A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Foz do Iguacu vs. Isla Mujeres for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres?

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 Isla Mujeres 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.

Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu is a breathtaking, spectacular, and scenic park. The beauty of Foz do Iguacu is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Foz do Iguacu travel costs.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a idyllic, relaxing, and laid back island. Isla Mujeres is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

Foz do Iguacu and Isla Mujeres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Foz do Iguacu than Isla Mujeres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Foz do Iguacu is better known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Isla Mujeres is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Foz do Iguacu is more touristy than Isla Mujeres and is known for its spectacular beauty and incredible volume of water. Also, Foz do Iguacu is famous for Iguacu National Park. Isla Mujeres is well known for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere.

How is Foz do Iguacu different from Isla Mujeres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Isla Mujeres and Foz do Iguacu. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres?

Foz do Iguacu is a moderate park for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Foz do Iguacu offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a handful of museums and nature parks in and near town.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

Is the Food Better in Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Foz do Iguacu is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Isla Mujeres. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

Foz do Iguacu is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find a variety of restaurants around town where you can sample the regional cuisine. A popular item on the menus is Surubí (a local river fish). Also make sure you try the Mbeyú (fried bread), and paraguayan soup (more like bread than an actual soup).

Is Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres has a better nightlife scene.

Foz do Iguacu has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to the intersection of Avenida JK and Avenida Jorge Schimmelpfeng for the most lively nightlife scene in town. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of restaurants and bars, many with outdoor areas or live music.

If you're looking for night time activities Isla Mujeres has a few options to choose from. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is terrific for its resorts. However, Foz do Iguacu is not a resort destination.

Isla Mujeres is a world class resort vacation destination. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Foz do Iguacu is not a resort destination.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Foz do Iguacu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Isla Mujeres is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

Foz do Iguacu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is terrific for the beach. However, Foz do Iguacu is not a beach destination.

Isla Mujeres is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

Foz do Iguacu is not a beach destination.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres Better for Hiking?

Foz do Iguacu is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Foz do Iguacu is a popular spot for hiking. There's a network of trails and walkways at the foot of the falls as well as above the falls. You can also venture into the surrounding rainforest or hike to Devil's Throat for a great view.

Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Isla Mujeres and Foz do Iguacu.

Foz do Iguacu offers some nice shopping areas. There's shopping in the center of town, particularly around Avenida Brasil, Rua Barbosa, Rua Almirante Barroso, and Quintino Bocaiuva.

Isla Mujeres has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres More Beautiful?

Foz do Iguacu is notable for its scenery and beauty. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Foz do Iguacu is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The falls is absolutely breathtaking. The volume of water and enormity in size is something that you can only experience in person.

Isla Mujeres offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Beautiful beaches with white sand and blue water make this a beautiful destination. The underwater world is also spectacular to explore.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Foz do Iguacu is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Isla Mujeres is an extremely popular island to visit for families. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Foz do Iguacu. Of course, the highlight for everyone is a visit to Iguacu National Park, which also offers boat rides, hiking, and spectacular views. In addition to this impressive park, the whole family will also enjoy a visit to Parque das Aves, which is a bird park that includes information on wildlife species and conservation.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Foz do Iguacu is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Isla Mujeres is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

Foz do Iguacu is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. While the town itself has limited entertainment, the waterfalls is a spectacular sight that has inspired more than a few marriage proposals.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Foz do Iguacu and Isla Mujeres are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Foz do Iguacu is a great park to visit for backpackers. This is one of the country's most popular backpacker destinations so you'll find plenty of hostels and young travelers to hang out with. The falls itself is truly incredible and well worth the trip.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Isla Mujeres. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Foz do Iguacu and Isla Mujeres.

You'll find some public transit in Foz do Iguacu, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. It's 12 miles between the park and the town so you'll need to take either a taxi or a public bus. On your way to the park, you should arrange for a ride back because finding a taxi as you leave can be challenging.

While Isla Mujeres offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Foz do Iguacu is a park with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Isla Mujeres is a very walkable island. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

Foz do Iguacu is generally not a very walkable park. There are walkways near the waterfalls, but the city isn't particularly walkable and you'll need transportation to travel between the park and the town.

For even more information, also check out Is Foz do Iguacu Worth Visiting? and Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Isla Mujeres or Foz do Iguacu?

How long in Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Foz do Iguacu than Isla Mujeres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Foz do Iguacu, and 1-2 days is enough time in Isla Mujeres.

Families should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Foz do Iguacu. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Isla Mujeres, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Foz do Iguacu. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Isla Mujeres that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Foz do Iguacu if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Isla Mujeres.

One day in Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres?

In Foz do Iguacu, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this spectacular park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Isla Mujeres. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres?

Foz do Iguacu is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isla Mujeres. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres?

You'll find nightlife and food around the breathtaking destination of Foz do Iguacu. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back destination of Isla Mujeres. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres?

Foz do Iguacu is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Isla Mujeres. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Foz do Iguacu and Isla Mujeres, we can see that Isla Mujeres is more expensive. And not only is Foz do Iguacu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Foz do Iguacu is in South America and Isla Mujeres is in North 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 Foz do Iguacu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Foz do Iguacu 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 Isla Mujeres would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Isla Mujeres than you might in Foz do Iguacu.

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 Isla Mujeres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Isla Mujeres?

Foz do Iguacu has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu and Isla Mujeres, 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.