A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Florianopolis vs. San Ignacio for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Florianopolis or San Ignacio?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Florianopolis or San Ignacio? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Florianopolis or San Ignacio?

Florianopolis

With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.

Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.

San Ignacio

So you want a tropical getaway, but also don't want to lay around with nothing to do. You want an adventure! You want relaxation and exploration.

You want to visit the small town of San Ignacio, Belize.

This section of the Cayo region is really more of a jungle than a typical Belize beach getaway. Located close the ancient Mayan ruins on the western and inland side of Belize, this town is most popular for its many outdoor adventures including hiking, climbing, and caving!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, The Best Budget Tours to Belize, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize.


Which place is cheaper, San Ignacio or Florianopolis?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $62, while the average daily cost in San Ignacio is $72. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Florianopolis and San Ignacio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Florianopolis $26
    San Ignacio $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Florianopolis $52
    San Ignacio $38
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and San Ignacio

Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis or San Ignacio? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Florianopolis


Hotels in San Ignacio


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Florianopolis Hotel Prices and San Ignacio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Florianopolis $13
    San Ignacio $3.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis

Also for Florianopolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $40
  • Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14
  • One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
  • Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $32
  • Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
  • Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $84
  • Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
  • Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168
  • Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
  • Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $78

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Ignacio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Ignacio:

  • San Ignacio Hotel to Belize City Transfer: $20
  • From Van Transfer To Flores Peten in Guatemala: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or San Ignacio?

Prices for flights to both San Ignacio and Florianopolis change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Florianopolis $22
    San Ignacio $21
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis

For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • A Quick Snack
    $0.44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Ignacio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Ignacio.

  • Xunantunich & Food Tour with local chocolate experience: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Florianopolis $26
    San Ignacio $100
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Internet
    $0.59

Tours and Activities in Florianopolis

For Florianopolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
  • Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
  • Shared Shuttle between Florianópolis Airport and Hotel with optional City Tour: $23
  • Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
  • Rafting Adventure in Apuama - Rio Cubatão in Greater Florianópolis: $30
  • Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $32
  • Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
  • Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $37
  • Tour Balneario Camboriu and Laranjeiras Beach TELEFERICO INCLUDED: $37
  • Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
  • Private Tour: The 7 Most Preserved Beaches on the South Island by Floripa Nativa: $39
  • Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $42

Tours and Activities in San Ignacio

Here are a few actual costs in San Ignacio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • ATV Excursions in Cayo with Waterfalls Experience: $174
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic: $125
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour from San Ignacio : $125
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal with Local Tour guide & Belizean Lunch: $120
  • Belize Cave Tubing Adventure from San Ignacio: $90
  • Caracol Maya Ruins Tour Including Rio On Pools, Rio Frio Cave and a Picnic Lunch: $125
  • Cave Canoeing with Local Tour Guide: $80
  • Cave Tubing Adventure at Nohoch Che'en and Jaguar Paw : $115
  • Cave Tubing and Zip line Adventure from San Ignacio: $144
  • Cave Tubing with local tour Guide and Belizean Lunch: $90
  • Deluxe Cave Tubing combo Adventure: $125
  • Farm Ride plus Xunantunich tour: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Florianopolis $8.68
    San Ignacio $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.59


When comparing the travel costs between Florianopolis and San Ignacio, we can see that San Ignacio is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Florianopolis is in South America and San Ignacio is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Florianopolis Expensive? and Is San Ignacio Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or San Ignacio?

Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of San Ignacio. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis and San Ignacio, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Florianopolis or San Ignacio?

Florianopolis has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Ignacio experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Florianopolis or San Ignacio in the Summer?

Both San Ignacio and Florianopolis during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Ignacio year-round.

Florianopolis is cooler than San Ignacio in the summer. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 25°C (76°F) in January, and San Ignacio fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.

In San Ignacio, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than San Ignacioin July. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Ignacio receives 226 hours of full sun.

San Ignacio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Florianopolis. Florianopolis usually gets less rain in January than San Ignacioin July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Florianopolis 25°C (76°F) 
    San Ignacio 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or San Ignacio in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and San Ignacio. San Ignacio attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Florianopolis is cooler than San Ignacio. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Florianopolis in April average around 22°C (71°F), and San Ignacio averages at about 26°C (80°F)in October.

Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than San Ignacio during autumn. Florianopolis gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while San Ignacio receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Ignacio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Florianopolis usually receives less rain than San Ignacioin October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Florianopolis 22°C (71°F) 
    San Ignacio 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or San Ignacio in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as San Ignacio. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Ignacio throughout the year.

In July, Florianopolis is generally cooler than San Ignacioin January. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 17°C (62°F), and San Ignacio fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

In the winter, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than San Ignacioin January. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Ignacio receives 199 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Ignacio. Florianopolis usually gets less rain in July than San Ignacioin January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Florianopolis 17°C (62°F) 
    San Ignacio 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or San Ignacio in the Spring?

Both San Ignacio and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Ignacio because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Florianopolis is cooler than San Ignacio in the spring. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and San Ignacio fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in San Ignacio. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than San Ignacio during spring. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while San Ignacio receives 256 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Florianopolis. In October, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than San Ignacioin April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Florianopolis 20°C (68°F) 
    San Ignacio 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for San Ignacio and Florianopolis

Florianopolis San Ignacio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (76°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Apr 22°C (71°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 243 mm (9.6 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 95 mm (3.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Nov 22°C (71°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)