A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Foz do Iguacu vs. La Fortuna for Couples, Hiking, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna?

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 La Fortuna 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.

La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a scenic, popular, and stunning town. The beauty of La Fortuna is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and nightlife. See La Fortuna travel costs.

Foz do Iguacu and La Fortuna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Foz do Iguacu than La Fortuna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Foz do Iguacu is better known for its shopping, while La Fortuna is more popular for its resorts. Foz do Iguacu is well known for its spectacular beauty and incredible volume of water. Also, Foz do Iguacu is famous for Iguacu National Park. La Fortuna is well known for its hot springs, luxury resorts, and volcanic views.

How is Foz do Iguacu different from La Fortuna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna?

Plenty of people visit the respectable sights and museums in both Foz do Iguacu and La Fortuna.

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.

While most people don't head to La Fortuna specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time outdoors exploring the area, but there are also some museums that highlight local art and culture.

Is the Food Better in Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Foz do Iguacu and La Fortuna.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Foz do Iguacu. 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).

La Fortuna is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a touristy mecca, and there are a number of decent restaurants around town. The area has some of the freshest local ingredients and the food reflects that. You'll find restaurants both in the center of town and along the road between the town and the hot springs.

Is Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna has a few options to choose from. The larger resorts usually have a couple of bars onsite. There are also local bars and pubs throughout the town. While things often quiet down by 9:00, you will probably be able to find a laid back place to enjoy a drink with friends.

Is Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna Better for Resorts?

La Fortuna is terrific for its resorts. However, Foz do Iguacu is not a resort destination.

La Fortuna is a world class resort vacation destination. There are many larger international resorts in the area. Many offer spectacular views, spas, and beautifully maintained pools that take advantage of the area's hot springs.

Foz do Iguacu is not a resort destination.

Is Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna Better for Hiking?

Both Foz do Iguacu and La Fortuna are destinations which offer very good hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Foz do Iguacu. 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.

Many visitors go to La Fortuna for the hiking trails. The area is filled with stunning hikes that take you through different landscapes and ecosystems. You'll likely see some wildlife, visit spectacular waterfalls, and, of course, catch views of the impressive Arenal Volcano.

Is the Shopping Better in Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna?

Foz do Iguacu is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

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.

La Fortuna has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find a couple of good souvenir shops around town where you can pick up some locally made items.

Is Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna More Beautiful?

Foz do Iguacu and La Fortuna are somewhat similar when it comes to the very good scenery.

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.

With stunning beauty, La Fortuna attracts visitors from all around. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, lush rainforests, and dramatic views of the volcano. There are countless hikes and a plenty of opportunities to soak up the natural setting.

Is Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna Better for Families?

Both Foz do Iguacu and La Fortuna are very good to visit with kids.

Foz do Iguacu is a very kid-friendly park. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in La Fortuna. Kids will love exploring the outdoors and seeing some of Costa Rica's best environments. There are plenty of hiking trails, but if you're looking for short and simple, head to Ecocentro Danaus, which has a half mile flat walking loop and a butterfly garden. Another good option is Bogarin Trail, where you might see a sloth. And of course you have to check out Arenal Volcano National Park.

Is Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna Better for Couples?

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

La Fortuna is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. There are amazing resorts and spas in the area that make for a truly luxurious and romantic holiday. Many couples visit for their honeymoon, and whether you enjoy exploring nature or pampering yourself in a five star setting, there really is something for everyone.

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 La Fortuna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Foz do Iguacu and La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna. As one of the top places to visit in Costa Rica, this town has a number of hostels that cater to the backpacker crowds.

Is Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna.

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 La Fortuna offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses throughout the area as well as private transportation services, taxis, and car sharing.

Is Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna a more walkable city?

La Fortuna is a town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Foz do Iguacu is a park with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

La Fortuna is a somewhat walkable place. While the town itself is very walkable, many of the area's attractions can only be reached by car.

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 La Fortuna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Fortuna or Foz do Iguacu?

How long in Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna?

It's fun to spend time in either Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna. In our opinion, La Fortuna has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in La Fortuna than Foz do Iguacu. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Foz do Iguacu, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Fortuna.

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

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

One day in Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna?

With shopping and nightlife around the scenic park of Foz do Iguacu, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the stunning destination of La Fortuna. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Foz do Iguacu, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Fortuna. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 La Fortuna?

Foz do Iguacu, a popular park, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the popular destination of La Fortuna. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town 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 La Fortuna?

Foz do Iguacu is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and nightlife around the beautiful town of La Fortuna. 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 Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Foz do Iguacu and La Fortuna, we can see that La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna?

Foz do Iguacu has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu and La Fortuna, 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 La Fortuna?

Foz do Iguacu has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but La Fortuna experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and La Fortuna. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Foz do Iguacu this time of year. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Foz do Iguacu is around the same temperature as La Fortuna in the summer. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.

La Fortuna 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 less rain than La Fortunain July. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as La Fortuna. Many travelers come to Foz do Iguacu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.

In the autumn, Foz do Iguacu is cooler than La Fortuna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in April average around 23°C (73°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in La Fortuna. Foz do Iguacu usually gets less rain in April than La Fortunain October. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in La Fortuna is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in La Fortuna is May to November.

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna in the Winter?

Both La Fortuna and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Foz do Iguacu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Foz do Iguacu is generally much colder than La Fortunain January. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 18°C (64°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In July, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than La Fortunain January. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna in the Spring?

Both La Fortuna and Foz do Iguacu during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Foz do Iguacu for the natural beauty during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.

Foz do Iguacu is cooler than La Fortuna in the spring. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Foz do Iguacu. Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in October than La Fortunain April. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in La Fortuna. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in La Fortuna.

Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Foz do Iguacu