa, Peru
• Car Rental in Cuzco, Peru
• Car Rental in Lima, Peru