Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Foz do Iguacu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or Jaco?
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 Jaco 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 Jaco?
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.
Jaco
Jaco is a beach destination on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. This resort city is located in the county of Garabito in the Puntarenas province. It has a population of about 10,000 residents and a 2.5 mile long beach that is an excellent surfing destination.
Because Jaco is located on the coast, it's weather is influenced by the water. The climate is humid with a relative humidity of about 80%, but climbing to 90% in the month of June. The temperature is usually between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit at night. There are distinct wet and dry seasons with August through early December being the rainy season and late December through early April being the dry season. Rain is irregular during the rest of the year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFoz do Iguacu $66Jaco $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Foz do Iguacu is $66, while the average daily cost in Jaco is $104. 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 Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFoz do Iguacu $29Jaco $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFoz do Iguacu $58Jaco $134
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in Foz do Iguacu or Jaco? 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 Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Foz do Iguacu $13Jaco -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:
- Transfer from Foz de Iguazu Airport to Hotels on the Argentine side: $42
- Transfer IN IGU & Iguassu Falls Brazilian side & Macuco Boat Safari: $220
- Transfer Cataratas Argentina: $19
- Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $120
- Roundtrip Airport Transfer in Foz do Iguaçu: $49
- Private transfer from Foz do Iguaçu airport and bus station: $22
- Private E Bike Tour Iguaçu Waterfalls + Transfers + Tickets: $131
- IGU Airport Transfers: $17
- Foz do Iguaçu Airport Private Transfer : $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Tortuga Island Boat Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $135
- Jaco or Playa Hermosa: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $173
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $90
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Los Sueños Resort/Marriot : $200
- Private transfer from Jaco Beach to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $219
- Transfer FROM Jaco Beach TO SJO Airport OR RETURN (One Way): $70
- Transfer Private From Jaco to San José or Airport up to 5 passengers (one way) : $245
- Transfer to Jaco beach from San José or the airport one way: $245
Is it cheaper to fly into Foz do Iguacu or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco 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 $22Jaco $21
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.
- Official Entrance: Dinner with Latin American Show at Rafain Steakhouse: $52
- Entrance to Rafain with Dinner and Show: $74
- Rafain dinner Samba Show: $94
- Transport to Acaray Casino + dinner (optional): $100
- Dinner Show - Rafain Steakhouse : $100
- Rafain Steakhouse Show - Dinner and Show Included: $103
- Dinner Show at Rafain in Foz do Iguaçu: $107
- Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse Belmond Hotel Cataratas : $135
- Foz do Iguacu Dancing Musical Show with Dinner and Pickup: $208
Typical Food Prices in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Hermosa BeachLlunch$3.94
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Tsunami Sushi Dinner$18
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Taco Bar Dinner$9.01
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Pizza & Smoothie Lunch$6.31
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Ice Cream$5.92
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Breakfast Taco Bar$3.34
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Fruit Plate$2.96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Costa Rican cooking class with cookbook author Melissa Guzman: $85
- Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Food Tour in Jacó: $87
- Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Foz do Iguacu $24Jaco $60
Tours and Activities in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few actual costs in Foz do Iguacu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Days Private Tour Argentinean & Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls: $150
- 2-Day Private Tour Iguaçu Falls Brazil and Argentina: $229
- 2-Day Private Tour to Argentina and Brazil Falls: $112
- 2-Days Private Brasil & Argentina Iguassu Falls Experience : $116
- 2-day private tour Both waterfalls+ bird park: $199
- Airport IGU Pick-Up & Shopping In Paraguay & Hotel Drop-Off - Private Tour: $100
- Airport IGU Round Trip & Iguassu Falls Argentinean side & Great Adventure: $295
- Argentina Bike Experience: Interact with indigenous communities: $90
- Argentinean Side Iguassu Falls - Private Tour: $120
- Argentinian Side of the Falls - All Tickets Included: $92
- Argentinian Side of the Falls and Boat Tour Gran Aventura - All Tickets Included: $231
- Bird Park Tour: $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaco
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Jaco's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Dance Class$9.82
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Surf Lesson$49
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Bike Rental$9.82
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Tortuga Island Tour$98
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Massage$44
Tours and Activities in Jaco
For Jaco, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Jungle Crocodile Safari and Bird Watching Tour: $35
- Crocodile Man Tour THE ORIGINAL: $40
- Jason Crocodile Tours: $40
- Jaco Beach: 2-Hour Chocolate Experience Tour: $43
- Horseback Riding Pacific Experience in Tarcoles Garabito: $47
- 2 Hours Private Guided Hiking Experience to El Miro in Jaco: $50
- From Canopy Tour in Hacienda Nosavar: $50
- Guided visit to Carara National Park (Ticket included): $50
- "Miro Jaco" & Jaco Beach Horseback Tour: $59
- Jaco Horse Tours: $60
- Chocolate Experience: $62
- Jaco Horseback Riding Adventure Tours: $64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFoz do Iguacu $12Jaco $32
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$0.88
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jaco
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Jaco:
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Wine$15
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Night at the Bar$27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Foz do Iguacu and Jaco, we can see that Jaco 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 Jaco 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 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 Jaco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jaco 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 Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Jaco?
Foz do Iguacu has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu and Jaco, 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 Foz do Iguacu or Jaco?
Foz do Iguacu has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jaco experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Jaco in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as Jaco. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
In the summer, Foz do Iguacu is around the same temperature as Jaco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Jaco averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Jaco. Foz do Iguacu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Foz do Iguacu usually gets less rain in January than Jacoin July. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFoz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F)Jaco 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Jaco in the Autumn?
Both Jaco and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Foz do Iguacu is generally cooler than Jacoin October. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 23°C (73°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. In April, Foz do Iguacu usually receives less rain than Jacoin October. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFoz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Jaco in the Winter?
Both Jaco and Foz do Iguacu during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
Foz do Iguacu is much colder than Jaco in the winter. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in January.
Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in July than Jacoin January. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFoz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Jaco in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and Jaco. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Jaco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Jaco averages at about 29°C (85°F)in April.
Foz do Iguacu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Jacoin April. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFoz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F)Jaco 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Jaco and Foz do Iguacu
| Foz do Iguacu | Jaco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.