Renting a Car in Peru: Complete Guide for 2026

Renting a car in Peru unlocks destinations that buses don’t easily reach — the Sacred Valley’s side roads, the Colca Canyon viewpoints on your own schedule, or the coastal route south of Lima. That said, driving in Peru is not for the faint-hearted. Here’s what you need before you pick up the keys.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Rent a Car

Self-driving makes sense for:

• The Sacred Valley (Cusco → Pisac → Ollantaytambo circuit, 2–3 hours)
• Coastal highway south of Lima (Paracas, Ica, Nazca)
• Arequipa to Colca Canyon (approximately 3.5 hours each way)
• The Cajamarca region and north coast ruins

Skip the rental and hire a driver for:

• Lima city travel — traffic is dense and parking is scarce
• Cusco city itself — most sights are walkable or a short taxi ride
• The Inca Trail and most Amazon regions (impassable by road)

Major Car Rental Agencies in Peru

International Chains

Hertz Peru Available at Jorge Chávez International Airport (Lima) and Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (Cusco). Rates start from approximately $45/day (S/165) for a compact. Hertz has one of the larger Peru fleets, which matters if you need an SUV — smaller agencies often run low on 4WD stock in peak season (June–August).

Avis Peru Operates from Lima airport and several Miraflores hotel lobbies. Compact cars from approximately $40/day (S/147), full-size SUVs from $85/day (S/312) as of 2026. Their 24-hour roadside assistance line is one of the more responsive in the market.

Budget Peru Competitive pricing — compact cars from $35/day (S/129). Counters at Lima airport (domestic and international terminals). Limited Cusco presence, so book well ahead if you need a vehicle there.

Alamo / National Available through partners at Lima airport. Rates broadly similar to Budget. Their web booking system is more reliable than some local alternatives.

Local Agencies

Localiza Peru Brazilian-origin chain with a solid Lima network. Rates often 10–15% cheaper than the international brands. Compact automatics from approximately $38/day (S/140). Useful if you’re returning the car to a different Lima branch.

OK Rent a Car Lima-based, popular with business travellers. Offers long-term weekly rates with good value SUV packages from approximately $65/day (S/238) including basic insurance. Branches in Miraflores and San Isidro.

Móvil Tours / Perú Car Local budget operators. Rates are lower but vehicle maintenance standards are less consistent. If you go local, inspect the car thoroughly before signing.

Costs to Budget For

Expense	Approximate Cost
Compact car (manual), per day	$35–$50 (S/129–183)
SUV / 4WD, per day	$60–$120 (S/220–440)
Automatic transmission surcharge	+$10–$20/day
Basic CDW insurance	Included or +$10–$18/day
Full coverage upgrade	+$15–$30/day
Lima toll roads (one-way)	S/1–4 per toll
Fuel (unleaded 90 octane), per litre	approximately S/7.50–8.00 (as of 2026)
Airport collection surcharge	$10–$25

Prices above are approximate as of 2026 — always confirm current rates at booking. Weekly discounts of 15–25% are standard at most agencies; ask explicitly if not offered.

What You Need to Rent

• Valid driving licence from your home country — in your name, not expired
• Passport (original, not a photocopy)
• International Driving Permit (IDP) — technically required by Peruvian law for foreign licences, though many agencies don’t check. Get one before you travel to avoid problems at police checkpoints
• Credit card in the driver’s name for the deposit — most agencies require this; debit cards are not accepted by larger chains
• Minimum age: 21 years (25 for SUVs at some agencies)

Insurance: What’s Covered and What Isn’t

Basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is usually included or offered cheaply. It typically covers vehicle damage but carries a high excess (deductible) of $500–$1,500. Full coverage (which reduces or eliminates the excess) is worth buying for Peruvian roads, where potholes and stray dogs are genuine hazards.

Check whether your credit card travel insurance covers car rental — some premium cards do, which can save $15–$30/day.

Note: most policies exclude damage on unpaved roads. If you’re driving to Colca Canyon or remote highland areas, confirm your coverage with the agency in writing before departure.

Driving in Peru: Practical Notes

Fuel: Most rental vehicles use unleaded 90 octane (the green pump). 97 octane is available at major stations. Diesel vehicles are common — confirm before you fill up. Petrol stations are plentiful on main highways but scarce in rural highlands; fill the tank when you can.

Roads: The Pan-American Highway (Route 1) along the coast is generally in good condition. The Carretera Central linking Lima to the highlands is steeper and requires more caution. Highland roads can be narrow, unpaved in sections, and prone to landslides in the rainy season (December–April).

Altitude: High-altitude driving (Cusco sits at 3,400m, Colca Canyon viewpoints reach 4,900m) affects concentration. Take it slower than you would at sea level.

Police checkpoints: Common on intercity routes. Have your licence, IDP, passport, and rental documents ready. Politely show everything; don’t offer money even if asked.

Parking in cities: Paid parking garages (playas de estacionamiento) are common in Miraflores and San Isidro. Never leave anything visible in an unattended car.

Best Self-Drive Routes in Peru

Sacred Valley Loop (2–3 days): Cusco → Pisac market → Urubamba → Ollantaytambo → Chinchero → Cusco. Well-paved, dramatic scenery, and you control the timing at each site.

Lima to Paracas and Ica (2 days): South on the Pan-American, mostly flat and straightforward. Stop at Paracas Reserve and the Huacachina sand dunes.

Arequipa to Colca Canyon (2 days): Spectacular but demanding — the road climbs above 4,900m before descending into the canyon. An SUV with 4WD is recommended.

North Coast Route (4–5 days): Lima → Trujillo → Chan Chan → Chiclayo → Sipán museums. Flat Pan-American highway, great for an extended road trip.

Booking Tips

Book at least two weeks ahead in June–August when SUV stock runs short across all agencies. Comparison sites like Rentalcars.com or AutoEurope often show better rates than booking direct, though the excess amounts may differ. Always read the rental contract in full before signing — note any existing damage on the handover form and photograph the car on all sides.

For airport transfers or private driver hire in Peru, see our transfers booking page. If you’d prefer a guided route, our Peru tours section covers operator-led options from most major cities.