Guatemala car hire

Economy (Chevrolet Sonic Sedan or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Guatemala.

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Guatemala are Alamo (7.7, 62 reviews), and Hertz (6.3, 53 reviews).

Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

Travelers who rent a car in Guatemala will encounter different types of road surfaces in different areas of the country. Major highways are generally in good condition and include occasional toll roads—for example, the highway between Palin and Antigua. Rural areas, however, can have poor driving conditions, including rough surfaces, wet weather, free-roaming livestock, and plenty of potholes. Driving is in the right lane in Guatemala, and it is advised to avoid driving at night in all areas.

While the minimum age for Guatemalans to drive is 16, to rent a car in Guatemala a driver will need to be at least 18 years old. Many agencies, such as Avis, have increased this limit to 25, while others, like Alamo, charge an additional fee of around 77 GTQ (10 USD) for drivers ages 21 to 24. A valid domestic driver’s license that has been active for at least 1 year is required to rent a car in Guatemala.

Petrol stations are common in urban areas of Guatemala, but it is recommended to keep well fueled in rural areas. Most petrol stations are serviced and operate from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, while some highway stations open 24h a day. Prices are around 7.4 GTQ (0.90 USD) for a liter of petrol and 6.1 GTQ (0.80 USD) for a liter of diesel.

There are three main speed limits that apply in Guatemala, depending on the type of road you are driving on. The maximum limit in urban areas is 50 km/h (31 mph), while rural roads have a top limit of 80 km/h (50 mph). Highways have a maximum speed limit of 110 km/h (68 mph), but are not always in good condition. It is usually best to travel slower to minimize risk.