Which place is cheaper, El Chalten or Foz do Iguacu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or El Chalten?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Foz do Iguacu and El Chalten 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: Foz do Iguacu or El Chalten?
Foz do Iguacu
Foz do Iguacu is a larger city in Brazil that is most famous for the Iguacu Falls. The city serves as an entry point for Paraguay and Argentina as well. The obvious reason to visit the city is to see the beautiful falls, and together with Ciudad del Este, Paraguay and Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, it makes up one of the largest tourism sights in South America.
El Chalten
El Chalten is probably one of the most beautiful areas of Patagonia, especially at the slightest ray of sunshine and one of your cheapest destination while you are travelling in Patagonia. Indeed, you will spend your days hiking and there are no park fees. There are restaurants, souvenir shops, and outdoor stores but most of them will not accept credit cards so before heading out, get cash in El Calafate or your previous stop. For the beginners, it will be long hikes in a magical setting and for the experts perhaps a week long expedition to the greatest glaciers of the world. To discover the way people live in the pampa, you may also decide to stay at an Estancia. In the stunning Estancia Santa Thelma, about 300km away from El Chalten, you will be able to explore the surroundings by horse, live a unique experience in the middle of the nature and its vast plains occupied by thousands of merino sheep and horses and of course eat a typical meal of the region.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Argentina, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Argentina.
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Foz do Iguacu Prices
Brazil PricesEl Chalten Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFoz do Iguacu $79El Chalten $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Foz do Iguacu is $79, while the average daily cost in El Chalten is $65. 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 Foz do Iguacu and El Chalten in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFoz do Iguacu $28El Chalten $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFoz do Iguacu $56El Chalten $100
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and El Chalten
Looking for a hotel in Foz do Iguacu or El Chalten? 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: Foz do Iguacu Hotel Prices and El Chalten Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Foz do Iguacu $13El Chalten $2.44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:
- Transfer In - Airport Hotel: $8.00
- Foz do Iguaçu Airport Shared Transfer: $10
- Transfer Paraguay - Shopping : $29
- Foz do Iguaçu Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $39
- Private airport transfers - Brazil - Argentina - Paraguay : $42
- Transfer from Foz de Iguazu Airport to Hotels on the Argentine side: $70
- Private Transfer from IGU to Any Point within Foz Do Iguaçu City: $80
- Private E Bike Tour Iguaçu Waterfalls + Transfers + Tickets: $120
- Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $127
- Private Transfer to Foz do Iguaçu from the Airport: $154
- Transfer IN IGU & Iguassu Falls Brazilian side & Macuco Boat Safari: $220
Is it cheaper to fly into Foz do Iguacu or El Chalten?
Prices for flights to both El Chalten and Foz do Iguacu 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 dayFoz do Iguacu $37El Chalten $6.48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Foz do Iguacu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Foz do Iguacu.
- Shared Group: Rafain Dinner and Latin American Show with Transfer: $99
- Rafain dinner Samba Show: $105
- Rafain Dinner Show : $106
- Experience Guamini Mision Dinner and Tango Show Selva Iriapu Hotels Exclusive: $110
- Dinner Show at Rafain in Foz do Iguaçu: $114
- Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse Belmond Hotel Cataratas : $135
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Foz do Iguacu $23El Chalten $27
Tours and Activities in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few actual costs in Foz do Iguacu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Humming Bird Garden Experience in Iguazu: $6.00
- Shopping tour at Duty Free Shop Argentina: $18
- Visit to Itaipu: Panoramic Tour: $20
- Iguassu Falls Shopping Tour: $27
- Three Borders Landmark - Rountrip Transportation + Ticket : $32
- Guided tour of the Iguacu Falls on the Argentine side: $32
- Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam - Tickets Included: $33
- Visit to Itaipu: Entrance Ticket for Panoramic View and shuttle: $33
- Tour to Iguazu Falls Brazil with visit at the Bird Park: $36
- Tour to Iguassu Falls Argentinean Side: $38
- Sightseeing Bus Tour of Foz do Iguaçu: $38
- City Tour Foz do Iguaçu - With Ticket: $38
Tours and Activities in El Chalten
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for El Chalten are as follows:
- Rafting experience on the Rio de las Vueltas in Patagonia: $100
- Rio de las Vueltas Rafting Experience - El Chalten: $100
- 3 Hours Grilled Lamb Experience in Estancia Bonanza: $220
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFoz do Iguacu $11El Chalten $5.80
Typical Alcohol Prices in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Foz do Iguacu from other travelers:
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Beer$0.84
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Foz do Iguacu and El Chalten, we can see that Foz do Iguacu is more expensive. And not only is El Chalten much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to El Chalten would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in El Chalten 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 Foz do Iguacu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Foz do Iguacu than you might in El Chalten.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Foz do Iguacu Expensive? and Is El Chalten Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Foz do Iguacu or El Chalten?
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 Foz do Iguacu or El Chalten in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and El Chalten. The summer months attract visitors to Foz do Iguacu because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Foz do Iguacu is generally around the same temperature as El Chalten. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 27°C (81°F), and El Chalten fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
El Chalten receives a lot of rain in the summer. Foz do Iguacu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Foz do Iguacu usually receives around the same amount of rain as El Chalten. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryFoz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F)El Chalten 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or El Chalten in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as El Chalten. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Foz do Iguacu this time of year.
Foz do Iguacu is around the same temperature as El Chalten in the autumn. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and El Chalten fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It's quite rainy in El Chalten. Foz do Iguacu usually gets less rain in April than El Chalten. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilFoz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F)El Chalten 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or El Chalten in the Winter?
Both El Chalten and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Foz do Iguacu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Foz do Iguacu is a little warmer than El Chalten. Typically, the winter temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in July average around 18°C (64°F), and El Chalten averages at about 16°C (61°F).
In July, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than El Chalten. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyFoz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F)El Chalten 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or El Chalten in the Spring?
Both El Chalten and Foz do Iguacu during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Foz do Iguacu in the spring for the natural beauty.
In October, Foz do Iguacu is generally around the same temperature as El Chalten. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 24°C (75°F), and El Chalten fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
El Chalten gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Foz do Iguacu. Foz do Iguacu usually gets less rain in October than El Chalten. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberFoz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F)El Chalten 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for El Chalten and Foz do Iguacu
| Foz do Iguacu | El Chalten | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
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.