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?
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.