Car Rental in Mendoza

Where to drive

• Explore the Uco Valley wine region: Drive approximately 80-120 km south (1.5-2 hours) to visit renowned wineries like Salentein, Catena Zapata, and Zuccardi Valle de Uco, enjoying stunning vineyard and mountain views.
• Drive to Aconcagua Provincial Park: Journey about 180 km west (2.5-3 hours) along Ruta 7 to see the highest peak in the Americas, stopping at scenic viewpoints and the Puente del Inca natural bridge.
• Discover the Maipú wine circuit: A shorter drive, approximately 15-25 km southeast (30-45 minutes), this route offers charming, historic wineries and olive oil producers, perfect for a half-day trip.
• Visit the Villavicencio Natural Reserve: Head about 50 km northwest (1-1.5 hours) to drive the iconic 'Caracoles de Villavicencio' zig-zag road, offering spectacular mountain panoramas and a historic hotel.
• Experience the Cacheuta Thermal Baths: Drive approximately 40 km southwest (1 hour) along Ruta 82 for a relaxing day amidst the mountains, enjoying natural hot springs and river views.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Argentina, you typically need a valid driver's license from your home country, a passport, and an International Driving Permit (IDP). While some local agencies might accept just a foreign license, an IDP is highly recommended and often required by larger rental companies and for insurance purposes. The minimum driving age is generally 21, with some companies requiring drivers to be 23 or 25, and often an additional 'young driver' fee applies for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Mendoza vary significantly by vehicle class and season. Economy cars might start from around 25-40 USD per day during the low season, while SUVs or premium vehicles can range from 60-100+ USD daily. Prices generally increase by 30-50% during peak summer months (December-February) and around Easter.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Argentina, driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are generally 40-60 km/h in urban areas, 80-110 km/h on rural roads, and up to 130 km/h on highways. The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.5 grams per liter, though a zero-tolerance policy applies in some provinces (including Mendoza for inter-city routes). Headlights must be on at all times on highways, even during the day. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children up to age 10 or 1.3 meters tall.

Parking

In Mendoza city, street parking is often metered or regulated by attendants (known as 'trapitos' or 'naranjitas'). It's best to pay them directly or look for designated parking zones. Many hotels offer private parking, and there are several multi-story parking garages available in the city center. Outside the city, especially at wineries or tourist attractions, parking is usually free and plentiful.

Fuel stations

Fuel (nafta) is widely available throughout Mendoza and along major routes. There are two main types: 'Super' (regular) and 'Premium' (higher octane). Diesel (gasoil) is also common. Prices are regulated and generally lower than in Europe or North America, but higher than in some neighboring countries. Payment is usually made in Argentine Pesos (cash or card), though some stations may accept USD. It's advisable to fill up when you see a station, especially before longer drives into less populated areas.

Which car to choose

For most trips around Mendoza, including winery visits and drives to the foothills, a standard economy or compact car with manual or automatic transmission is perfectly adequate. If you plan to venture onto unpaved roads, especially in more remote Andean areas, or if you're traveling with more luggage, a higher-clearance vehicle like an SUV or 4x4 would be a much better choice. Automatic transmission cars are available but might be slightly more expensive and less common than manual.

Frequently asked questions