Hints for reading Spanish road signs

You don't need Spanish road signs until you do. Usually unexpectedly. You rent a car to explore Peru. In a Chevrolet Aveo, you see foreign words you haven't seen since high school.Alto? Velocidad?

Hints for reading Spanish road signs

Road signs in Spanish-speaking countries are listed here. Road signs in Mexico and Peru will simplify things. 

Latin America driving terms

First, Spanish basics. Latin American road signs often have international symbols. Thus, if your Spanish is poor, bring a Spanish-to-English dictionary. Road signs use the following words:

Driving terms

Frene brake

Puente Bridge

Entrance, Entry

Peril –

Centro, Downtown

Drive carefully—Maneje con precaución

No pause

– Policía

Pedestrians: Peatones

Prohibited—Prohibido, Prohibida

Right/left (derecho/izquierdo)

Speed Bump—Tope

Slow (Despacio/lento)

Toll: Peaje, Cobro, Cuota (regional)

Traffic, traffico

Traffic light—Semáforo

Camiones (trucks)

Parking—Estacionamiento, Aparcamiento (Estacionar, aparcar, paquear).Depending on the region, capital E or capital P may represent parking.

Regulatory signs

Bus Stop—Parada

Crossing: Cruce

Curva –

No Exit

Detour—Desvío, Desviación

Exit: Salida

Keep Right—Mantenga su Derecha

Prohibited Entry

U-turns are forbidden.

One-Way—Una Via, Un solo carril

Closed Camino

Speed Limit—Velocidad Máxima (km/h)

Stop – Alto, Pare, or Stop (regional).

Two-way—Doble Via

Yield—Ceda, El Paso

Highway signs

Ganado cattle (Yes, wild animals are likely on the road, but more on this later)

Perilous curve

Expressway, turnpike—Autopista

Highway (Carretera)

Entronque Intersection

Keep right—Conserva su derecha

Stay away. Keep your distance (to avoid accidents).

Derrumbes landslides/rockslides

Lane– Carril

Decrease your speed.

Cuota autopista

Standard warnings

Don't drink and drive.

pedestrian crossing

Escolar crossing

Truck entry and exit

Use your safety belt.

Peru driving

Peru is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, so everyone should visit. Lima, the gastronomical capital of Peru, has much to offer beyond Machu Picchu. Renting a car gives you more freedom and flexibility, but driving in Peru is different from driving in the US!

Traffic laws

Peru has dangerous roads. Thus, car passengers must wear seatbelts. If you're used to miles, Peru uses kilometers, so don't speed. Peru's driving age is 18, but car rentals require 21. Young Driver Surcharges apply to drivers under 25. For more than 30 days in Peru, you need an international driver's license.

Speed limits (Maxima Velocidad) are:

90 km/h open roads,

50 km/h in towns,

100 km/h highways.

Peruvian emergency numbers include:

Police 105

Firefighter 116

Ambulance 117

Mexico driving

Mexico is more than tacos, tequila, and sombreros. This country has ancient pyramids and beautiful beaches. Most prefer to drive across the border, but this requires extra paperwork and can result in a fine. This section offers driving tips for those renting a car in Mexico to see more.

Mexico driving tips

Mexico is best seen by car rental. However, you must be 21 and have a valid driving license for at least 2 years to rent a car in Mexico. Young drivers pay a surcharge.Due to poor highway lighting, roaming livestock, and potholes and debris, nighttime driving requires concentration.

Mexican Maxima Velocidad:

Urban 30–70 km/h

90 km/h outside cities

100–120 km/h highways

Traveling to Mexico? Remember these numbers in case of an emergency:

Emergency 911.

078 for Ángeles Verdes ("Green Angels") roadside assistance and tourist information.