Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Riohacha
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Riohacha
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Riohacha
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Riohacha
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Riohacha, the capital of La Guajira, offers a unique blend of Caribbean charm and indigenous culture. While taxis and buses are available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore beyond the city limits and discover the region's hidden gems.
Explore La Guajira at Your Own Pace. With a rental car, you can easily venture to destinations like Cabo de la Vela, Punta Gallinas, and the salt mines of Manaure, which are difficult to reach by public transport.
Visit Remote Beaches and Villages. Discover secluded beaches and authentic indigenous communities along the coast, experiencing the true essence of La Guajira.
Enjoy Comfort and Convenience. A rental car provides a comfortable and convenient way to travel, especially if you are traveling with family or carrying luggage.
Before renting a car in Riohacha, ensure you understand the terms and conditions. Key considerations include age requirements, driver's license regulations, insurance coverage, and potential extra fees.
Area
Approximately 2,772 square kilometers (1,070 square miles)
Population
Approximately 280,000 residents
Time Zone
UTC-5
Ideal for
Exploring the La Guajira region
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during peak hours around 7 AM–9 AM and 5 PM–7 PM
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Riohacha 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 is required. Foreign visitors should have their original license and may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) depending on their country of origin.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but you may want to consider additional coverage options. A security deposit is typically required and held on your credit card until the car is returned undamaged.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others limiting the distance you can drive. Fuel policies also differ, so check whether you need to return the car with a full tank or not.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, optional extras like GPS, or late returns.
Expect to pay around £20 / $25 / €24 per day for an economy-class car rental in Riohacha.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €48
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €30
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €18
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €42
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €54
Automatic:
from £28 / $35 / €34
SUV:
from £30 / $38 / €36
Peak season (December to January and June to July): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% during these periods due to higher tourist demand.
Low season (April to May and September to November): You can often find discounts and lower rates during the off-season.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Follow these steps to secure your rental car in Riohacha and ensure a smooth travel experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online car rental comparison websites to find the best deals from different rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, considering the terrain and the number of passengers.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card to the rental office when you pick up your vehicle.
Riohacha is a coastal city with a laid-back atmosphere. Driving is generally straightforward, but it's essential to be aware of local traffic conditions and regulations.
As the capital of La Guajira, Riohacha serves as a gateway to the region's diverse landscapes and cultural experiences. While the city itself is relatively easy to navigate, exploring the surrounding areas requires careful planning and an understanding of local driving conditions.
Top Attractions to Discover
Malecon of Riohacha
A scenic boardwalk offering views of the Caribbean Sea.
Catedral Nuestra Señora de los Remedios
A historical cathedral located in the city center.
Playa de Riohacha
The main beach in Riohacha, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sun.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public parking garages are available in the city center.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, but be mindful of parking regulations.
Parking near the Malecon
Paid parking is available near the Malecon, offering easy access to the waterfront.
Gas Stations in Riohacha
Terpel
A major gas station chain with multiple locations in Riohacha.
Petrobras
Another popular gas station brand with stations throughout the city.
Ecopetrol
A local gas station option. You can find stations along main roads.
Useful Tips for Visiting Riohacha
Drive Defensively
Be aware of other drivers and pedestrians.
Watch for Motorcycles
Motorcycles are prevalent. So pay special attention to them.
Plan for Traffic
Anticipate some traffic congestion.
Carry Cash
Not all establishments accept credit cards, so carry cash for tolls and smaller vendors.
Airport
Almirante Padilla Airport (RCH)
Located just outside Riohacha, serving domestic flights.
Bus Terminal
Riohacha Bus Terminal
The main bus terminal connects Riohacha with other cities and towns in Colombia.
To rent a car in Riohacha, you'll need to meet certain requirements and provide the necessary documentation.
You must have a valid driver’s license from your country of residence. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required if your license is not in Spanish.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the renter’s name is required for the security deposit.
You'll need to provide a passport or other form of government-issued identification.
This content was written, fast-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, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Riohacha as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Great trip to Riohacha! Met up with friends, and having a car made exploring so easy.
David Lee
Reviewed: 07.04.2025
Relaxing, good vibes.
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 07.11.2024
Riohacha lived up to the hype! Exploring by car was fantastic; so much freedom.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 25.04.2025
Exploring Riohacha by car was effortless; loved the freedom to discover hidden gems.
Isabelle Davis
Reviewed: 29.12.2024
Pretty chill vibe.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 15.02.2025
Peaceful escape to Riohacha! Getting around with a car was a breeze, perfect for exploring the coastline at my own pace.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 30.04.2025
© 2025 RentyCars All Rights Reserved.
Returning to Riohacha after all these years was amazing! Having a car made exploring the beaches and countryside so easy. The freedom to discover hidden gems was priceless. Highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 08.08.2025