Renting in Puerto Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico

What You Need to Know Before You Book

If you’re researching Renting a Car in Puerto Vallarta Mexico, you’ve probably seen rental rates that look unbelievably cheap.

Then you read reviews mentioning hidden fees, insurance surprises, and large deposits.

This guide breaks down the most important information you actually need, especially if you’re planning to stay with us at Cerrito Encantado.

Car Rental Puerto Vallarta Airport: Why Prices Look So Low

Most travelers land at Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport and search for a car rental Puerto Vallarta airport pickup.

Here’s what causes confusion:

Many major brands advertise extremely low daily rates. What is often not included in those prices:

Mandatory Mexican third-party liability insurance
Airport surcharges
Taxes and administrative fees
Large credit card deposit holds

In Mexico, liability insurance issued by a Mexican provider is legally required. If it is not included in your online quote, you will have to purchase it at pickup.

That is where many travelers feel blindsided.

When comparing options, always compare the total cost, not just the advertised daily rate.

Puerto Vallarta Car Rental Requirements

Before booking, understand the standard Puerto Vallarta car rental requirements:

Valid driver’s license
Passport
Major credit card
Minimum age requirement set by the agency
Mexican liability insurance

Even if your credit card offers collision coverage, it does not replace the required Mexican third-party liability insurance.

Always ask directly:
“Is Mexican liability insurance included in this price?”

If the rental agreement is in Spanish, use a translator to review the fine print before signing.

Do Your Due Diligence to Avoid Hidden Fees

To prevent surprises:

• Confirm insurance inclusion in writing
• Ask about required deposit amounts
• Ask about administrative or mandatory service fees
• Review fuel policy and cancellation terms

Sometimes what looks like the cheapest car rental Puerto Vallarta option ends up costing more once required insurance is added.

A slightly higher upfront rate that already includes insurance is often the better value.

Does My US Credit Card Cover Car Rental Insurance in Mexico?

This is one of the biggest misunderstandings when Renting a Car in Puerto Vallarta Mexico.

Here’s how it works:

Most US credit cards that offer rental car coverage provide Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) coverage.

What that means:

It may cover damage to the rental vehicle
It usually does NOT cover third-party liability
It does NOT replace mandatory Mexican liability insurance

In Mexico, you are legally required to carry Mexican third-party liability insurance. Even if your credit card offers rental protection, you will still need this local liability coverage.

Before relying on your credit card:

Call the number on the back of your card
Ask specifically if coverage applies in Mexico
Confirm what type of coverage it provides
Ask if you must decline the rental agency’s CDW for coverage to apply

Also note:

Some rental agencies require you to decline their CDW in writing if you plan to use your credit card coverage. If you decline coverage, the security deposit may be significantly higher.

Bottom line:

Your US credit card may help with collision coverage, but it does not replace required Mexican liability insurance.

Always confirm details before you book so there are no surprises at pickup.

Puerto Vallarta Car Rental Companies We Recommend

When choosing between rental agencies in Puerto Vallarta, clarity matters.

Gecko Rent A Car

If you’re looking for an easy car rental Puerto Vallarta experience, Gecko is widely recommended for:

Transparent pricing
Insurance included in quoted rates
Clear policies
No aggressive upselling

They may not always display the lowest headline price, but many travelers prefer a smoother experience over last-minute surprises.

Renting Closer to Us

If you prefer to rent outside the airport, you have additional options.

Guaiami Renta de Carros

Located in Rincón de Guayabitos, about 25 minutes south of us.

This is a convenient option if you are already staying along the coast.

Local Rental in Altavista

There is also a small rental business in our town with vehicles starting around:

1,000 MXN per day
Rates are subject to change.

If you are arranging transportation from the airport before renting locally, see our detailed guide:

👉 Arriving from Puerto Vallarta to Altavista, Nayarit, Mexico

Driving in Puerto Vallarta and In Mexico

Driving in Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding Riviera Nayarit region is manageable, but there are important things to know.

Roads are driven on the right
Speed bumps, called topes, are frequent and sometimes unmarked
Traffic can be busy near downtown Puerto Vallarta
Rural roads may be narrow
Many main highways in Mexico have parallel access roads called laterales, which run alongside the main road and are used to enter neighborhoods, businesses, and smaller streets.

If you are staying at Cerrito Encantado, note that our driveway is steep.

We recommend:

Renting an SUV
Ensuring the vehicle has good tires
Driving uphill in 1st gear

If you prefer not to drive up the driveway, you may safely park along the primary road and walk up.

Do You Even Need a Car?

Depending on your plans, you may not.

Puerto Vallarta has a lot of local transportation options from Taxis, buses, and Ubers.

In Altavista, we have a local collectivo that runs Monday through Saturday:

To La Peñita de Jaltemba at 7:00am daily
To Las Varas twice per day
Return from Las Varas at 12:00pm

If that schedule does not work for you, taxis are readily available.

For guests who want full flexibility to explore beaches, nearby towns, and grocery stores on their own schedule, renting a car is often the most convenient option.

Final Thoughts on Renting a Car in Puerto Vallarta Mexico

Renting a car in Puerto Vallarta can be smooth and straightforward if you:

Confirm Mexican liability insurance is included
Compare total cost, not just daily rate
Review fine print carefully
Ask about deposit holds

Doing your due diligence prevents unexpected charges and helps you choose the right rental agency for your trip.

If you have questions before your stay at Cerrito Encantado, we are happy to help you decide what works best for your travel plans.