Should you rent a car in South America Should You Hire a Car in South America? This can be broken down into two similar questions - do you need a car in South America (in other words, will your holiday be ruined without one), and is it worth hiring a car in South America - in other words, is car rental better value than using public transport? We'll weigh up both questions and give you a response generated by Chat GPT, together with our own curated opinion before finally giving a yes or no verdict at the end.

	country	SHOULD
🇦🇷	Argentina	7
🇧🇴	Bolivia	5
🇧🇶	Bonaire	7
🇧🇷	Brazil	5
🇨🇱	Chile	7
🇨🇴	Colombia	4
🇪🇨	Ecuador	5
🇫🇰	The Falkland Islands	7
🇬🇫	French Guiana	5
🇪🇨	The Galapagos Islands	1
🇬🇾	Guyana	3
🇵🇾	Paraguay	4
🇵🇪	Peru	5
🇸🇷	Suriname	5
🇹🇹	Trinidad and Tobago	6
🇺🇾	Uruguay	6
🇻🇪	Venezuela	2

South America is a continent of epic landscapes and extreme contrasts. From the open roads of Patagonia to the winding passes of the Andes, the decision to rent a car can make or break your journey. By understanding where a car gives you true independence and where it creates risk or inconvenience, you can plan with confidence and travel smarter.

🟢 Best Countries for Self-Drive Travel

These destinations combine reliable infrastructure, wide-open roads, and extraordinary scenery that is simply best experienced with your own vehicle.

🇨🇱 Chile – The Ultimate Road Trip Destination

Chile consistently ranks as the top country in South America for self-driving. Moreover, the landscape transforms dramatically as you head north or south, making the journey itself part of the adventure.

Patagonia & the Carretera Austral offer glacier views, fjords, and remote serenity.
The Atacama Desert brings otherworldly scenery and stargazing opportunities.
Wine regions near Santiago allow leisurely drives through rolling vineyards.

In short: If you love freedom, nature, and dramatic scenery, Chile is a “rent a car” country.

🇺🇾 Uruguay – Calm, Compact, and Car-Friendly

Uruguay offers a relaxed, safe driving environment. Furthermore, distances are short, making it perfect for travellers who want a gentle road trip without extreme terrain.

Explore coastal towns, historic cities, and wine routes at your own pace.
Traffic is light, roads are well-maintained, and signage is clear.

Conclusion: Uruguay is ideal if you want an easy, stress-free driving experience.

🇦🇷 Argentina – Spectacular Driving with Huge Distances

Argentina delivers some of the most dramatic road trips in the world, especially in Patagonia and the Lake District. However, you must plan carefully due to the vast distances between regions.

Drive along Ruta 40 through windswept valleys and jagged peaks.
Discover Mendoza’s wine country and Bariloche’s alpine scenery.
Avoid driving in Buenos Aires, where traffic is heavy and parking is limited.

Overall: Rent a car for nature regions—not for cities.

🟡 Countries Where Driving Is Optional

In these destinations, a car can be useful in certain regions, yet it may not be essential depending on your itinerary.

🇧🇷 Brazil – Great in the South, Not Ideal in Big Cities

Brazil is enormous, and the benefits of a car vary dramatically by location.

Southern Brazil (Florianópolis, Santa Catarina) offers safe coastal drives and beach towns accessible only by car.
The Amazon, Pantanal, and Rio de Janeiro are better accessed via flights or guided tours.
Traffic in major cities can be intense and stressful.

Therefore: Brazil is a mixed-driving destination—fantastic in some regions, unnecessary in others.

🇧🇴 Bolivia & 🇵🇾 Paraguay – For Adventure Drivers Only

These countries are rich in wild landscapes, but driving conditions can be unpredictable.

Many roads are unpaved or affected by weather.
4×4 vehicles are essential for remote travel.
Most travellers choose guided tours for safety and navigation.

In essence: Only consider driving if you have off-road experience.

🔴 Countries Where You Should Not Rent a Car

Some South American countries have terrain, traffic, or safety issues that make self-driving risky or impractical.

🇵🇪 Peru – Better Explored by Train, Bus, or Plane

Peru’s highlights are located in high-altitude regions with narrow mountain roads.

Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Nazca Lines, and Lake Titicaca are designed for guided travel.
Driving conditions can be challenging and visibility poor.

Recommendation: Skip the car and use Peru’s excellent tourist transport network.

🇪🇨 Ecuador – Good Public Transport, Difficult Driving

Although Ecuador is compact, its geography makes driving stressful.

Galápagos Islands and the Amazon are accessible only via boat or plane.
Quito has steep streets and heavy traffic.

Result: Public transport and organised tours are far more efficient.

🇨🇴 Colombia – Fast Flights, Slow Roads

Colombia is vibrant and welcoming; however, road travel is slow due to mountains and construction.

Domestic flights are affordable and convenient.
Drivers may face delays, detours, and safety checkpoints.

Conclusion: Flying saves time and reduces risk.

🇻🇪 Venezuela – Not Suitable for Self-Driving

Due to security and infrastructure concerns, renting a car in Venezuela is not advisable.

Do you need a car in South America?

✅ Top Self-Drive Routes in South America

Carretera Austral | Chile
Ruta 40 | Argentina
Uruguay Coastal Circuit
Atacama Desert Loop | Chile
Bariloche Lake District | Argentina

🚫 Places Where You Should Go Car-Free

Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley | Peru
Galápagos Islands | Ecuador
Rio de Janeiro & São Paulo city centres | Brazil
Amazon Basin regions
Colombian Andes (fly instead of drive)

✨ Final Takeaway

If your South American journey focuses on glaciers, deserts, lakes, or vineyards, renting a car will greatly enhance your freedom and experience.
However, if your plans centre around archaeological sites, jungles, or high-altitude cities, you’ll travel more safely and comfortably without a car.

Should You Hire a Car in South America — or Not? Advice on this page has been written using Chat GPT, backed up by 20 years experience in the travel industry. This site is planned for full launch on 1st January 2026. Full terms, advice, FAQs, disclaimer etc to follow. UN flag is a placeholder