South America car hire

Driver's age: 25-65

Save up to 49% on car rentals. Compare deals from all over the web.

Never overpay with our price tracking tools.

Filter searches by price, agency and more to find your best car rental.

Car Rental Deals
Booking Insights
Car Rental Deals

Cheap car hire in South America

These are the best prices for 29 May - 5 Jun.
Kia Picanto car
Kia Picanto
or similar Small
2
2
4-5
$27/day
View Deal
Suzuki Baleno car
Suzuki Baleno
or similar Small
4
2
4-5
$24/day
View Deal
Class Intermediate Car car
Class Intermediate Car
or similar Medium
5
3
4-5
$23/day
View Deal
Volkswagen Virtus car
Volkswagen Virtus
or similar Medium
5
3
4-5
$38/day
View Deal
Kia Picanto car
Kia Picanto
or similar Small
2
2
2/4
$35/day
View Deal
Chevrolet Spin car
Chevrolet Spin
or similar Van
5
2
4-5
$169/day
View Deal
Fiat Toro car
Fiat Toro
or similar Pickup truck
5
5
2/4
$121/day
View Deal
Class Special Car car
Class Special Car
or similar Category
5
5
2/4
$24/day
View Deal
Nissan Kicks car
Nissan Kicks
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
$45/day
View Deal
Volkswagen Taos car
Volkswagen Taos
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
$65/day
View Deal
Renault Duster car
Renault Duster
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
$113/day
View Deal
Booking Insights

KAYAK’s insights & trends for South America car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in South America with confidence.

How far in advance should you book car hire in South America?

You should book your car hire in South America around 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the cheapest car hire company in South America?

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest hire cars were found at Localiza ($14.67/day), Thrifty ($21.72/day), and Dollar ($21.94/day).

What is the most popular car to hire in South America?

Hires in the Small category (Class Compact SUV or similar) are the most popular option in South America, costing $45/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $21/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in South America?

The cheapest month to hire a car in South America is September at an average cost of $51/day. December is the most expensive month to hire a car in South America when prices are $65/day on average, which tends to be 64% above the yearly average hire price for South America.

Which rental car company has the most locations in in in?

Avis operates 322 locations in South America, more than any other car hire company.

Find deals

Good to know

Most popular agency

Most popular car type

Average price

Good deal

Rosselot
Small
$68/day
$53/day

Top tips for hiring a car in South America

  • 25% of our users found a car hire in South America for $53 or less
  • Small hire cars in South America are around 34% cheaper than other car types, on average
  • Whether exploring the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, navigating the Andes mountains in Peru, or cruising along the coastal roads of Colombia, understanding the unique terrain and climate is vital for a smooth driving experience. For remote areas or off-road adventures, look for a sturdy 4x4 vehicle with better traction to handle rough terrains. When visiting higher altitude destinations like Cusco or La Paz, be aware of the effects of altitude on both yourself and the vehicle's performance. Pack appropriate clothing and equipment for different weather conditions, familiarise yourself with local driving regulations and road conditions, and plan your journey effectively.
  • If you're flying into South America and keen to explore a few countries, consider landing at Bogotá's El Dorado International (BOG). It's central, giving you an excellent starting point for Colombia and its neighbours. Another top pick is Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez in Chile (SCL). It's bustling, but once you've got your car, it's a smooth drive into the Andes or up the coastline. And don't forget São Paulo's Guarulhos (GRU) in Brazil. It's quite busy but well-located for cross-continent adventures. Whichever you choose, driving from these hubs will make your South American journey as easy as can be.
  • Once you're ready to roam the continent, consider starting in Argentina and driving to Chile, Uruguay, or Brazil. You'll need to grab a "permit to cross" from the local authorities and might face a couple of extra charges, but it's relatively easy. If you're starting in Chile, you'll need a "Permiso de Salida" to drive across to Argentina or Peru. One thing to be aware of is that you may encounter problems trying to get a car into Chile or Peru, so double-check with authorities and your car hire company, and ensure everything is in place before trying.

FAQs about hiring a car in South America

  • How much does it cost to hire a car in South America?

    On average a car hire in South America costs $68 per day.

  • How can I find car hires near me in South America?

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

  • Where should I hire a car in South America?

    Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to hire a car in South America are Santiago (21% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in South America), Rio de Janeiro (10%) and Sao Paulo (9%).

  • How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in South America?

    On average a car hire in South America costs $477 per week ($68 per day).

  • How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in South America?

    On average a car hire in South America costs $2,042 per month ($68 per day).

  • Should I hire a car in South America?

    Absolutely. Hiring a car in South America offers unique freedom to explore. Many of the continent's jewels, like the Atacama Desert in Chile or Argentina's Route 40, are best explored by car. While big cities like Buenos Aires or Rio have public transport, gems like Patagonia or Bolivia's Salt Flats aren't as well-connected. Plus, the continent boasts stunning drives, from Brazil's coastline to the Andes mountain range. Hiring a car trumps waiting on bus schedules, especially in remote areas. So, if you're dreaming of sunrises in untouched spots, having your own car is a game-changer.

  • What is driving like in South America?

    Driving in South America is quite the experience. For starters, it's right-hand driving throughout. In big cities, traffic can be bustling, while in the countryside, it's peaceful. Brazil's got numerous toll roads, so keep some cash handy, if you're in the area. When tackling the Andes, be prepared for winding roads and changing altitudes. The Pan-American Highway is a dream to drive on, but some rural roads can be less forgiving, especially after rain. The speed limit varies, but the standard range is around 100–130 km/h (62–80 mp/h) on highways and 40–60 km/h (24–37 mp/h) in towns.

  • How old must you be to hire a car in South America?

    In South America, most countries require you to be at least 21 to hire a car. However, if you're between 21 and 24, there might be a young driver surcharge added to your bill. Good news for the mature adventurers; there's often no upper age limit! As for your licence, a valid one from your home country with an International Driving Permit usually does the trick. That said, it's smart to check specific age and licence requirements with your chosen car hire agency, as these can vary country by country. Also remember to bring along a credit card in your name or the main driver's name.

Car hire directory

  • avis

    Avis car hire locations in South America

    322 Locations

  • loki

    Loki car hire locations in South America

    3 Locations

  • servesul

    Serve Sul Rent a Car car hire locations in South America

    3 Locations

  • americarentacar

    America Rent a Car car hire locations in South America

    3 Locations

  • desttak

    Desttak Rent a Car car hire locations in South America

    2 Locations

  • forzarentacar

    Forza Rent a Car car hire locations in South America

    2 Locations

  • seelmannrentacar

    Seelmann Rent a Car car hire locations in South America

    6 Locations

  • americacarrental

    America Car Rental car hire locations in South America

    9 Locations

  • citer

    Citer car hire locations in South America

    2 Locations

  • locarbrasil

    Locar Brasil Rent a Car car hire locations in South America

    2 Locations

  • lokamig

    Lokamig Rent a Car car hire locations in South America

    3 Locations

  • koyerrentacar

    Koyer Rent A Car car hire locations in South America

    2 Locations

Car hire locations in South America

Everything you need to know for your car hire in South America

The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for hire cars for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last 48 hours. Offers are subject to change and may not be available on all car hires listed or dates of travel. Some hire car providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the website of the respective hire car provider.