Car hire in Santa Elena, Guatemala

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There are 1 car hire providers in Santa Elena. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Santa Elena

Hiring a car in Santa Elena: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyEnterprise
Most popular carPremium/Luxury, Pickup Regular Cab
Average daily priceج.م.‏ 13,395
Best time to book3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Santa Elena

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Santa Elena car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Santa Elena

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Santa Elena and get going for around ج.م.‏ 13,367 a day. From solo adventures to group travel, we'll help you find a rental that suits your trip.

  • ج.م.‏ 1,047 is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Santa Elena.

  • Staying on a bit longer? Pick up a weekly rental from ج.م.‏ 9,725 and explore more than just the top attractions.

  • To land the best price on a Santa Elena car hire, it's smart to book in advance. Rates generally climb as your travel dates approach, and last-minute availability isn't always guaranteed.

  • Don't skip the details when it comes to the coverage on your Santa Elena car hire. A collision damage waiver (CDW) might be part of the deal or cost extra, depending on the supplier.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to move its fleet around. Discover the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Skip the hidden fees by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and pay only for what you use.

  • Want to explore more without worrying about the number of miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra fees.

Best value car hire options right now

  • In the number-one spot for value is this company, with prices averaging ج.م.‏ 3,981 a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around ج.م.‏ 4,545, this provider comes in next.

  • The third option also stacks up well on price. Ride away in one of their rentals for roughly ج.م.‏ 4,227 a day.

  • After a car that's a safe bet for most journeys? The Premium rental category is the top choice for travellers visiting Santa Elena.

Compare car hire types in Santa Elena

  • Small: Whether you're zipping around the city or simply planning a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and extra tech features, this Santa Elena car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or cruising along wide-open highways, many come with all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.

  • Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Santa Elena effortlessly handles larger loads and group travel. They're spacious, versatile, and ready to take on any task.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Santa Elena car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Just remember that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.

  • Level up your ride with extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. These add-ons can make your trip more comfortable and stress-free when you rent a car in Santa Elena.

Good to know

  • Age requirements can vary by supplier (and even car type), so know the rules before you book. Some providers in Guatemala may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.

  • Travelling with kids? Car seat requirements vary from one place to another, and the right setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Find out if you need to add one to your Santa Elena car hire reservation.

  • You'll need to bring a few things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted. The full set of requirements will be laid out in your booking.

  • Driving in Guatemala might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind you'll need to stick to the right side of the road.

  • Local speed limits can vary, but it's typically around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so on highways. Always go with what's posted on the road signs.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Guatemala is 0.08%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.

  • Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.

Best hotels in Santa Elena for drivers

  • Spend less time hunting for a parking spot and more time enjoying the comfort of Bolontiku Boutique Hotel Member of the Cayuga Collection. About 6 kilometres from central Santa Elena, it comes with parking, room service and an outdoor swimming pool.

  • Hotel Tepeu is another practical pick for a trip that's big on driving. It features parking, plus a restaurant and internet access. Check in here and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Explore the full range of hotels in Santa Elena and choose the stay that suits your travel style. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.

  • It's time to get out and explore now you've found a car hire deal in Santa Elena and your hotel. From España Park to Municipal Fraternidad Park and Maya Mall, you're spoiled for choice on things to do here.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Santa Elena

  • Shift gears and head toward Poptun. Around 80 kilometres southeast of central Santa Elena, you'll find must-see sights like Parque Central and Calvario Poptun.

  • Add Dolores to your trip lineup. Pick up your cheap car hire in Santa Elena and drive about 64 kilometres southeast to explore leading attractions like Museo Regional del Sureste de Peten Dr. Juan Pedro Laporte Molina and Central Park.

  • Up for a bigger adventure? Villa Nueva is a popular road trip destination that's about 274 kilometres south of Santa Elena. Consider making a few pit stops at Reserva El Filón and Capilla Señor de Esquipulas..

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Santa Elena will set you back around ج.م.‏ 13,395 per day or ج.م.‏ 23,900 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Santa Elena is a compact SUV. The most popular is Premium/Luxury, Pickup Regular Cab.
The cheapest car hire company in Santa Elena is currently Alamo, followed by Enterprise.
On average, around ج.م.‏ 23,900. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Santa Elena is ج.م.‏ 9,745.
If you're looking for freedom to explore Santa Elena, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Santa Elena that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Santa Elena.
Most places – Santa Elena included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is ج.م.‏ 1,049 per day. The average price per day is around ج.م.‏ 1,906.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Enterprise, Alamo and Dollar offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Dollar as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Santa Elena.