A Travel Price Comparison for Brazil Fortaleza vs. Foz do Iguacu for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu?

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 Foz do Iguacu 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Fortaleza travel costs.

Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu is a breathtaking, spectacular, and scenic park. The beauty of Foz do Iguacu is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Foz do Iguacu travel costs.

Fortaleza and Foz do Iguacu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu?

Both Foz do Iguacu and Fortaleza have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Fortaleza is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Foz do Iguacu is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Foz do Iguacu is more touristy than Fortaleza and is popular for its spectacular beauty and incredible volume of water. Fortaleza is well known for its beaches, nightlife, and local culture.

How is Fortaleza different from Foz do Iguacu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu?

Fortaleza is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Foz do Iguacu is a park with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Foz do Iguacu specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a handful of museums and nature parks in and near town.

Is the Food Better in Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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 Foz do Iguacu area. You'll find a variety of restaurants around town where you can sample the regional cuisine. A popular item on the menus is Surubí (a local river fish). Also make sure you try the Mbeyú (fried bread), and paraguayan soup (more like bread than an actual soup).

Is Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu Better for Nightlife?

Fortaleza is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Foz do Iguacu is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Fortaleza know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Foz do Iguacu has a few options to choose from. Head to the intersection of Avenida JK and Avenida Jorge Schimmelpfeng for the most lively nightlife scene in town. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of restaurants and bars, many with outdoor areas or live music.

Is Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu Better for Beaches?

Fortaleza is a great destination for the beach. However, Foz do Iguacu is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Fortaleza attract visitors from all over. 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.

Foz do Iguacu is not a beach destination.

Is Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu Better for Hiking?

Foz do Iguacu is a great park for hiking. However, Fortaleza is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Foz do Iguacu for the hiking trails. There's a network of trails and walkways at the foot of the falls as well as above the falls. You can also venture into the surrounding rainforest or hike to Devil's Throat for a great view.

Fortaleza is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu?

Fortaleza is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Foz do Iguacu is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Fortaleza is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's a large city with plenty of shopping malls and other local boutiques which are fun to explore.

Foz do Iguacu has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's shopping in the center of town, particularly around Avenida Brasil, Rua Barbosa, Rua Almirante Barroso, and Quintino Bocaiuva.

Is Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu More Beautiful?

Foz do Iguacu is a great park for its scenery and beauty. However, Fortaleza is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Foz do Iguacu is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The falls is absolutely breathtaking. The volume of water and enormity in size is something that you can only experience in person.

Fortaleza is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu Better for Families?

Foz do Iguacu is a great park for its kid-friendly activities. However, Fortaleza is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Foz do Iguacu is very family-friendly. Of course, the highlight for everyone is a visit to Iguacu National Park, which also offers boat rides, hiking, and spectacular views. In addition to this impressive park, the whole family will also enjoy a visit to Parque das Aves, which is a bird park that includes information on wildlife species and conservation.

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 Foz do Iguacu Better for Couples?

Foz do Iguacu is a great park for its romantic activities. However, Fortaleza is not known for couples.

Foz do Iguacu is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. While the town itself has limited entertainment, the waterfalls is a spectacular sight that has inspired more than a few marriage proposals.

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 Foz do Iguacu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Foz do Iguacu is a great park for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Fortaleza is not known for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Foz do Iguacu. This is one of the country's most popular backpacker destinations so you'll find plenty of hostels and young travelers to hang out with. The falls itself is truly incredible and well worth the trip.

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 Foz do Iguacu Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fortaleza and Foz do Iguacu both offer notable public transit to get you around.

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

Foz do Iguacu has a few public transit options. It's 12 miles between the park and the town so you'll need to take either a taxi or a public bus. On your way to the park, you should arrange for a ride back because finding a taxi as you leave can be challenging.

Is Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu a more walkable city?

Fortaleza is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Foz do Iguacu is a park with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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.

Foz do Iguacu is generally not a very walkable city. There are walkways near the waterfalls, but the city isn't particularly walkable and you'll need transportation to travel between the park and the town.

For even more information, also check out Is Fortaleza Worth Visiting? and Is Foz do Iguacu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Foz do Iguacu or Fortaleza?

How long in Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu?

It's fun to spend time in either Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Foz do Iguacu due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Fortaleza, and 3-4 days is enough time in Foz do Iguacu.

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

One day in Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Fortaleza. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find food and shopping around the park of Foz do Iguacu. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Foz do Iguacu?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fortaleza. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the breathtaking destination of Foz do Iguacu. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Fortaleza. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic park of Foz do Iguacu. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Fortaleza. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Foz do Iguacu is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Fortaleza and Foz do Iguacu, we can see that Fortaleza 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 Foz do Iguacu Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu?

Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Foz do Iguacu. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza and Foz do Iguacu, 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 Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Foz do Iguacu. The summer months attract visitors to Fortaleza because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Foz do Iguacu this time of year.

Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Foz do Iguacu in the summer. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Foz do Iguacu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite rainy in Foz do Iguacu. Fortaleza receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fortaleza usually gets more rain in January than Foz do Iguacu. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Foz do Iguacu receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, July to January in Fortaleza is the dry season. January to July in Fortaleza is the rainy season.

Should I visit Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu in the Autumn?

Both Foz do Iguacu and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Fortaleza this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Foz do Iguacu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Fortaleza is a little warmer than Foz do Iguacu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fortaleza in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Foz do Iguacu averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. In April, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Foz do Iguacu. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Foz do Iguacu receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu in the Winter?

Both Foz do Iguacu and Fortaleza during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Fortaleza for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Foz do Iguacu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Fortaleza is generally a little warmer than Foz do Iguacu. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 26°C (79°F), and Foz do Iguacu fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Fortaleza usually gets more rain in July than Foz do Iguacu. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Foz do Iguacu receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. July to January is the dry season in Fortaleza. January to July is the rainy season in Fortaleza.

Should I visit Fortaleza or Foz do Iguacu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Foz do Iguacu. Many visitors come to Fortaleza in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Foz do Iguacu for the natural beauty during these months.

Fortaleza is a little warmer than Foz do Iguacu in the spring. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Foz do Iguacu fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Foz do Iguacu receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Fortaleza usually receives less rain than Foz do Iguacu. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Foz do Iguacu receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Foz do Iguacu and Fortaleza