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

Should you visit Fortaleza or San Pedro?

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 Pedro 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 Pedro?

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 Pedro

San Pedro is the largest town on Ambergris Caye, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belize. Here you can find a tropical paradise with warm weather, clear blue waters, plenty of activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, and a host of hotels, restaurants, and other amenities.

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 Pedro 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 Pedro is $135. 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 Pedro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fortaleza $30
    San Pedro $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fortaleza $60
    San Pedro $132
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and San Pedro

Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza or San Pedro? 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 Pedro


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 $21
    San Pedro $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza

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

  • Transfer leaving from the Fortaleza waterfront to Beach Park: $8.97
  • Shared Airport Transfer to Fortaleza Hotels: $9.58
  • Transfer to Beach Park: $12
  • Beach Park Round-Trip Transfer: $13
  • Fortaleza to Pinto Martins Airport (FOR) - Departure Transfer: $16
  • Pinto Martins Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza-Arrival Private Transfer: $16
  • Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $16
  • Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $16
  • Roundtrip transfer from Pinto Martins Airport to Hotels in Fortaleza: $18
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Fortaleza City: $25
  • Private transfer: Fortaleza International Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza: $26
  • Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Pedro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Pedro:

  • Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure (Boat Transfer): $205

Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or San Pedro?

Prices for flights to both San Pedro 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 Pedro $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Pedro

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

  • Belizean Sunset and Cultural Dinner Cruise: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fortaleza $15
    San Pedro $33

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 Pedro

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Pedro are as follows:

  • The best of San Pedro Town walking tour: $202
  • 3 Hours Barrier Reef Tour in Caye Caulker, Belize: $54
  • 5-Hour Guided Jetboat Tour to Secret Beach, San Pedro, Belize.: $200
  • All-Inclusive Full-Day Hol Chan Snorkeling Tour : $120
  • Altun Ha Cave Tubing and Zip line Tours from San Pedro Ambergris Caye: $250
  • Ambergris Caye Sunset Sail Tour on the 40' Sirena Azul Sailboat: $75
  • Belize Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley Snorkel Tour - Ambergris Caye: $93
  • Cave Tubing and Zip line Adventure from San pedro Ambergris caye: $250
  • Double Activity Limo Tour: Xunantunich Ruins & Cave Tubing Adventure: $220
  • Exclusive All-in-1 Full Day Shared Guided Tour: $139
  • Hol Chan Full-Day Bucket List Snorkeling and Marine Life Tour: $95
  • Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkel Tour on the 40' Sirena Azul Sailboat: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fortaleza $9.97
    San Pedro $16


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and San Pedro, we can see that San Pedro is more expensive. And not only is Fortaleza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fortaleza is in South America and San Pedro is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 San Pedro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Pedro 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 San Pedro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or San Pedro?

Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 290 times larger than the population of San Pedro. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza and San Pedro, 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 Pedro?

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

Should I visit Fortaleza or San Pedro in the Summer?

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

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

In San Pedro, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fortaleza. In the summer, Fortaleza often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Pedroin July. Fortaleza gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Pedro receives 226 hours of full sun.

San Pedro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually gets less rain in January than San Pedroin July. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while San Pedro 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 Pedro 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or San Pedro in the Autumn?

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

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

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

San Pedro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fortaleza gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than San Pedroin October. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while San Pedro receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Fortaleza or San Pedro in the Winter?

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

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza this time of the year. In the winter, Fortaleza often gets more sunshine than San Pedroin January. Fortaleza gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Pedro receives 199 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Pedro. Fortaleza usually gets less rain in July than San Pedroin January. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while San Pedro 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 Pedro 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or San Pedro in the Spring?

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

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

It's quite sunny in San Pedro. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually receives more sunshine than San Pedro during spring. Fortaleza gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while San Pedro receives 256 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


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

Typical Weather for San Pedro and Fortaleza

Fortaleza San Pedro
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)