Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Rio Hato
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Rio Hato
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Rio Hato
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Rio Hato
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.
Rio Hato offers a mix of beautiful beaches, historical sites, and natural landscapes. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems.
Explore Beyond the Beaches. With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby attractions like El Caño Archaeological Site or take a day trip to the mountains.
Convenience and Comfort. A rental car makes travelling with beach gear, luggage, or family members much more comfortable than relying on buses or taxis.
Flexibility to Discover. Go where you want, when you want. Whether it’s a quiet beach or a local festival, you have the freedom to explore Rio Hato and its surroundings.
Before booking a rental car in Rio Hato, familiarise yourself with the rental terms. Key considerations include age requirements, licence and documentation, insurance and deposits, and mileage and fuel policies.
Area
Approximately 100 square kilometres
Population
Approximately 3,000 residents
Time Zone
EST (UTC-5)
Ideal for
Exploring beaches and nearby attractions
Rush Hours
Minimal traffic congestion
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Rio Hato require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price. A security deposit is typically required and held on a credit card until the car is returned undamaged.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have daily or weekly limits. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extras like GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers.
Car rental prices in Rio Hato vary depending on the type of vehicle, rental duration, and time of year.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €35 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £11 / $14 / €12 per day
Peak season (December to April): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher tourist volume.
Low season (May to November): Discounts and lower rates are often available during the off-season months.
Car rental prices in Rio Hato are influenced by seasonal demand.
Booking a car in Rio Hato involves a few simple steps to ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best rental deals from different companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or an SUV for exploring off-road areas.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver's licence, credit card, and booking confirmation when collecting your rental car.
Rio Hato is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere. Exploring the area by car allows you to discover its hidden gems and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
Rio Hato, located in Panama, offers a blend of relaxation and adventure. While the town itself is relatively small, a rental car provides the opportunity to explore nearby attractions and enjoy the scenic countryside.
Top Attractions to Discover
Santa Clara Beach
A popular beach known for its calm waters and family-friendly atmosphere.
El Caño Archaeological Site
An ancient burial ground and ceremonial site offering insights into Panama's pre-Columbian history.
Bijao Beach Club
A luxurious beach club providing various amenities and activities.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Limited availability in the town centre, but some resorts and commercial areas offer parking garages.
On-Street Parking
Available in certain areas, but be mindful of local regulations and time limits.
Park & Ride
Not typically available, but parking near popular attractions is generally accessible.
Gas Stations in Rio Hato
Main Fuel Chains
Gas stations from major brands like Puma and Delta are available in and around Rio Hato.
Refuelling Guidance
Ensure you refuel before embarking on longer journeys, as stations may be limited in more remote areas.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Rio Hato
Stay Hydrated
Carry water with you, especially when exploring outdoor areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Traffic congestion is minimal, but allow extra time during peak tourist seasons.
Respect Local Customs
Be mindful of local customs and traditions.
Use Contactless Payment
Contactless payment is accepted in many establishments.
Major Bus Stations
Rio Hato Bus Terminal
The main bus terminal connects Rio Hato with other cities and towns in Panama.
Airports
Scarlett Martínez International Airport (RIH)
Located in Rio Hato, serving domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in Panama is relatively straightforward, but you'll need to meet a few requirements before you can drive off.
A valid driver's licence from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-Spanish speakers.
The minimum age to rent a car in Panama is typically 21 years old, but some companies may have higher age restrictions.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of government-issued identification is required.
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 Rio Hato 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.
Relaxing, good drives
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 11.10.2024
Quick business trip, but Rio Hato was surprisingly pleasant! Exploring with my rental car was easy and efficient.
David Lee
Reviewed: 23.01.2025
So glad I returned to Rio Hato after all these years! Having a car made exploring the beaches and countryside incredibly easy and enjoyable. Absolutely loved it.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 25.01.2025
Pretty laid-back, actually
Emily Wilson
Reviewed: 12.10.2024
Peaceful, low-key vibe
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 21.08.2024
It was great to revisit Rio Hato after so long. Having a car definitely made things easier. The beaches were as stunning as I remembered, though the local seafood restaurant was a bit underwhelming.
Ashley Davis
Reviewed: 27.04.2025
Wonderful to be back in Rio Hato after all this time! Getting around was a breeze, and the beaches were stunning.
Ava Rodriguez
Reviewed: 22.09.2024
Rio Hato was lovely revisiting after all these years. Having a car was helpful, though the local bakery was a bit disappointing.
Brian Johnson
Reviewed: 11.01.2025
Pretty low-key, yeah
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 15.01.2025
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Pretty chill, really
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 21.06.2025