Car Rental in Guatemala - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Guatemala offers excellent flexibility for exploring the countryside, colonial towns, and archaeological sites at your own pace. It's particularly recommended for visiting remote areas like Tikal, Lake Atitlán villages, and the highlands where public transport schedules may be limited. However, avoid driving in Guatemala City and Antigua's historic center where traffic congestion, aggressive driving, and limited parking make cars more hassle than help—these cities are better explored on foot or by taxi. Guatemala drives on the right side of the road. Road conditions vary significantly: main highways connecting major cities are generally well-maintained, but rural roads can be poorly paved with potholes, especially during rainy season. Mountain roads feature steep grades and sharp curves requiring confident driving skills. Signage can be inconsistent outside major routes. Driving can be challenging for tourists due to aggressive local driving habits, speed bumps (topes) appearing without warning, and livestock on rural roads. An international driving permit is recommended alongside your home license. Car rental is best suited for travelers comfortable with variable road conditions who want to explore beyond standard tourist circuits—check current rental rates and requirements through booking platforms.

International Driving Permit

Generally recommended for tourists driving in Guatemala. Check with your rental agency and home country's automobile association for current requirements.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is typically accepted. Verify acceptance with your rental agency before travel.

Minimum Age

Most rental agencies require drivers to be at least 21-25 years old. Age requirements and potential surcharges vary by company.

Credit Card

A major credit card in the driver's name is typically required for security deposits. Debit cards are often not accepted for deposits.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is generally mandatory. Additional coverage options are typically available and recommended for comprehensive protection.

Passport

Valid passport is typically required for identification when renting a vehicle. Verify specific documentation requirements with your rental agency.

Rent from international agencies at Guatemala City or Antigua for better insurance coverage and roadside assistance, though local agencies may offer lower rates - always verify insurance details cover Guatemala's road conditions before signing.

Before driving off, thoroughly document any existing damage with photos/video, verify the spare tire and jack are present, and confirm you have the rental agency's 24-hour emergency contact number.

Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me work in Guatemala) before your trip as mobile data can be unreliable in rural areas, and GPS coordinates are more reliable than street addresses outside major cities.

Fill up with fuel in larger towns as gas stations become sparse in rural areas, and note that secure parking (estacionamientos) is recommended in cities - many hotels offer guarded parking for a small fee.

Plan to return the car during business hours with a full tank and allow extra time for the inspection process - take photos of the returned vehicle's condition and fuel level as documentation.

Mountain roads in Guatemala can be narrow, winding, and poorly maintained with frequent potholes, landslides during rainy season (May-October), and minimal lighting - drive cautiously and avoid night driving in rural areas.

Guatemala City experiences heavy traffic congestion during morning (7-9 AM) and evening (5-7 PM) rush hours, while aggressive driving, frequent lane changes without signals, and minimal adherence to traffic rules are common throughout the country.

Police and military checkpoints are frequent on major highways - always stop when signaled, keep documents ready (license, passport, vehicle papers), and remain courteous as these are routine security measures.

Heavy fog is common in highland areas during early morning and evening hours, while sudden tropical downpours can create dangerous flooding and reduced visibility - pull over safely if conditions become hazardous.