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

Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or Managua?

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 Managua 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 Managua?

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.

Managua

Managua is the capital, and largest city in Nicaragua. The economy is generally centered around the trade of coffee, cotton, and other types of agriculture. It also is a textile capital for the area. Managua is also a very reasonably priced destination in Central America. Restaurants and hotels are quite affordable and you'll find all kinds of international cuisine around the city. Transportation is also incredibly affordable and you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised at the cost of intercity bus rides.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Managua or Foz do Iguacu?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Foz do Iguacu is $84, while the average daily cost in Managua is $68. 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 Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Foz do Iguacu $30
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Foz do Iguacu $60
    Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and Managua

Looking for a hotel in Foz do Iguacu or Managua? 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 Managua


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 Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Foz do Iguacu $14
    Managua $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:

  • Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $157
  • Macuco Safari Boat with Transfer: $146
  • Private Transfer from IGU to Any Point within Foz Do Iguaçu City: $80
  • Transfer from Puerto Iguazu Airport to Foz do Iguaçu Hotels: $79
  • Transfer from Foz de Iguazu Airport to Hotels on the Argentine side: $70
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer in Foz do Iguaçu: $50
  • Foz do Iguaçu Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $45
  • Private Airport Transfers and Iguaçu National Parks: $38
  • Foz do Iguaçu Airport Private Transfer: $22
  • PRIVATE Transfer Iguassu Airport (IGU) to Hotels in Iguassu: $18
  • IGU Airport Transfers: $17
  • Foz do Iguaçu Airport Shared Transfer: $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua

Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Leon: One way shared transfer to Managua: $39
  • From One way shared transfer to Granada: $39
  • From One way shared transfer to San Jorge: $59
  • Granada: One way shared transfer to Managua: $39
  • Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $63
  • One way shared transfer to Leon: $39
  • One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $57
  • One way private Transfer Managua Airport- San Juan del Sur: $135
  • PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
  • Private Transfer: Managua Airport (MGA) to Hotels: $40
  • Private transfers from and to Managua international airport: $47
  • San Juan del Sur: One way shared transfer to Managua: $57

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

Prices for flights to both Managua 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 $39
    Managua $30

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.

  • Rafain Dinner Show: $71
  • Rafain Steakhouse Show - Dinner and Show Included: $108
  • Experience Guamini Mision Dinner and Tango Show Selva Iriapu Hotels Exclusive: $110
  • Dinner Show - Rafain Steakhouse: $120
  • Shared Group: Rafain Dinner and Latin American Show with Transfer: $129
  • Dinner Show at Rafain in Foz do Iguaçu: $134
  • Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse Belmond Hotel Cataratas: $135

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Foz do Iguacu $25
    Managua $16

Tours and Activities in Foz do Iguacu

Here are a few actual costs in Foz do Iguacu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Day Iguaçu Falls Tour across Brazil and Argentina: $52
  • 1 Day Private Tour of Brazilian and Argentine Waterfalls: $91
  • 2-Days PRIVATE Brasil & Argentina Experience Iguazu Falls: $165
  • 2-day tour, both sides of Cataratas Brasil and Argentina.: $229
  • Airport IGU Pick-Up & Shopping In Paraguay & Hotel Drop-Off - Private Tour: $120
  • Airport IGU Round Trip & 2 Days Sightseeing in Iguassu: $245
  • Ancestral Iguazu: Argentine Falls and Guarani Community Tour: $150
  • AquaFoz VIP Experience with Guided Tour: $195
  • Argentina Iguazu Falls Private Tour with Professional Guide: $159
  • Argentine Side Iguassu Falls - Private Tour: $140
  • Argentinian Side of the Falls - All Tickets Included: $131
  • Best Private Tour Iguassu Falls Brazil, Argentina in 1 day: $89

Tours and Activities in Managua

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Managua.

  • Granada lake +Colonial City + Lava tour Masaya volcano: $55
  • Discover the Best of Managua on a Private City Tour: $60
  • Apoyo Lagoon + Lava tour: $60
  • Masaya volcano tour: $60
  • Private Capital City Tour Managua: $60
  • Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
  • PRIVATE Granada+Apoyo Lagoon and Masaya volcano tour: $75
  • PRIVATE Boat tour + Granada City + Catarina lookout: $75
  • Managua Sightseeing Tour + Santiago Crater: $75
  • PRIVATE Boat ride + Colonial city tour at Granada+Catarina lookout: $85
  • full tour Somoto Canyon Nicaragua: $86
  • Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour": $88

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Foz do Iguacu $12
    Managua $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
    $0.89


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

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 Managua Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Managua?

Managua has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Foz do Iguacu. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu and Managua, 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 Managua?

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

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

Both Managua and Foz do Iguacu during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Foz do Iguacu in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.

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

Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Foz do Iguacu. Foz do Iguacu usually gets less rain in January than Managuain July. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and Managua. Most visitors come to Foz do Iguacu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

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

Managua receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Foz do Iguacu usually receives less rain than Managuain October. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

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

The winter brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as Managua. The winter months attract visitors to Foz do Iguacu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.

In the winter, Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Managua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Managua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in July than Managuain January. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Foz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F) 
    Managua 26°C (79°F)

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

Both Managua and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Foz do Iguacu this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Foz do Iguacu is generally cooler than Managuain April. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 24°C (75°F), and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite rainy in Foz do Iguacu. In October, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Managuain April. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Foz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F) 
    Managua 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Managua and Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu Managua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 50 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 24°C (75°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)