Rental Cars & Self-Driving
Rental Cars in Chile
A rental car is the best option, especially for the Lake District and the Carretera Austral. The roads are well-developed, the signage is clear, and the landscape is best enjoyed at your own pace.
Prices & Practicalities
| Vehicle Type | Price/Day |
|---|---|
| Small Car | 25,000–40,000 CLP (€25–40) |
| Compact SUV | 40,000–65,000 CLP (€40–65) |
| 4x4 / Pickup | 65,000–120,000 CLP (€65–120) |
Providers: Europcar, Hertz, Avis at the airport. Local providers like Chilean Rent a Car or Rosselot often significantly cheaper.
Driving Tips
- Toll Roads (Peajes): The Panamericana and highways around Santiago are toll roads. Pay via TAG system (electronic) or cash at the toll booth.
- Fuel: Approx. 1,200–1,400 CLP/liter (€1.20–1.40) — similar to Europe.
- Carretera Austral: Chile's legendary gravel road (1,240 km) through Patagonia — 4x4 strongly recommended, carry fuel in cans, book ferries in advance!
- Atacama: For San Pedro and surroundings, organized tours are more practical than rental cars. Many tracks require 4x4.
- International Driving License: Officially required, but in practice, the EU driving license is usually accepted.
Achtung
On the Carretera Austral, there are sections of 200+ km without a gas station! Always fill up and carry spare fuel cans. Also: In winter (June–August), roads in the south can be closed for days due to snow and landslides.