A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fortaleza vs. San Ignacio for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Fortaleza or San Ignacio?

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 San Ignacio 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 San Ignacio?

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.

San Ignacio

So you want a tropical getaway, but also don't want to lay around with nothing to do. You want an adventure! You want relaxation and exploration.

You want to visit the small town of San Ignacio, Belize.

This section of the Cayo region is really more of a jungle than a typical Belize beach getaway. Located close the ancient Mayan ruins on the western and inland side of Belize, this town is most popular for its many outdoor adventures including hiking, climbing, and caving!

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


Which place is cheaper, San Ignacio or Fortaleza?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $69, while the average daily cost in San Ignacio is $72. 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 San Ignacio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fortaleza $30
    San Ignacio $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fortaleza $60
    San Ignacio $38
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and San Ignacio

Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza or San Ignacio? 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 San Ignacio


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 San Ignacio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fortaleza $21
    San Ignacio $3.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza

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

  • 4x4 Private Transfer Service : $180
  • 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $259
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Minivan: $117
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Sedan Car: $88
  • 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
  • Departure Private Transfer: Jericoacoara to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $253
  • Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $16
  • Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • Fortaleza Airport Private Transfer: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Ignacio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Ignacio:

  • From Van Transfer To Flores Peten in Guatemala: $20
  • San Ignacio Hotel to Belize City Transfer: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or San Ignacio?

Prices for flights to both San Ignacio 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
    San Ignacio $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Ignacio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Ignacio.

  • Xunantunich & Food Tour with local chocolate experience: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fortaleza $15
    San Ignacio $100

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
  • Lagoinha Beach Tour: $14
  • Águas Belas Tour: $15
  • Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
  • Lagoinha Beach Tour: $17
  • Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $18
  • One Day Bus Tour of Fortaleza and Cumbuco Beach: $18
  • Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $19
  • Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $20
  • The colorful sands of Morro Branco beach - Full Day Tour: $22

Tours and Activities in San Ignacio

Here are a few actual costs in San Ignacio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • ATV Excursions in Cayo with Waterfalls Experience: $174
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic: $125
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour from San Ignacio : $125
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal with Local Tour guide & Belizean Lunch: $120
  • Belize Cave Tubing Adventure from San Ignacio: $90
  • Caracol Maya Ruins Tour Including Rio On Pools, Rio Frio Cave and a Picnic Lunch: $125
  • Cave Canoeing with Local Tour Guide: $80
  • Cave Tubing Adventure at Nohoch Che'en and Jaguar Paw : $115
  • Cave Tubing and Zip line Adventure from San Ignacio: $144
  • Cave Tubing with local tour Guide and Belizean Lunch: $90
  • Deluxe Cave Tubing combo Adventure: $125
  • Farm Ride plus Xunantunich tour: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fortaleza $9.97
    San Ignacio $17


When comparing the travel costs between Fortaleza and San Ignacio, we can see that San Ignacio 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. Even though Fortaleza is in South America and San Ignacio is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or San Ignacio?

Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of San Ignacio. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza and San Ignacio, 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 San Ignacio?

Fortaleza has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Ignacio experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Fortaleza or San Ignacio in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as San Ignacio. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Ignacio throughout the year.

Fortaleza is around the same temperature as San Ignacio in the summer. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and San Ignacio fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza this time of the year. In the summer, Fortaleza often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Ignacioin July. Fortaleza gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Ignacio receives 226 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Ignacio. Fortaleza receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fortaleza usually gets less rain in January than San Ignacioin July. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    San Ignacio 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or San Ignacio in the Autumn?

Both San Ignacio and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Ignacio because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as San Ignacio. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fortaleza in April average around 27°C (80°F), and San Ignacio averages at about 26°C (80°F)in October.

Fortaleza usually receives less sunshine than San Ignacio during autumn. Fortaleza gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while San Ignacio receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. In April, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than San Ignacioin October. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Fortaleza 27°C (80°F) 
    San Ignacio 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or San Ignacio in the Winter?

Both San Ignacio and Fortaleza during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Ignacio year-round.

In July, Fortaleza is generally a little warmer than San Ignacioin January. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 26°C (79°F), and San Ignacio fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Fortaleza. In the winter, Fortaleza often gets more sunshine than San Ignacioin January. Fortaleza gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Ignacio receives 199 hours of full sun.

San Ignacio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Fortaleza usually gets less rain in July than San Ignacioin January. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Fortaleza 26°C (79°F) 
    San Ignacio 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or San Ignacio in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and San Ignacio. San Ignacio attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Fortaleza is around the same temperature as San Ignacio in the spring. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and San Ignacio fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Ignacio this time of the year. In Fortaleza, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fortaleza usually receives more sunshine than San Ignacio during spring. Fortaleza gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while San Ignacio receives 256 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Fortaleza usually receives less rain than San Ignacioin April. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    San Ignacio 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for San Ignacio and Fortaleza

Fortaleza San Ignacio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 24°C (74°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 356 mm (14 in) 27°C (80°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 256 mm (10.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 26°C (80°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 243 mm (9.6 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 26°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 25°C (76°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)