Car Rental in San Salvador de Jujuy

Where to drive

• Quebrada de Humahuaca: Drive north on RN9 for about 2 hours (≈130 km) to Humahuaca, passing through Purmamarca (Cerro de los Siete Colores) and Tilcara (Pucará de Tilcara).
• Salinas Grandes: Head west on RN52 from Purmamarca for approximately 1.5-2 hours (≈100 km) to experience the vast, shimmering salt flats.
• Termas de Reyes: A short drive of about 30-40 minutes (≈20 km) northwest of San Salvador de Jujuy, perfect for a relaxing hot springs escape.
• Yala Lagoons (Lagunas de Yala): About 45 minutes (≈30 km) north on RN9, then west, offering picturesque mountain lakes and hiking opportunities.
• El Carmen and Dique La Ciénaga: Drive south on RN9, then RP61, for about 45 minutes (≈35 km) to enjoy watersports and lakeside scenery.
• Parque Nacional Calilegua: Journey east on RN34 for about 2-3 hours (≈120 km) to explore Argentina's largest cloud forest national park, requiring a sturdy vehicle for some sections.

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 a major credit card in the main driver's name. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended, and often required by rental agencies, especially if your license is not in Spanish or English. The minimum driving age is generally 21, with some companies requiring drivers to be 23 or 25, and often imposing a young driver surcharge for those under 25. You should have held your license for at least 1-2 years.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in San Salvador de Jujuy vary significantly by season and vehicle class. Economy cars can start from around $30-$45 USD per day during the low season, while SUVs and larger family cars might range from $60-$90 USD. Premium vehicles can exceed $100 USD daily. Prices tend to surge by 30-50% during peak tourist months like July, December, and January.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Argentina, general speed limits are approximately 40-60 km/h in urban areas, 80-110 km/h on rural roads, and up to 130 km/h on highways. Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day, on all national routes. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children under 10 must be in an appropriate child safety seat in the rear. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for drivers is 0.05%, but a zero-tolerance policy (0.00%) is enforced in some provinces, including Jujuy. Fines for violations can be substantial.

Parking

In San Salvador de Jujuy, parking in the city center can be challenging. There are designated paid parking zones (Sistema de Estacionamiento Medido - SEM) where you pay by the hour using mobile apps or purchasing tickets from authorized vendors. Free street parking is available in residential areas further from the center, but always check signs carefully. Many hotels offer private parking facilities, which is often the most convenient option.

Fuel stations

Fuel (nafta for gasoline, gasoil for diesel) is readily available at service stations throughout San Salvador de Jujuy and along major routes. Prices are regulated nationally and are generally lower than in many European countries or the US, but can fluctuate. As of 2026, expect approximate prices of around $0.80-$1.20 USD per liter. Most stations accept cash and credit cards, though it's wise to have some cash for smaller, more remote stations.

Which car to choose

For exploring San Salvador de Jujuy and its immediate surroundings, a compact or economy car with manual transmission is usually sufficient and economical. However, for trips into the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Salinas Grandes, or particularly to Calilegua National Park, a vehicle with higher ground clearance, like a compact SUV (2WD is usually fine), is highly recommended due to unpaved or less-maintained road sections. Automatic transmission vehicles are less common and often more expensive to rent.

Frequently asked questions