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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Guatemala
Guatemala
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Guatemala
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Guatemala
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Guatemala
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.
Why Rent a Car in Guatemala?
Guatemala, a land of vibrant culture, ancient Mayan ruins, and stunning natural landscapes, offers a unique travel experience. While alternative transportation options exist, renting a car provides the ultimate freedom to explore this diverse country at your own pace. Here’s why a rental car is essential for experiencing the real Guatemala.
Unmatched Flexibility. Public transport in Guatemala can be unreliable and time-consuming. A rental car allows you to create your own itinerary and visit destinations on your schedule.
Access to Remote Locations. Many of Guatemala's hidden gems, like Lake Atitlán's secluded villages or the ancient ruins of Tikal, are difficult to reach by public transport. A car opens up these less accessible but unforgettable experiences.
Comfort and Convenience. Navigating unfamiliar places is easier with your own vehicle. A rental car provides a comfortable and convenient base for exploring, especially when travelling with luggage or family.
Cost-Effective for Groups. If you’re travelling with a group, renting a car can be more economical than purchasing multiple bus or shuttle tickets. Sharing fuel costs further reduces expenses.
Driving in Guatemala: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Right hand side
Speed limit within city centre
40 km/h or 25 mph
Languages
Spanish
Average petrol price
£0.95 per litre or £3.60 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
80 km/h or 50 mph
Currency
Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Score
6.5/10
Dialling Code
+502
Driving in Guatemala can be an adventure, but it's essential to be aware of local rules and customs to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here's what you need to know before getting behind the wheel.
1. Be Aware of Road Conditions Roads can vary greatly, from well-maintained highways to unpaved rural routes. Be prepared for potholes, unlit roads, and occasional landslides, especially during the rainy season. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for some areas.
- Consider Renting a 4x4
2. Respect Local Driving Customs Guatemalan drivers often use their horns to communicate, and defensive driving is essential. Be prepared for unexpected manoeuvres and always yield to buses and larger vehicles.
- Drive Defensively
3. Be Mindful of Security Avoid driving at night, especially in rural areas, and be cautious about stopping in isolated locations. Keep valuables out of sight and ensure your car is locked when parked.
- Avoid driving at night
4. Understand Traffic Laws Familiarise yourself with Guatemalan traffic laws, including speed limits, seatbelt requirements, and rules regarding alcohol consumption. Traffic police are common, and it's important to have all necessary documents readily available.
- Carry all necessary documents
5. Carry Local Currency Some toll roads or smaller establishments may only accept Guatemalan Quetzales. Ensure you have enough local currency for these situations.
- Have local currency on hand
Top drives in the Guatemala:
Guatemala offers a variety of breathtaking drives, from winding mountain roads to coastal routes.
With a rental car, you can explore ancient Mayan sites, colonial towns, and stunning natural landscapes at your own pace. Discover the best scenic routes and road trip ideas for an unforgettable Guatemalan adventure.
Car Rental Prices in Guatemala – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in the Guatemala
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to April): Prices start at approximately £55 / $70 / €65 per day*. This is the dry season, making it ideal for exploring the country's attractions.
Low season (May to October): Discounts available from around £35 / $45 / €40 per day*. This is the rainy season, with fewer tourists and lower prices.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Tips for saving money when renting a car in Guatemala
Renting a car in Guatemala allows you to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures at your own pace. However, car rental costs can quickly add up. Here are some tips to help you save money on your rental while still enjoying a great experience.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Car rental prices tend to increase as the pick-up date approaches. Booking well in advance can secure lower rates and a wider selection of vehicles.
2. Compare Prices & Look for Discounts.: Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies. Look for discounts for early bookings, longer rentals, or partnerships with airlines or hotels.
3. Choose a Smaller Car.: Opt for an economy or compact car if you don't need a lot of space. Smaller cars are typically cheaper to rent and consume less fuel, saving you money at the pump.
4. Decline Unnecessary Insurance.: Assess your existing insurance coverage before opting for additional insurance from the rental company. Your credit card or travel insurance may already provide adequate coverage.
5. Refuel Before Returning.: Avoid expensive refuelling charges by filling up the tank at a local petrol station before returning the car. Rental companies often charge significantly higher rates for refuelling.
6. Avoid Airport Rentals.: Renting a car at the airport can be more expensive due to higher fees and taxes. Consider taking a shuttle or taxi to an off-airport location for better deals.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Guatemala?
Renting a car in Guatemala is relatively straightforward, but you’ll need to meet specific requirements before you can drive off. Here’s a list of essential items and information you’ll need:
Valid Driver’s License. You'll need a valid driver's licence from your country of residence. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, especially if your licence is not in Spanish.
Passport. A valid passport is required as proof of identity and to verify your tourist status.
Credit Card. A major credit card in the primary driver’s name is necessary for the security deposit. Some rental companies may accept debit cards, but credit cards are generally preferred.
Minimum Age. The minimum age to rent a car in Guatemala is typically 21 or 25, depending on the rental company. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
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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.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
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 Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Guatemala 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.
Pretty chill, overall
David Lee
Reviewed: 25.12.2024
Relaxing, good roads
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 21.03.2025
Short trip, but fantastic! Exploring Antigua was a highlight; however, the crowds were intense.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 18.05.2025
Pretty laid-back, yeah.
Kai Jensen
Reviewed: 25.01.2025
Summer in Guatemala was unforgettable! Having a car made exploring the Mayan ruins so convenient.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 05.10.2024
Back in Guatemala after years away! Renting a car was a breeze, and exploring the country was even better than I remembered.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 12.04.2025
Family vacation in Guatemala was incredible! Having our own car gave us the freedom to explore hidden gems and enjoy the stunning scenery at our own pace. Highly recommend!
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 02.02.2025
Guatemala exceeded expectations! Cruising the coast, so peaceful; the car was perfect.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 16.02.2025
Guatemala was amazing! Getting around with a rental car made exploring so easy, and catching up with friends in Antigua was perfect.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 30.05.2025