A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Foz do Iguacu vs. Liberia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or Liberia?

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 Liberia 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 Liberia?

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.

Liberia

Liberia is a town in northwestern Costa Rica. It is the capital of the Guanacaste province, which is about 140 miles away from Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. The town has a population of about 56,000 and is one of the tourism centers of 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.


Which place is cheaper, Liberia or Foz do Iguacu?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Foz do Iguacu is $66, while the average daily cost in Liberia is $112. 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 Liberia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Foz do Iguacu $29
    Liberia $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Foz do Iguacu $58
    Liberia $120
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and Liberia

Looking for a hotel in Foz do Iguacu or Liberia? 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.

Hotels in Foz do Iguacu


Hotels in Liberia


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 Liberia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Foz do Iguacu $13
    Liberia $43

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liberia

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Liberia are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liberia

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liberia:

  • Airport transfer Liberia from and to Tamarindo (One way) : $113
  • Costa Rica Private Airport Transfer : $6.00
  • Departure Private Transfer Arenal to San Jose Airport by Minivan: $177
  • Direct Transfer Liberia Airport to Guanacaste Hotels: $35
  • GUANACASTE COSTA RICA Airport Transfers | Shuttle Service: $62
  • Guanacaste Airport Transfer to Playa Tamarindo: $105
  • Guanacaste Airport: Transfer to/from Papagayo Hyatt Hotel: $76
  • Liberia Airport (LIR) Peñas Blancas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
  • Liberia Airport (LIR) to Flamingo/Tamarindo - Round-Trip Transfer: $76
  • Liberia Airport (LIR) to Jaco / Monteverde - Round-Trip Transfer : $179
  • Liberia Airport (LIR) to Jaco/Monteverde Arrival Private Transfer: $89
  • Liberia Airport (LIR) to Peñas Blancas - Arrival Private Transfer: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Foz do Iguacu or Liberia?

Prices for flights to both Liberia 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 day
    Foz do Iguacu $22
    Liberia $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 Liberia

Some typical examples of dining costs in Liberia are as follows:


  • Snacks
    $1.97
  • Lunch at The Shack (for 1)
    $4.95
  • Lunch
    $11
  • Coffee & Tres Leches (for 2)
    $14
  • Ginger Ale
    $1.28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liberia

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Liberia.

  • 2-Hour Cooking Class in Nosara : $65
  • Private Local Cooking Class in Nosara: $85
  • Private Sunset Dinner at the Beach with Chef : $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Foz do Iguacu $24
    Liberia $25

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 Liberia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Liberia are as follows:

  • (Private) La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike: $41
  • La Leona Waterfall: Private tour in Rincon de la Vieja!: $43
  • Night Tour in Nuevo Arenal: $43
  • Bird-Watching and Wildlife Tour: $43
  • La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day : $45
  • La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike (Private Tour): $45
  • Skip the Line: Diamante Eco Adventure Park: Animal Sanctuary Discovery Ticket: $49
  • Zip-line Adventure: $53
  • Horseback Riding Tour: $59
  • Rincón de la Vieja Bird-Watching Tour: $62
  • Zipline at Skyline Canopy Tour Guanacaste Costa Rica: $65
  • From Tubing Adventure at Rio Negro: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Foz do Iguacu $12
    Liberia $13
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 Liberia, we can see that Liberia 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 Liberia 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 Liberia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liberia 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 Liberia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Liberia?

Foz do Iguacu has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Liberia. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu and Liberia, 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 Liberia?

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

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Liberia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and Liberia. Liberia attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Foz do Iguacu is generally around the same temperature as Liberiain July. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 27°C (81°F), and Liberia fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Liberia 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 Liberiain July. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Foz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F) 
    Liberia 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Liberia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as Liberia. The warm climate attracts visitors to Liberia throughout the year.

Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Liberia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Liberia fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Foz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F) 
    Liberia 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Liberia in the Winter?

Both Liberia and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Liberia because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Foz do Iguacu is much colder than Liberia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Liberia averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Foz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F) 
    Liberia 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Liberia in the Spring?

Both Liberia and Foz do Iguacu during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Liberia year-round.

In October, Foz do Iguacu is generally cooler than Liberiain April. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 24°C (75°F), and Liberia fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Foz do Iguacu. Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in October than Liberiain April. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Liberia. April to December is the rainy season in Liberia.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Foz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F) 
    Liberia 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Liberia and Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu Liberia
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)