If you want to see the breathtaking tourist destinations of Salta, Humahuaca, or Salinas Grandes, renting a car is the best option. While it is possible to tour these places through public transportation or day trips, it can be more tiring and time-consuming.
The good news is that renting a car in Argentina is easy, and you don’t require an international driver’s license.
Typically, tourists visiting northwest Argentina arrive at either Salta (SLA) or San Salvador de Jujuy (JUJ) airports. Although these are provincial capitals, Salta and Jujuy are relatively small cities, and car availability can be limited, especially during peak season.
Hence, it is advisable to rent or reserve your vehicle in advance to avoid changing your plans at the last minute and to ensure that you get a car that suits your needs.
When you arrive at Salta International Airport (SLA), you’ll have a range of car rental options with companies such as Hertz, Localiza, Sixt, Alamo, Avis/Budget, Europcar, Waycar, and Rada. At Jujuy airport (JUJ), you’ll find Hertz, Avis/Budget, Rada, and Fit rental counters. Although there are a few car rental agencies in the city centers, most of them are small and unknown globally. The best option is to rent your car at the airport.
Two factors should be considered when renting a car: the cost and type of insurance. When it comes to cost, the exchange rate should be taken into account to make your trip more economical. If you pay in cash, using the local currency, you may have changed your money through the “Dollar Blue” and end up paying almost half the price if you had booked using your credit card.
Recently, however, the Argentine government has allowed transactions made with credit cards issued abroad to be settled using the “Dollar MEP,” which is more favorable for tourists compared to the previous official exchange rate.
Regarding insurance, rental companies usually provide basic coverage with a high deductible (co-payment) in case of an accident, but you can opt for additional coverage to reduce the deductible. Coverage varies among rental companies, so it’s important to do your research. Also, your credit card will be charged an amount equivalent to the excess as a deposit.
Our recommendation is to opt for the widest coverage possible. Keep in mind that you will be traveling on “gravel” roads, which can cause various vehicle damages, especially to the tires.