There are some things in life that you don’t really think you need until you do and one of them is Spanish road signs. And it usually happens when you least expect it. So, you’re on a trip to Peru and decide to rent a car to see more places. Now as you’re cruising down the streets of Lima in a Chevrolet Aveo, you’re suddenly confronted with foreign words you haven’t seen since your freshman year of high school. Alto? Velocidad? No matter how much you wrack your brain, you wish you would have paid more attention in school and hope the Curva Peligroso sign simply means to go straight.
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We’ve compiled a list of road signs that might be useful if you find yourself in a Spanish-speaking country. For the sake of simplicity, we’ll focus on road signs in Mexico and Peru.
Words to Know Before Driving in Latin America
Let’s begin with some basic Spanish. While many road signs in Latin American countries have international symbols on them, not all do. Therefore, if your Spanish isn’t good, it might be good to travel with a Spanish-to-English dictionary. Below is a list of some commonly used words on signs you’re likely to come across on the road:
Basic Driving Terms
- Brake – Frene
- Bridge – Puente
- Entrance – Entrada, Ingreso
- Danger – Peligro
- Downtown, City Center – Centro
- Drive carefully – Maneje con precaución
- No stopping – No parar
- Police – Policía
- Pedestrians – Peatones
- Prohibited – Prohibido, Prohibida
- Right/Left – Derecho/Izquierdo
- Speed Bump – Tope
- Slow – Despacio/lento
- Toll – Peaje, Cobro, Cuota (this depends on the region)
- Traffic – Tránsito, tráfico
- Traffic light – Semáforo
- Trucks – Camiones
- Parking – Estacionamiento, Aparcamiento (Verb forms are estacionar, aparcar and paquear. Parking is sometimes symbolized by a capital E or capital P, depending on the region.)
Regulatory Signs
- Bus Stop – Parada
- Crossing – Cruce
- Curve – Curva
- Dead End – Sin Salida
- Detour — Desvío, Desviación
- Exit – Salida
- Keep Right – Mantenga su Derecha
- No Entry – Entrada Prohibida
- No U-Turns – No Voltear en U
- One-Way – Una Via, Un solo carril
- Road Closed – Camino Cerrado
- Speed Limit – Velocidad Máxima (typically indicated in kilometers per hour, often abbreviated km/h)
- Stop – Alto, Pare or Stop (this depends on the region)
- Two-Way – Doble Via
- Yield – Ceda, Ceda El Paso
Highway Signs
- Cattle – Ganado (Yes, you are likely to encounter wild animals on the road, but more on this later)
- Dangerous curve – Curva peligroso
- Expressway, turnpike – Autopista
- Highway – Carretera
- Intersection – Entronque
- Keep to your right – Conserva su derecha
- Keep your distance – Guarde su distancia (sometimes followed by para evitar accidentes, or avoid accidents).
- Landslides/rockslides – Derrumbes
- Lane – Carril
- Reduce your speed – Disminuya su velocidad
- Toll highway – Autopista de cuota
Standard Warnings
- If you drink, don’t drive – Si toma no maneje
- Pedestrian crossing – Cruce de peatones
- School crossing – Cruce de escolares
- Trucks entering and exiting – Entrada y salida de camiones
- Use your seatbelt – Utilice su cinturón de seguridad
Driving in Peru
As home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Peru should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list. Beyond the mystique of Machu Picchu, there is much to discover in the gastronomical capital of Lima as well as beyond. While renting a car gives you more flexibility and freedom during your travels, but keep in mind that driving in Peru is very different from driving in the US!
Road Rules and Traffic Regulations
Due to poor road conditions, driving in Peru is typically more dangerous than in most other countries. Therefore, all passengers are required, by law, to wear a seatbelt while in a moving car. Mileage in Peru is marked in kilometers, so be careful to not go over the speed limit if you are used to using miles. Although you must be at least 18 years old to drive in Peru, you must be at least 21 to rent a car. Please note that drivers under 25 have to pay a Young Driver Surcharge. If you intend to drive in Peru for more than 30 days, you are required to have an international driver’s license.
Please be aware of the speed limits (Maxima Velocidad), which are:
- 90 km/h on the open roads,
- 50 km/h in towns, and
- 100 km/h on the highways.
Also, take note of the following emergency numbers in Peru:
- 105 for the police
- 116 for the fire service
- 117 for the ambulance service
Driving in Mexico
There’s a lot more to Mexico than the stereotypical tacos, tequila, and sombreros. This country is rich in culture and home to ancient pyramids as well as stunning coastlines. Although most prefer to cross the border with their own car, this requires extra paperwork and you can be fined if you ignore this. For those that want to experience more places, this section discusses some useful driving tips the next time you rent a car in Mexico.
Driving Tips in Mexico
Renting a car in Mexico is easily the most convenient way to see the country. However, keep in mind that the minimum age to rent a car in Mexico is 21 and you must be in possession of a valid driving license for at least 2 years. Drivers under the age of 25 also incur a Young Driver Surcharge. Driving at night requires much focus due to bad lighting on many highways, wandering livestock on the roads, and poor road conditions, such as potholes and debris.
The Maxima Velocidad in Mexico is:
- 30 and 70 km/h in urban areas
- 90 km/h outside of built-up areas
- 100 to 120 km/h on highways
In case of an emergency, keep these numbers in mind while traveling to Mexico:
- 911 for emergency services
- 078 for Ángeles Verdes (“Green Angels”), a roadside assistance service that offers general tourist assistance and information.
Would you like to visit these beautiful countries?
- https://www.sixt.com/car-rental/mexico
- https://www.sixt.com/car-rental/peru
- You can also learn more about Sixt’s rental information: Here
