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

Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or Mendoza?

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 Mendoza 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 Mendoza?

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.

Mendoza

Mendoza is a city in western Argentina and more precisely in the desertic Cuyo region. Mendoza is the center of the Argentinian wine industry and is famed around the world for its vineyards and wine production. Spread across the valley of the Rio Mendoza and in the foothills of the Andean mountain range, Mendoza is also near the Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. The bustling and scenic city of wide, leafy avenues, atmospheric plazas and cosmopolitan cafes spoils visitors with unique natural attractions and historical landmarks. If you can, visit Mendoza during the harvest festival at the end of February. There are many events and festivals in Mendoza and they are usually free. Each has a different theme, and they usually have a stage with singing and dancing and booths that sell food around a plaza. Seventy percent of Argentina's wines are produced here, and Mendoza is especially known for its world-famous malbecs.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Jungle Trekking Tours in Brazil, The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, and The Best Luxury Tours to Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Mendoza 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 Mendoza is $7.36. 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 Mendoza in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Foz do Iguacu $29
    Mendoza $2.79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Foz do Iguacu $58
    Mendoza $5.58
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and Mendoza

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


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 Mendoza Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Foz do Iguacu $13
    Mendoza $1.46

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
  • Transfer Cataratas Argentina: $19
  • Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $120
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer in Foz do Iguaçu: $48
  • Private transfer from Foz do Iguaçu airport and bus station: $22
  • Private Transfer from IGU to Any Point within Foz Do Iguaçu City: $80
  • Private E Bike Tour Iguaçu Waterfalls + Transfers + Tickets: $131
  • IGU Airport Transfers: $17
  • Foz do Iguaçu Airport Shared Transfer: $7.00
  • Foz do Iguaçu Airport Private Transfer : $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mendoza

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

  • 3 Wineries+Lunch with Unlimited Wine+Transfer included: $180
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Mendoza Airport MDZ to Valle de Uco: $80
  • Chandon Winery + Enemigo Lunch (Michelin Guide). Transfer included: $250
  • Departure Private Transfer Valle de Uco to Mendoza Airport MDZ : $80
  • Desgustación Pulenta Estate + Almuerzo en Ruda. Transfer privado: $220
  • Las Leñas to Mendoza Int Airport (MDZ)-Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Mendoza Airport (MDZ) to Las Leñas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Mendoza Airport (MDZ) to Mendoza - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $55
  • Mendoza Airport Arrival Transfer: $39
  • Mendoza Bodega Tempus Alba + Trapiche + Transfer incluido: $550
  • Mendoza Private Airport Transfers: $35
  • Mendoza to Mendoza Intl Airport (MDZ)- Departure Private Transfer: $27

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

Prices for flights to both Mendoza 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
    Mendoza $3.29

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: $51
  • Rafain dinner Samba Show: $94
  • Transport to Acaray Casino + dinner (optional): $100
  • Dinner Show - Rafain Steakhouse : $100
  • Dinner Show at Rafain in Foz do Iguaçu: $113
  • Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse Belmond Hotel Cataratas : $135
  • Foz do Iguacu Dancing Musical Show with Dinner and Pickup: $208

Typical Food Prices in Mendoza

For Mendoza, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Empanadas
    $0.01

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mendoza

For Mendoza, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traditional lunch with pairing, private cooking class and show: $110
  • Visit Los Toneles + Saffron Dinner (Michelin Star). With Transfer: $240
  • Night Visit to Bodega Toneles + Dinner at El Enemigo. Transport: $270
  • Cooking class at Bodega Lamadrid Winery in Luján de Cuyo: $270

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Foz do Iguacu $24
    Mendoza $2.08

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: $166
  • 2-Day Private Tour Iguaçu Falls Brazil and Argentina: $224
  • 2-Day Private Tour to Argentina and Brazil Falls: $110
  • 2-Days Private Brasil & Argentina Iguassu Falls Experience : $132
  • Airport IGU Pick-Up & Shopping In Paraguay & Hotel Drop-Off - Private Tour: $100
  • Airport IGU Round Trip & 2 Days Sightseeing in Iguassu: $225
  • Airport IGU Round Trip & Iguassu Falls Argentinean side & Great Adventure: $295
  • Argentina Bike Experience: Interact with indigenous communities: $88
  • Argentinean Side Iguassu Falls - Private Tour: $120
  • Argentinian Side of the Falls - All Tickets Included: $102
  • Argentinian Side of the Falls and Boat Tour Gran Aventura - All Tickets Included: $229
  • Bird Park Tour: $25

Tours and Activities in Mendoza

For Mendoza, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Mendoza Walking Tour: The history of the City and main Park!: $11
  • Tour autoguiado en bicicleta por Luján de Cuyo (Mendoza): $19
  • Malbec Experience in Bodega Tierras Altas: $20
  • Half-Day Sightseeing City Tour: $21
  • Renacer Winery Experience: $25
  • City tour with visit to General San Martin Park: $27
  • Mendoza City Tour: $31
  • Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $33
  • 12-KM River Rafting Tour in the Andes: $39
  • Historical City Walking Tour: $40
  • 4X4 tour Villavicencio Puente del Inca: $44
  • Half Day Winery Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Foz do Iguacu $12
    Mendoza $1.25
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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Mendoza

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Mendoza:


  • Beer
    $0.01

Sample the Local Flavors in Mendoza

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mendoza:

  • Classic Wine Tasting: $22
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $28
  • Premium Wine Tasting: $45
  • Vineyards with Wine Tasting in Mendoza: $49
  • Argentinean Asado with Local Host and Wine Tasting: $99
  • Ultimate Uco Valley Wine Tour: $140
  • Full-Day Private Luján De Cuyo Wine Tour from Mendoza: $143
  • Private Wine Tour, Tastings and Lunch with Pairings: $150
  • Wine Tour with Lunch from Mendoza: $163
  • Full Day Wine Tour with 3 Course Lunch: $165
  • Wine Tour with Lunch and Transport in Mendoza: $170
  • All Day, Small Group, Luxury Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch: $180


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Foz do Iguacu and Mendoza, we can see that Foz do Iguacu is more expensive. And not only is Mendoza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mendoza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mendoza 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 Mendoza.

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 Mendoza Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Mendoza?

Mendoza 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 Mendoza, 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.