Hire a car in Peru to explore beyond the classic routes, from Lima down the Panamericana Sur to Paracas, Huacachina and the Nazca Lines. Stop for seafood in small coastal towns and pause at wild Pacific viewpoints that coaches rush straight past.
In the Sacred Valley, driving between Cusco, Pisac, Maras and Ollantaytambo gives you flexibility to visit ruins and markets at quieter times. With your own wheels you can add side trips to less visited villages, lagoons and highland terraces.
At a glance
Drives onRight
Motorway tollToll roads (pay per use)
CurrencyPeruvian Sol (PEN)
Min. rental age21 years
Good to know before you drive
The essentials for a smooth, ticket-free trip.
🚦
Speed limits
Town50 km/h
Open road90 km/h
Motorway130 km/h
🅿️
Parking
Paid short-stay zones in city centres — buy a ticket and display it.
🍷
Alcohol limit
Typically 0.05% blood-alcohol limit; lower for new drivers.
🎫
Vignette / tolls
Check whether a motorway vignette or tolls apply — many rentals include one.
Renting a car? Watch this video first
▶
Why book with us
💸
Save up to 80%
Exclusive negotiated rates from 1,000+ rental companies.
🛡️
No hidden fees
No card or admin charges — every cost shown up front.
🔄
Free cancellation
Change or cancel free up to 24 hours before pick-up.
🎧
24/7 support
Real people, every day of the year, in your language.
What drivers say about Peru
★★★★★★4.5
★★★★★5
"We booked a small SUV for a couples’ road trip and it was perfect. The booking process was simple, the price competitive, and the car felt almost brand new. Staff were helpful with directions and the drop-off took just a couple of minutes."
H
Hannah Sullivan
Peru
★★★★★★3.5
"We hired a car for a week-long friends’ trip. The vehicle was comfortable and handled long drives well, with plenty of boot space for all our backpacks and shopping. However, the pickup process took longer than expected and there was some confusion about optional insurance costs."
M
Maya
Peru
★★★★★5
"We rented a compact car for a week away and it was perfect for us as a couple. Online booking was quick, with clear information about insurance and mileage. At pickup, staff walked us through the controls and local driving tips, which really helped."
For the best choice and price in Peru, aim to book a hire car 2–4 weeks before your trip. For peak seasons such as June–August and Christmas/New Year, try to reserve at least 6 weeks ahead, especially for 4x4s and automatic cars, which sell out quickly in Cusco, Arequipa and other tourist hubs.
In Peru the security deposit is usually blocked, not charged, on your card when you pick up the car. After you return the vehicle without new damage or unpaid fees, most banks release the hold within 3–10 working days. Some cards and international banks can take up to 14 days to show the funds as available.
The excess (deductible) is the maximum you must pay if the car is damaged or stolen, even when basic insurance is included. In Peru, excesses typically range from about PEN 2,000 to PEN 7,000, higher for SUVs and 4x4s. You can usually reduce this amount, sometimes close to zero, by buying the rental company’s extra cover or an independent excess policy.
Most Peruvian rental firms require a main driver’s credit card for the security deposit. A few local and international suppliers offer no-deposit or no-credit-card deals where they accept a debit card or smaller hold, but these are limited and may cost more. Always check payment conditions on Bookingcar and bring a card in the driver’s name.
Prices vary by season and location, but a small car in Peru typically costs around PEN 120–200 per day. Mid-size saloons and compact SUVs are usually PEN 200–320 per day, while 4x4s for mountain routes can be higher, especially in high season. Rates usually exclude extras such as young-driver fees, cross-border charges and additional insurance.
Bookingcar lets you compare prices from many rental brands in Peru in one search, so you can quickly see which company offers the best deal for your dates. You can filter by car type, mileage policy and insurance options, check real conditions before booking, and choose the most cost-effective option for your trip.
If you bring the car back late in Peru, companies often charge an additional fee once you exceed the stated grace period, usually 30–59 minutes. After that, they may bill you in extra hours or a full extra rental day at the local rate, plus taxes. Extended delays can also invalidate insurance, so contact the office early if you expect to be late.
Typical speed limits in Peru are:
Urban areas: about 40–60 km/h (check local signs)
Single-carriageway roads outside towns: around 80 km/h
Dual carriageways / main highways: usually 90–100 km/h
Near schools or hospitals: often 30–40 km/h
Always follow posted limits, as they can vary by region and road condition.
Peru uses a points and fines system. Typical fines range roughly from PEN 350–550 for speeding or mobile phone use to over PEN 2,000 for serious offences such as drink-driving or dangerous overtaking. Vehicles may be impounded and licences suspended for major violations. Rental firms can also charge admin fees if they receive a ticket linked to your contract.
Peru’s general legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% BAC (0.5 g/l) for private drivers. Professional drivers have a lower limit, effectively close to zero. Penalties for exceeding the limit are severe and can include heavy fines, licence suspension, vehicle impoundment and, in serious cases, criminal charges. It is strongly recommended not to drink at all if you plan to drive.
Fuel prices in Peru change frequently and vary by region. As a rough guide in 2024, petrol (gasolina) is often around PEN 5.50–7.00 per litre, while diesel is usually a little cheaper, though not always. Remote areas and tourist hotspots can be more expensive, so it is wise to fill up in larger towns before long inter-city or mountain drives.
Yes, many main highways in Peru, such as stretches of the Panamericana, have per-use toll booths (peajes). You pay in cash, usually in PEN, each time you pass, with fees depending on the road and vehicle type. Rental cars rarely include an electronic tag, so keep small notes and coins handy for multiple tolls on longer journeys.
Ready to explore Peru?
Compare live prices across Peru.
🍪
We use cookies to improve your experience and analyse traffic. Learn more.
Leave a review
Share your rental experience — it will be published after moderation.
