A Travel Price Comparison for Brazil Fortaleza vs. Buzios for Families, Backpackers, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Fortaleza or Buzios?

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 Buzios 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.

Fortaleza

Fortaleza is a cultural, lively, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Fortaleza travel costs.

Buzios

Visitors also love the food. See Buzios travel costs.

Fortaleza and Buzios: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Fortaleza or Buzios?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fortaleza than Buzios, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fortaleza is more touristy than Buzios and is known for its beaches, nightlife, and local culture. Also, Fortaleza is famous for Dragão do Mar Center of Art and Culture. Buzios is well known for

How is Fortaleza different from Buzios?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Buzios and Fortaleza. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fortaleza or Buzios?

Fortaleza
Buzios

Fortaleza is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Buzios does not have museums and landmarks.

Fortaleza offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Dragão do Mar is the cultural center in town. There are shows and concerts that highlight the local culture. Also part of the complex are a planetarium and two museums - the Museu de Arte Contemporânea and the Memorial da Cultura Cearense. Also worth seeing the Metropolitan Cathedral of Fortaleza, which is the third largest cathedral in the country.

Buzios does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Fortaleza or Buzios? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Fortaleza
Buzios

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Fortaleza and Buzios.

Fortaleza has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has a number of great restaurants that range from Brazilian barbecue restaurants to international cuisine. Many dishes are heavy and use a lot of meat. Local favorites include paçoca and escondidinho de carne seca.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Buzios area. You'll find fresh seafood, Brazilian flavors, and international cuisine. Many beachfront restaurants serve dishes like grilled fish, moqueca (Brazilian seafood stew), and shrimp pastéis. Rua das Pedras, the town's main street, is packed with places to eat. There's everything from fine dining to casual eateries that offer pizza, sushi, and Argentine barbecue. The city also has many street vendors where you can grab a meal for very little money.

Is Fortaleza or Buzios Better for Nightlife?

Fortaleza
Buzios

Fortaleza is a great city for nightlife and partying. However, Buzios is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Fortaleza has something for everybody. Like much of Brazil, the city has a vibrant nightlife scene. There are beachfront bars, live music venues, and many places where you can enjoy a good party. You'll find a high concentration of places around Praia de Iracema and the Casario.

Buzios is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Fortaleza or Buzios Better for Beaches?

Fortaleza
Buzios

Fortaleza is a great city for the beach. However, Buzios is not a beach destination.

Fortaleza is considered a top beach destination. There are 5 kilometers of sandy beach in town and many visitors enjoy taking long walks. While there are technically four beaches in the area, they all kind of merge together and it can be difficult to tell one from the other. The most popular beach is Meireles, which has a boardwalk and is lined by high rise buildings.

Buzios is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Fortaleza or Buzios?

Fortaleza
Buzios

Fortaleza is a great city for its shopping opportunities. However, Buzios is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Fortaleza is well-known for its shopping. It's a large city with plenty of shopping malls and other local boutiques which are fun to explore.

Buzios is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Fortaleza or Buzios Better for Families?

Fortaleza
Buzios

Buzios is a great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Fortaleza is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Buzios is very family-friendly. Families enjoy hanging out at Ferradura Beach, which usually has calm waters where you can swim and play. A boat tour around the peninsula lets families explore hidden beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and even spot marine life. Strolling down Rua das Pedras in the evening offers a mix of delicious restaurants, ice cream shops, and lively street performances. For a bit of adventure, families can take a buggy ride to explore the scenic coastline and visit panoramic viewpoints like Mirante do Forno.

Fortaleza is not the most family-friendly destination. There are several beaches and parks where kids will enjoy running around and stretching their legs.

Is Fortaleza or Buzios Better for Couples?

Fortaleza
Buzios

Buzios is a with good options for its romantic activities. However, Fortaleza is not known for couples.

Buzios makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are sunset cruises along the coast that offer champagne and beautiful views. You can also take a stroll down the charming Rua das Pedras and enjoy a meal at a cozy restaurant. A day at the beach is a fun activity and adventure-loving couples can explore hidden coves on a boat tour, go snorkeling together, or take a scenic hike to Mirante do Forno for stunning panoramic views.

Fortaleza is not always the best place to visit for a couple. While it's often overlooked by couples, those who have a few days in town can enjoy the beaches or take a stroll down the beachfront promenade.


Is Fortaleza or Buzios Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fortaleza
Buzios

Buzios is a great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Fortaleza is not known for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Buzios. There are hostels, beaches, and a variety of activities that backpackers can enjoy. With over 20 beaches and plenty of affordable street food, this is a great spot for budget travelers. You'll also find many other backpackers in the area.

Fortaleza is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most backpackers skip this city for the more popular destinations.

Is Fortaleza or Buzios Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fortaleza
Buzios

Fortaleza is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Buzios does not have public transit.

While Fortaleza offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Metro system includes a rail and light rail system.

Buzios does not have public transit.

