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 Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Foz do Iguacu is $66, while the average daily cost in Managua is $55. 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 $29
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Foz do Iguacu $58
    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 $13
    Managua $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:

  • Transfer IN IGU & Iguassu Falls Brazilian side & Macuco Boat Safari: $220
  • Private E Bike Tour Iguaçu Waterfalls + Transfers + Tickets: $131
  • Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $120
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer in Foz do Iguaçu: $49
  • Transfer from Foz de Iguazu Airport to Hotels on the Argentine side: $42
  • Private transfer from Foz do Iguaçu airport and bus station: $22
  • Foz do Iguaçu Airport Private Transfer : $20
  • Transfer Cataratas Argentina: $19
  • IGU Airport Transfers: $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua

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

  • Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $64
  • Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
  • Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
  • Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
  • Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
  • Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
  • PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
  • Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
  • Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
  • Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
  • San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47

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 $22
    Managua $17

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

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

  • 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

Tours and Activities in Managua

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

  • Private lava tour-Masaya Volcano from Managua: $49
  • Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $53
  • Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
  • Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
  • PRIVATE Laguna de apoyo day pass + masaya volcano lava tour: $70
  • PRIVATE Boat ride + Colonial city tour at Granada+Catarina lookout: $80
  • PRIVATE Day trip Granada Isletas +Colonial City tour from Managua: $80
  • Managua City Tour: $84
  • PRIVATE Boat tour + Granada City +Masaya Volcano Night Tour : $85
  • full tour Somoto Canyon Nicaragua: $86
  • PRIVATE Boat tour+Granada City and Catarina lookout from Managua: $88
  • Managua City 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
    $0.88


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. 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. 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 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. 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)