🇵🇪 Drive Peru with Confidence
Know the rules. Carry the right documents. Enjoy the road.
Do You Need an IDP in Peru?
Recommended — Your Own Licence Covers Up to 6 Months
Peru does not oblige foreign visitors to hold an International Driving Permit. A valid photocard licence from your home country is accepted for up to 6 months, for as long as your immigration stay permit stays valid — so the clock that matters is your permit, not your licence. Always carry your passport when you drive. An IDP is an official translation of your licence: it is what makes the frequent checkpoints on intercity routes and near tourist areas quick rather than slow.
Lima Traffic Advisory
Lima traffic is among the most congested in South America. Aggressive driving, minimal lane discipline, and heavy bus and combi (minibus) traffic make city driving stressful. Consider using taxis within Lima and renting a car only for trips outside the capital.
Driving Rules in Peru
Drive on the Right
Peru drives on the right side of the road with left-hand-drive vehicles. Defensive driving is essential — expect buses and combis to stop suddenly and motorcycles to weave through traffic.
Andes Altitude Driving
Mountain passes in Peru reach over 4,500 meters (14,800 ft). Altitude sickness can impair concentration and reaction time. Acclimatize before driving at high altitude and watch for unpaved roads, landslides, and livestock on the road.
Night Driving Risks
Avoid driving at night outside cities. Unlit vehicles, pedestrians, animals, and poor road markings make night driving extremely hazardous. Long-distance buses drive aggressively on narrow mountain roads after dark.
Speed Limits
Urban roads: 30–60 km/h. Highways: 80–100 km/h. School zones: 30 km/h. Speed cameras are present in Lima and on major highways. Fines are issued on the spot at police checkpoints.
Renting a Car in Peru
Car rental is available at Lima airport and in major tourist cities like Cusco and Arequipa. An SUV or 4x4 is recommended for routes through the Andes.
Required Documents
Your original driver's license, passport, and a credit card for the deposit — plus an IDP if the company's terms list one, which many chains do. Minimum age is typically 21–25 depending on the rental company.
Typical Costs
Compact cars from $30–50/day. SUVs for mountain routes from $60–100/day. Full insurance is essential given road conditions. Fuel costs are moderate at around $4–5/gallon.
Top Rental Companies
Hertz Peru — Offices at Lima airport and Cusco. Budget — Reliable fleet with 4x4 options. Europcar Peru — Good coverage across major cities with competitive rates.
Get Your IDP for Peru — From $29
Digital delivery in 1–2 business days (express as fast as 2 hours). Physical copy shipped worldwide. Valid for 1 year.
Apply Now →Returning to Peru? Renew your IDP with 10% loyalty discount →
Peru IDP FAQ
No. Peru accepts a valid photocard licence from your home country for up to 6 months, for as long as your immigration stay permit is valid, so an IDP is not a legal requirement. Always carry your passport or valid ID when you drive. Many visitors carry an IDP anyway because it presents their licence in a standard, translated format at the police checkpoints that are common on intercity routes.
It depends on the company. Peruvian rental agencies set their own conditions and many ask for an IDP in addition to your licence, passport and credit card — international chains more often than local operators. Read your rental terms before you travel, because the desk will hold you to them.
Driving in the Peruvian Andes requires experience and preparation. Roads reach altitudes above 4,500 meters with steep drops, no guardrails, and limited emergency services. Altitude sickness can affect driving ability. Plan carefully and allow extra time.