Is Fortaleza or Buzios a more walkable city?

Fortaleza
Buzios

Fortaleza is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Buzios is not a walkable destination.

Fortaleza is a somewhat walkable place. It's a relatively walkable city with some neighborhoods easier to explore on foot than others. It's important to understand the area you're in because safety could be a concern.

Buzios is not a walkable destination.


Should I spend more time in Buzios or Fortaleza?

How long in Fortaleza or Buzios?

In either Fortaleza or Buzios, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Buzios than Fortaleza because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Fortaleza, and 2-5 days is enough time in Buzios.

Families should spend more time in Buzios than Fortaleza. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Buzios, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Fortaleza than Buzios. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fortaleza that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fortaleza than Buzios if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Fortaleza.


  • How many days in Fortaleza or Buzios? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fortaleza 2-3 
    Buzios 2-5

One day in Fortaleza or Buzios?


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Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Fortaleza. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food around the of Buzios. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Fortaleza or Buzios?


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Fortaleza is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find food around the destination of Buzios. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this has to offer. This offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Fortaleza or Buzios?


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It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fortaleza. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food around the of Buzios. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this has to offer.


A week in Fortaleza or Buzios?


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Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Fortaleza. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Buzios is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, and The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Buzios or Fortaleza?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $76, while the average daily cost in Buzios is $83. 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 Buzios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fortaleza $26
    Buzios $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fortaleza $52
    Buzios $66
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Buzios

Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza or Buzios? 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 Fortaleza


Hotels in Buzios


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fortaleza $18
    Buzios $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza

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

  • Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara : $300
  • Private Transfer From FOR to Any Point in Fortaleza City: $270
  • Transfer 4 X 4 Fortaleza to Jericoacoara or Jericoacoara to Fortaleza: $240
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza to Canoa Quebrada: $173
  • Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara for up to 4 people: $164
  • 4x4 Private Transfer Service : $158
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Icaraí-Amontada : $141
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Canoa Quebrada: $126
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Flexeiras: $116
  • From Fortaleza Airport: 2-Way Transfers to Beach Park: $114
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Lagoinha: $106
  • Shared Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $104

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buzios

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

  • Private Transfer from GIG Airport to City Buzios in Rio : $170
  • Private transfer Buzios in Rio to the SDU Airport : $167
  • Private transfer from Buzios to the GIG Airport : $167
  • Private transfer Minivan from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 6 pax to Buzios: $123
  • Private Transfer from Buzios Port to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB): $116
  • Private Transfer from Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) to Buzios Port: $116
  • Executive private transfer from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 4 pax to Buzios: $106
  • Executive private transfer from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 3 pax to Buzios: $106
  • Private Transfer from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro: $91
  • Private Transfer Buzios to Rio de Janeiro: $91
  • Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $88
  • Beach Resorts to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) - Departure Transfer : $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Buzios?

Prices for flights to both Buzios 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 day
    Fortaleza $36
    Buzios $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fortaleza

For Fortaleza, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Thematic Show with Rotation of Pizzas in Aquiraz: $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fortaleza $13
    Buzios $23

Tours and Activities in Fortaleza

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.

  • Águas Belas Tour: $13
  • 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $11
  • Beach Park Full-Day Trip Including Brief Tour of Fortaleza: $35
  • Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $21
  • City Tour Fortaleza - Full Day Cumbuco Beach Tour by Nettour: $23
  • City Tour and Praia Futuro Beach: $136
  • Exploring Lagoinha: 1-Day Tour: $47
  • Fortaleza City Tour : $26
  • Fortaleza Historical & Cultural Discovery Private Tour: $173
  • Fortaleza Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $31
  • Fortaleza Panoramic City Tour with visit to Cumbuco Beach: $19
  • 4-Hour City Car Tour: $114

Tours and Activities in Buzios

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Buzios.

  • Buzios Trolley City Tour: $28
  • 3-hour Small Group Buzios Peninsula Open Air Trolley Tour: $27
  • Búzios Full day: Boat and Trolley Tour with Lunch from Arraial do Cabo: $128
  • Búzios Full day: Boat and Trolley Tour with Lunch from Búzios: $85
  • Búzios Full day: Boat and Trolley Tour with Lunch from Cabo Frio: $116
  • Boat Tour Open Bar A Floor Arraial do Cabo : $12
  • Boat Tour in Arraial do Cabo: $21
  • Boat Tour in Arraial do Cabo from Buzios with Lunch: $60
  • Buggy Ride in Buzios by Buziana Tour: $18
  • Buggy Tour in Arraial do Cabo by Arraial Viagens: $30
  • Cabo Frio Full-Day Tour From Buzios with Lunch: $68
  • Catamaran Boat Tour in Búzios: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fortaleza $8.73
    Buzios $15


When comparing the travel costs between Fortaleza and Buzios, we can see that Buzios 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. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Buzios?

Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Buzios. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza and Buzios, 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.