Guatemala's best destinations are spread far apart and are wildly different from each other. You could shuttle between Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Tikal, but you'd spend half the trip waiting around. A rental car just makes more sense for seeing the best of what Guatemala has to offer.
That said, renting a car here does come with a bit of a learning curve if you have never done it before. The insurance structure is mandatory and non-negotiable. The roads outside the main highways require the right vehicle. And a few policies catch first-timers off guard at the counter.
If you're picking up a rental car at La Aurora International Airport or one of Enterprise Guatemala's other locations around the country, this is what you need to know before you go
Who Can Rent a Car in Guatemala?
The minimum age to rent with Enterprise Guatemala is 21. Drivers between 21 and 24 can rent a car, but an underage fee of $10 per day applies. The standard minimum age without a surcharge is 25.
To pick up a vehicle, you will need three things:
- A valid passport
- A valid physical driver's license (issued at least one year prior to the rental date)
- A major credit card in the renter's name
The credit card is required for the security deposit. Debit cards are not accepted for the deposit, though you can use a debit card for the final rental payment. Your home country driver's license is valid in Guatemala for up to 60 days. If your license uses non-Latin characters, an international driving permit or notarized translation is required.
Additional drivers can be added to the contract, but they must appear at the rental counter with the primary renter at the time of pickup and sign the rental agreement.
Understanding the Insurance Requirements
This is where most first-timers tend to get surprised, so it is worth reading carefully.
Two coverages are mandatory on every Enterprise Guatemala rental. You cannot drive off the lot without them.
CDW-TP (Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection) covers damage to or loss of the rental vehicle. A deductible applies depending on the vehicle class. You can decline CDW-TP only if you present valid written proof that your credit card provides collision and theft coverage in Guatemala. Most policies from outside Guatemala do not cover rentals here, so just confirm with your card issuer before arrival.
TPL (Third-Party Liability) covers damages and injuries to third parties. This is legally required and must be purchased at the counter, unless you present written proof of existing liability coverage valid in Guatemala. Liability insurance purchased through third-party travel websites is not accepted as proof of coverage.
If you want to simplify the process, the Enterprise Protection Package (EPP) bundles CDW-TP, Theft Protection, Tire and Windshield Protection, Deductible Protection, and TPL at a combined rate. No deductible applies if you purchase EPP. For first-timers who will be driving unfamiliar roads, cobblestone streets, and highland routes, it’s worth considering.
The Security Deposit
Enterprise Guatemala places a hold of $500 plus the estimated cost of the rental on your credit card at pickup. This is just a hold, not a charge. As soon as you return the vehicle in good condition, the hold is released. Your bank may take anywhere from 3 to 10 business days to reflect that release in your account.
Debit cards are not accepted for the deposit under any circumstances.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
The right vehicle choice depends on where you’re going.
Sedans handle the main highways well. The CA-1 (Inter-American Highway) connecting Guatemala City, Antigua, and the western highlands is paved and generally well maintained. If your trip doesn’t deviate from those routes, a compact or even midsize sedan is sufficient and easier to park in colonial city centers.
SUVs and pickups are worth consideration if you’re venturing away from the main highways. Secondary roads to lakeside villages around Atitlán, routes into the Verapaces, and roads leading to remote archaeological sites range from rough pavement to unpaved tracks. During the rainy season, which runs roughly May through October, these roads can deteriorate quite a bit. Higher clearance can make rough roads easier to manage, especially during the rainy season.
Pickups are a practical middle ground for travelers who want that higher clearance without committing to a full SUV. They handle rough roads well and are common enough on Guatemalan roads that they don’t draw any particular attention. Vans are what you want for larger groups or anyone moving equipment, luggage, or gear across multiple destinations. If you are traveling with a group or carrying significant gear, a van or larger SUV is worth the upgrade.
Fuel, Tolls, and Other Costs to Know
Fuel policy. Vehicles are delivered with a full tank. The default option is full-to-full: you return it full and pay nothing extra. Enterprise also offers a prepaid tank option, which lets you return the vehicle at any fuel level. Note that if you return the vehicle without a full tank and have not prepaid, you will be charged for the missing fuel at a rate above market price. The simplest approach is to fill up before returning.
