Which place is cheaper, Banos or Fortaleza?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Fortaleza or Banos?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and Banos can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Fortaleza or Banos?
Fortaleza
A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.
Banos
Banos (de Agua Santa) is a small city in the Andean highlands of Ecuador under volcano Tungurahua. Its name, which is Spanish for "Baths (of sacred water)," comes from the famous hydrothermal springs in the area. It's equally popular with foreigners as with Ecuadorians, and is known as the adventure capital of Ecuador. The streets are lined with hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and tour agencies. Although it is very touristy, lots of people love it, more for the activities and surroundings than for the city itself. It is an important hub for outdoor sports and jungle tours.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFortaleza $69Banos $46
The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $69, while the average daily cost in Banos is $46. 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 Fortaleza and Banos in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFortaleza $30Banos $16
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFortaleza $60Banos $32
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Banos
Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza or Banos? 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.
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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and Banos Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fortaleza $21Banos $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4x4 Private Transfer Service : $179
- 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $259
- Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Minivan: $117
- Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $16
- Cumbuco Private Transfer From Fortaleza: $58
- Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Minivan: $117
- Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $88
- Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $16
- Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
- Fortaleza to/from Jericoacoara Transfer: $29
- Beach Park Round-Trip Transfer: $13
- Private Transfer Airport to/from City Hotels: $32
Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Banos?
Prices for flights to both Banos and Fortaleza 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 dayFortaleza $24Banos $15
Typical Food Prices in Banos
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Banos:
-
Dinner$13
-
Ice cream$1.50
-
Coffee$2.50
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fortaleza $15Banos $19
Tours and Activities in Fortaleza
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.
- Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $11
- Cumbuco Beach Tour: $12
- 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
- Águas Belas Tour: $15
- Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
- Lagoinha Beach Tour: $17
- Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $18
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $19
- The colorful sands of Morro Branco beach - Full Day Tour: $22
- Tour 3 Beaches in 1 day (Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes and Canoa Quebrada): $22
- Historical and Cultural City Tour of Fortaleza: $24
- Jericoacoara Tour in a Full Day - Leaving Fortaleza by Girafatur: $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Banos
Here are a few typical costs in Banos for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Two Rented Bikes for the Day$10
-
Cost to see Waterfall$2.00
-
Day at the Spa$45
-
2 Bike Rentals (1 Day)$10
-
Entrance to Waterfall$2.00
Tours and Activities in Banos
Here are a few actual costs in Banos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Adventure and Fun River Rafting in Baños Ecuador: $35
- 2 Hours Small-Group Horseback Riding Experience in Banos: $30
- 3 Hours Small-Group Horseback Riding Experience in Baños: $40
- 5-Hour Small-Group Horseback Riding Experience in Baños: $62
- Adventure Circuit 4 activities in 1. All within an impressive cascade: $25
- Adventure in Baños 3 Days 2 Nights: $225
- Animalpark | Theme Park | Tours | naturally fun: $45
- Baths Nature and Adventure 2 Days.: $190
- Canopy Ziplining in Puntzan Adventure Park: $26
- Canyoning Adventure Tour in the Ravine: $30
- Chimborazo Volcano Bike Tour: $95
- Chimborazo Volcano from Baños private day Tour: $139
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayFortaleza $9.97Banos $9.74
Typical Alcohol Prices in Banos
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Banos from other travelers:
-
Beer$4.00
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and Banos, we can see that Fortaleza is more expensive. And not only is Banos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Banos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Banos and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Fortaleza would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fortaleza than you might in Banos.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fortaleza Expensive? and Is Banos Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Banos?
Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Banos. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza and Banos, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.