A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fortaleza vs. Mar del Plata for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Fortaleza or Mar del Plata?

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 Mar del Plata 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 Mar del Plata?

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.

Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata is found only 404 km southeast of the city of Buenos Aires, on the Atlantic coast. Today Mar Del Plata is Argentina‘s most well known beach resort. It has successfully married the two worlds of beach and city into a fun, cosmopolitan urban center with the presence of highly developed tourist infrastructure. Founded in 1874, Mar del Plata was at first mainly an industrial and commercial center before becoming a vacation destination for Argentinians. For a peaceful trip and intimate oceanfront promenades, avoid visiting Mar del Plata during summer time, as the gorgeous arced coastline will be crawling with visitors. But the city is more than just beaches. It also offers some culture, lively nightlife, and great food.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Luxury Tours to Argentina, and The Best Budget Tours to Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Mar del Plata or Fortaleza?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $71, while the average daily cost in Mar del Plata is $9.01. 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 Mar del Plata in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fortaleza $31
    Mar del Plata $3.23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fortaleza $62
    Mar del Plata $6.46
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Mar del Plata

Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza or Mar del Plata? 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 Mar del Plata


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 Mar del Plata Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fortaleza $22
    Mar del Plata $2.56

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
  • 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $267
  • 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 : $185
  • Transfer Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $158
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Icaraí-Amontada : $133
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Canoa Quebrada: $119
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Minivan: $117
  • Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Minivan: $117
  • Jericoacoara - Fortaleza x Jericoacoara transfer: $113

Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Mar del Plata?

Prices for flights to both Mar del Plata 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 $24
    Mar del Plata $3.91

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: $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fortaleza $16
    Mar del Plata $2.33

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
  • Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $21
  • Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $20
  • City Tour Fortaleza - Full Day Cumbuco Beach Tour by Nettour: $27
  • City-Tour and Fortaleza (central market, cathedral, Fort, Theaters, encetur, P.ferreira: $57
  • Cumbuco Beach Tour: $12
  • Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
  • Fortaleza City Tour : $26
  • Fortaleza Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $31
  • Half-Day City Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fortaleza $10
    Mar del Plata $1.82


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and Mar del Plata, we can see that Fortaleza is more expensive. And not only is Mar del Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mar del Plata would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mar del Plata 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 Mar del Plata.

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


Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Mar del Plata?

Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Mar del Plata. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza and Mar del Plata, 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 Mar del Plata?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Fortaleza or Mar del Plata in the Summer?

Both Mar del Plata and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In January, Fortaleza is generally a little warmer than Mar del Plata. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 28°C (82°F), and Mar del Plata fluctuates around 20°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Mar del Plata. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mar del Plata during summer. Fortaleza gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Mar del Plata receives 221 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. In January, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Mar del Plata. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Mar del Plata receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Mar del Plata 20°C (69°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Mar del Plata in the Autumn?

Both Mar del Plata and Fortaleza during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Fortaleza is much warmer than Mar del Plata in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Mar del Plata fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually gets more rain in April than Mar del Plata. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Mar del Plata receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Fortaleza 27°C (80°F) 
    Mar del Plata 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Mar del Plata in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Mar del Plata.

In the winter, Fortaleza is much warmer than Mar del Plata. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fortaleza in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Mar del Plata averages at about 9°C (47°F).

In July, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Mar del Plata. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Mar del Plata receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Fortaleza 26°C (79°F) 
    Mar del Plata 9°C (47°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Mar del Plata in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Mar del Plata.

In October, Fortaleza is generally much warmer than Mar del Plata. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 28°C (82°F), and Mar del Plata fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza this time of the year. In the spring, Fortaleza often gets more sunshine than Mar del Plata. Fortaleza gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mar del Plata receives 175 hours of full sun.

Fortaleza usually gets less rain in October than Mar del Plata. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Mar del Plata receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Mar del Plata 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Mar del Plata and Fortaleza

Fortaleza Mar del Plata
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 356 mm (14 in) 15°C (59°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 256 mm (10.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 26°C (80°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)