Which place is cheaper, Machu Picchu or Fortaleza?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fortaleza or Machu Picchu?
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 Machu Picchu 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 Machu Picchu?
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.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a site of ancient Inca ruins located about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Cuzco, Peru, in the Cordillera de Vilcabamba of the Andes Mountains. It is perched above the Urubamba River valley in a narrow saddle between two sharp peaks, Machu Picchu ("Old Peak") and Huayna Picchu ("New Peak"), at an elevation of 7,710 feet (2,350 metres). One of the few major pre-Columbian ruins found nearly intact, Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. Thus, Machu Picchu is not only an impressive remnant of the Inca civilization, it is also one of the world's most important archaeological sites. A stop at Machu Picchu is an essential part of any traveler's itinerary in Peru, as it is one of the seven wonders of the world.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Peru, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFortaleza $69Machu Picchu $101
The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $69, while the average daily cost in Machu Picchu is $101. 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 Machu Picchu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFortaleza $30Machu Picchu $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFortaleza $60Machu Picchu $84
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Machu Picchu
Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza or Machu Picchu? 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 Machu Picchu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fortaleza $21Machu Picchu $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $300
- Jericoacoara Private Transfer From Fortaleza: $273
- Private Transfer From FOR to Any Point in Fortaleza City: $270
- 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $253
- Departure Private Transfer: Jericoacoara to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $253
- Transfer 4 X 4 Fortaleza to Jericoacoara or Jericoacoara to Fortaleza: $240
- 4x4 Private Transfer Service : $175
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza to Canoa Quebrada: $173
- Transfer Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $150
- Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Minivan: $117
- Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Minivan: $117
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Mundaú: $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Machu Picchu?
Prices for flights to both Machu Picchu 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
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Food Meals for one dayFortaleza $24Machu Picchu $19
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fortaleza $15Machu Picchu $74
Tours and Activities in Fortaleza
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.
- Águas Belas Tour: $15
- 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
- Beach Park Full-Day Trip Including Brief Tour of Fortaleza: $35
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $19
- City Tour Fortaleza - Full Day Cumbuco Beach Tour by Nettour: $25
- City-Tour and Fortaleza (central market, cathedral, Fort, Theaters, encetur, P.ferreira: $55
- Cumbuco Beach Tour: $11
- Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
- Fortaleza Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $31
- Half-Day City Tour: $25
- Full Day Premium Tour in Jericoacoara: $88
- Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Machu Picchu
For Machu Picchu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Gardens of Mandor$2.71
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFortaleza $9.97Machu Picchu $6.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and Machu Picchu, we can see that Machu Picchu is more expensive. And not only is Fortaleza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fortaleza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fortaleza 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 Machu Picchu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Machu Picchu than you might in Fortaleza.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fortaleza Expensive? and Is Machu Picchu Expensive?.
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.