Which place is cheaper, La Fortuna or Foz do Iguacu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
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.
Where Should I go: Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna?
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.
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is in San Carlos, in the province of Alajuela. It is the closest town to Arenal Volcano, and the area is often simply refered to as Arenal. The volcano itself is active and has been constantly erupting since 1968. It erupts on average 41 times a day. This area of northern Costa Rica is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFoz do Iguacu $66La Fortuna $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Foz do Iguacu is $66, while the average daily cost in La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFoz do Iguacu $29La Fortuna $51
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFoz do Iguacu $58La Fortuna $102
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and La Fortuna
Looking for a hotel in Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna? 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 La Fortuna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Foz do Iguacu $13La Fortuna $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:
- IGU Airport Transfers: $17
- Transfer Cataratas Argentina: $19
- Foz do Iguaçu Airport Private Transfer : $20
- Private transfer from Foz do Iguaçu airport and bus station: $22
- Transfer from Foz de Iguazu Airport to Hotels on the Argentine side: $42
- Roundtrip Airport Transfer in Foz do Iguaçu: $49
- Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $120
- Private E Bike Tour Iguaçu Waterfalls + Transfers + Tickets: $131
- Transfer IN IGU & Iguassu Falls Brazilian side & Macuco Boat Safari: $220
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Fortuna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Fortuna:
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Arenal La Fortuna San Carlos: $42
- Arenal La Fortuna to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $63
- Arenal lake boat transfer from to Monteverde from La Fortuna: $60
- Costa Rica Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) -Arrival Private Transfer: $189
- Direct Transfer From La Fortuna to San Jose, English Speaking Driver: $153
- From La Fortuna/La Palma: Private Transfer to Tamarindo: $280
- From Lake Arenal Kayaking Trip with Transfer: $90
- From Monteverde: 2 Day Hike in Fortuna with Hotel Transfer: $160
- From San Jose Airport To Arenal - La Fortuna - PRIVATE TRANSFER: $295
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Guapiles: $213
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Liberia or LIR Airport: $187
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Manuel Antonio or Quepos: $320
Is it cheaper to fly into Foz do Iguacu or La Fortuna?
Prices for flights to both La Fortuna 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
-
Food Meals for one dayFoz do Iguacu $22La Fortuna $27
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Fortuna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Fortuna.
- 2 Hours Private Cooking Class in La Fortuna: $38
- Organic Farm Visit & Farm-to-Table Cooking Class: $45
- Cooking Class and Sugar Cane Experience: $45
- Typical Costa Rican Cooking Classes in La Fortuna: $48
- Costa Rica Cooking, El Fogon de Chela: $50
- Costa Rican cuisine Cooking Class at Rancho Don Lelo: $60
- Cooking Class "Cook Like a Local" La Fortuna: $63
- Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner from La Fortuna: $65
- 3-Hour Costa Rican Cooking Class with Dinner: $68
- Private typical cooking class with a Costa Rican family: $70
- Private cooking class in organic farm at La Fortuna: $75
- Ceviche & Empanadas Cooking Class: $77
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Foz do Iguacu $24La Fortuna $44
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: $5.00
- Ciudad del Este Shopping Tour: $14
- Iguazú Casino Tour : $17
- Exclusive Bike Experience at Iguazu Falls: $25
- Bird Park Tour: $25
- Iguassu Falls Shopping Tour: $26
- Iguazu Falls National Park Tour - full day tour Argentinean side: $34
- Foz Do Iguaçu City Tour: $34
- Tour Tour, pick up at Foz do Iguaçu airport (IGU): $40
- Itaipu Dam Half-Day Sightseeing Panoramic Tour from Foz do Iguaçu: $42
- Iguassu Falls Sightseeing Tour from Foz do Iguaçu: $44
- Paraguay Guided Shopping Tour from Foz do Iguacu: $44
Tours and Activities in La Fortuna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Fortuna are as follows:
- Two Destinations Tour - La Fortuna Top Destinations : $20
- Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket: $20
- Arenal Volcano Hike Experience (not guide included): $23
- Arenal Observatory Trails Admission Ticket: $29
- San Carlos: The Art of Chocolate Making Tour at Don Olivo: $30
- 1-Hour Private Sloth Tour in the Rainforest from Costa Rica: $30
- Private Sloth and Monkey Wildlife Tour: $30
- Rainforest Chocolate Tour: $30
- arenal fortuna city tour: $30
- Don Olivo Chocolate Tour: $30
- Sloth Tour: $30
- Night tour through the Tropical Forest at Tifakara : $32
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayFoz do Iguacu $12La Fortuna $11
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:
-
Beer$0.88
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. 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.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFoz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F)La Fortuna 28°C (82°F)
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. 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.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFoz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
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. 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.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFoz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
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. 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.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFoz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F)La Fortuna 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Foz do Iguacu
| Foz do Iguacu | La Fortuna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.