Tolls. Enterprise Guatemala vehicles do not include an electronic toll payment system. All tolls must be paid in cash by the driver, either in quetzales or US dollars in bills of $20 or under. The main toll roads in Guatemala run along the CA-9 Atlantic Highway and sections of the CA-2 Pacific Highway. CA-1 toward Antigua does not have tolls.
Maximum rental period. The standard maximum is 30 days, but this can be extended or renewed for an additional 30-day period.
Late returns. The contract includes a 2-hour grace period. From the third hour onward, additional charges apply. If you anticipate a delay, contact the rental office in advance and let us know.
Vehicles cannot leave Guatemala. Enterprise Guatemala rentals are restricted to use within the country. If you plan to cross into El Salvador, Honduras, or elsewhere, renting a car is not the right solution for that leg of the journey.
Picking Up and Returning the Vehicle
At the counter, have your passport, driver's license, and credit card ready before you reach the agent. The agent will walk you through the coverage options, confirm your fuel preference, and process the deposit hold on your card. If you are adding an additional driver, they need to be present at this point. The whole process on average takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Enterprise Guatemala operates locations at La Aurora International Airport (open daily, 5:00 AM to 11:59 PM) and Mundo Maya International Airport in Petén (open daily, 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM). City locations in Antigua, Zona 10, Cofiño, Hincapié, and Hotel Barceló operate on weekday and Saturday hours.
You can return the vehicle to any Enterprise Guatemala location. A one-way fee applies for cross-office returns and must be arranged in advance. If you want to return the vehicle somewhere other than an office, contact Enterprise Guatemala directly to confirm whether that is possible and what the cost would be.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
Accident. Stay at the scene. Call the insurance company first and wait for an inspector to arrive. The service is available 24/7 at no additional charge. Then call 110 to report the accident and have a traffic officer attend, and notify the Enterprise Guatemala branch where you picked up the vehicle.
Breakdown or roadside issue. Contact Enterprise Guatemala. PROVIAL, Guatemala's government highway assistance agency, also patrols CA-1 and major highways and can provide basic roadside assistance.
Lost keys or documents. Call Enterprise Guatemala's assistance line or contact the rental office directly. A replacement fee applies.
Forgotten items. Contact Enterprise Guatemala through the online contact form or the rental office where you picked up the vehicle.
For tourist emergencies more broadly, ASISTUR operates a 24/7 call center in Spanish and English at +502 2290-2810 from abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my credit card's built-in rental coverage replace the mandatory insurance?
Possibly for CDW-TP, but not for TPL. Third-party liability is legally required in Guatemala and must be covered either through Enterprise's TPL or written proof of your own valid liability policy. Most auto and credit card policies from outside Guatemala do not provide liability coverage here. You must verify your specific coverage in writing with your card issuer or insurer before arrival. Liability insurance purchased through third-party travel websites is not accepted as proof of coverage.
Does the rental include mileage, or is it capped?
Enterprise Guatemala rentals include free mileage. Confirm at pickup whether your specific vehicle class has any restrictions, as mileage policies can vary for larger or specialty vehicles.
What does the Enterprise Protection Package actually cover that CDW-TP alone does not?
EPP bundles CDW-TP, Theft Protection, Tire and Windshield Protection, and Deductible Protection together at a combined rate. The key difference is that EPP eliminates the deductible entirely and adds coverage for tires and windshields, which are not included under basic CDW-TP. On Guatemala's roads, tire and windshield damage is common enough that the extra coverage may be worth considering.
Can I add a driver after I have already picked up the car?
Yes. You can go to any Enterprise Guatemala office after pickup to add a driver or additional coverage to the contract. The additional driver does not need to have been present at the original pickup, but they will need to appear at the office with the primary renter and sign the agreement.
What if I need to extend my rental while I am already in the country?
The standard maximum rental period is 30 days, which can be renewed for an additional 30-day period. Contact the Enterprise Guatemala office before your contract expires to arrange an extension. Do not simply keep the vehicle past the agreed return date without notifying the office.
