Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
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Peñas Blancas
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Peñas Blancas
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Peñas Blancas
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Peñas Blancas
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Peñas Blancas, a gateway town in Nicaragua, offers a unique blend of border bustle and scenic beauty. While local transport options exist, renting a car unlocks a world of exploration, allowing you to discover hidden gems and travel at your own pace.
Uncover Hidden Gems. With a rental car, you're not limited to the main tourist routes. Explore nearby coffee plantations, nature reserves, and charming villages at your own speed.
Border Crossing Convenience. If you're planning to cross into Costa Rica, having a rental car simplifies the process, allowing you to manage your journey seamlessly.
Freedom to Explore. Whether you're heading to the beaches of San Juan del Sur or the colonial city of Granada, a rental car gives you the freedom to explore Nicaragua's diverse landscapes.
Before booking a rental car in Peñas Blancas, understand the local regulations. Ensure you meet the minimum age, have a valid driver's license, and are aware of insurance, deposit, and fuel policies.
Area
Approximately 1 square kilometre (0.4 square miles)
Population
Approximately 2,000 residents
Time Zone
CST (Central Standard Time)
Ideal for
Border crossing and regional exploration
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during border crossing hours
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Nicaragua require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license from your country of residence is typically accepted for short-term rentals. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, especially if your license is not in Spanish or English. A passport is also required.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but you may want to consider additional coverage. A security deposit is required and is typically held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others having restrictions. Fuel policies also vary, so confirm whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Border CrossingIf you plan to cross into Costa Rica, inform the rental company in advance, as there may be specific requirements or fees.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11
Peak season (December to April): Higher demand during the dry season, prices increase by 20-30%
Low season (May to November): Discounts often available during the rainy season
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Compare prices, choose the right car for your needs, and carefully review rental terms to avoid surprises. Booking early is essential for the best rates, especially during peak seasons.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best rental deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel plans, whether it's a compact car for city driving or an SUV for exploring rougher terrain.
3. Check Rental Terms - Pay close attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected charges.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak tourist seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, credit card, and passport when collecting your rental vehicle.
Peñas Blancas is a border town, primarily serving as a crossing point between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. While not a major tourist destination, it offers access to nearby attractions.
As a border town, Peñas Blancas experiences significant traffic, particularly during peak travel times. Driving requires awareness of local customs and regulations. While the town itself is small, renting a car provides access to the surrounding areas and attractions in Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Top Attractions to Discover
Lake Nicaragua
Explore the vast freshwater lake with islands and volcanic landscapes.
Granada
Visit the historic colonial city known for its architecture and vibrant culture.
San Juan del Sur
Enjoy the beaches and surfing opportunities on the Pacific coast.
Where to Find Parking
Border Parking
Designated parking areas are available near the border crossing.
Local Businesses
Some businesses may offer parking for customers.
Hotel Parking
If staying overnight, hotels typically provide parking for guests.
Gas Stations in Peñas Blancas
Limited Availability
Gas stations are limited in Peñas Blancas itself; it's best to refuel in larger towns before arriving.
Main Brands
Look for Esso and Puma stations along the main roads.
Plan Ahead
Ensure you have enough fuel for your journey before crossing the border.
Useful Tips for Visiting Peñas Blancas
Border Crossing Times
Allow extra time for border crossing, especially during peak hours.
Currency Exchange
Exchange currency before or after crossing the border.
Stay Alert
Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.
Local Customs
Respect local customs and traditions.
Major Bus Stations
Peñas Blancas Bus Terminal
Serves local and international bus routes, primarily connecting to Managua and Liberia (Costa Rica).
Airports
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR)
Located in Liberia, Costa Rica, it's the closest major airport, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Peñas Blancas.
Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA)
Located in Managua, Nicaragua, it's about 3 hours from Peñas Blancas.
Renting a car in Nicaragua is generally straightforward, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before you can drive off. Here’s what you’ll need.
A valid driver's license from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in Spanish or English.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may have additional fees for drivers under 25.
A valid credit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies may accept debit cards, but this varies.
A passport is required for international renters as proof of identity.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Peñas Blancas as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Exploring Peñas Blancas with my family was effortless thanks to our rental car. Beautiful scenery, amazing memories!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 17.08.2024
Back in Peñas Blancas after years, and it's even more stunning! Having a car made exploring so easy.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 08.01.2025
Perfect weekend getaway! Having a car made everything so convenient. Peñas Blancas is gorgeous.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 17.02.2025
Quick business trip, car rental a breeze. Peñas Blancas is lovely, though the hotel Wi-Fi was spotty.
David Lee
Reviewed: 24.03.2025
Peñas Blancas was surprisingly efficient for a quick business trip. Having a car made getting around so much easier, and I even had time to enjoy the scenery!
Christopher Brown
Reviewed: 11.07.2025
Pretty relaxed, really
Kevin Wilson
Reviewed: 19.07.2025
Low-key lovely place
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 26.07.2025
Loved exploring Peñas Blancas! Having a car made it so easy to discover hidden gems and enjoy the stunning landscapes. Such a memorable trip!
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Pretty chill, really
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 21.06.2025