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

Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or Mazatlan?

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 Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan?

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.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan is $79. 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 Mazatlan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Foz do Iguacu $29
    Mazatlan $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Foz do Iguacu $58
    Mazatlan $66
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and Mazatlan

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


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 Mazatlan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Foz do Iguacu $13
    Mazatlan $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:

  • Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
  • Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296
  • Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
  • Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
  • Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50

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

Prices for flights to both Mazatlan 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
    Mazatlan $34

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 Mazatlan

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

  • Mercado walking food tour: $78
  • Mazatlan routes of taste food tour: $84
  • Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan: $84
  • Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Foz do Iguacu $24
    Mazatlan $9.59

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 Mazatlan

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

  • Mazatlan Sightseeing and Golden Zone: $27
  • Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping Time and Lunch: $40
  • Mazatlan Sightseeing and Shopping Tour: $40
  • Mazatlan Smart Bike Tour: $40
  • El Faro Lighthouse Tour with Free Digital Photos: $47
  • Mazatlan - City Tour: $47
  • City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
  • Grand Aquarium Ticket and City Sightseeing Tour: $57
  • Sensation Splash Party All Inclusive Mazatlan Bay Cruise: $57
  • Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
  • Seafront Boardwalk Beer Bike Tour: $58
  • Deer Island Eco Tour with Snorkeling and Hiking: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Foz do Iguacu $12
    Mazatlan $18
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 Mazatlan, we can see that Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan is in North 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 Mazatlan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Mazatlan?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Foz do Iguacu. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu and Mazatlan, 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 Mazatlan?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Foz do Iguacu is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Mazatlan has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

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

Both Mazatlan and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Mazatlan in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Foz do Iguacu is around the same temperature as Mazatlan in the summer. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in July.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. It's quite rainy in Foz do Iguacu. In January, Foz do Iguacu usually receives less rain than Mazatlanin July. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Foz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F) 
    Mazatlan 29°C (83°F)

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

Both Mazatlan and Foz do Iguacu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene during these months.

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

Foz do Iguacu usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Mazatlanin October. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and Mazatlan. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Foz do Iguacu is generally around the same temperature as Mazatlanin January. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 18°C (64°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In July, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin January. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Foz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F) 
    Mazatlan 20°C (67°F)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as Mazatlan. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.

Foz do Iguacu is around the same temperature as Mazatlan in the spring. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.

Foz do Iguacu receives a lot of rain in the spring. Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in October than Mazatlanin April. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Foz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F) 
    Mazatlan 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu Mazatlan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 20°C (67°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 1 mm (0 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 50 mm (2 in) 29°C (83°F) 199 mm (7.8 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 227 mm (8.9 in)
Oct 24°C (75°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)