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

Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or Montanita?

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 Montanita 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 Montanita?

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.

Montanita

Montanita is a small village located on Manglaralto parish along the southern coast of Ecuador. The Pacific Coast of Ecuador is lined with beach towns, either small villages with local fisherman or larger towns more set up for foreign travellers like Montanita. With one of the best beaches in Ecuador, one of the best surf breaks in the region, and a great laid-back atmosphere Montanita is a great little getaway, especially for the hippies of the world. It has also become a popular weekend destination for English teachers and Spanish students coming from Guayaquil and Quito. The beachfront village of Montanita has a laid-back atmosphere and steady stream of cosmopolitan backpackers, with as many South Americans as gringos.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Jungle Trekking Tours in Brazil, The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Montanita 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 Montanita is $96. 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 Montanita in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Foz do Iguacu $29
    Montanita $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Foz do Iguacu $58
    Montanita $82
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and Montanita

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


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Foz do Iguacu $13
    Montanita $39

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
  • Private Transfer from IGU to Any Point within Foz Do Iguaçu City: $80
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer in Foz do Iguaçu: $48
  • 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
  • Foz do Iguaçu Airport Shared Transfer: $7.00

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

Prices for flights to both Montanita 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
    Montanita $28

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Foz do Iguacu $24
    Montanita $31

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Foz do Iguacu $12
    Montanita $7.86
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 Montanita, we can see that Montanita is more expensive. And not only is Foz do Iguacu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Montanita would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montanita 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 Montanita Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Foz do Iguacu or Montanita?

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

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

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

In the summer, Foz do Iguacu is around the same temperature as Montanita. Typically, the summer temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Montanita averages at about 25°C (78°F)in July.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Foz do Iguacu. Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in January than Montanitain July. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Montanita receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Foz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F) 
    Montanita 25°C (78°F)

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

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

In April, Foz do Iguacu is generally cooler than Montanitain October. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 23°C (73°F), and Montanita fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In April, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Montanitain October. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Montanita receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Foz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F) 
    Montanita 26°C (78°F)

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

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

Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Montanita in the winter. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Montanita fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in January.

Foz do Iguacu usually gets less rain in July than Montanitain January. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montanita receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Foz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F) 
    Montanita 27°C (80°F)

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

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

In the spring, Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Montanita. Typically, the spring temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Montanita averages at about 27°C (81°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Foz do Iguacu. In October, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Montanitain April. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Montanita receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Foz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F) 
    Montanita 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for Montanita and Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu Montanita
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 50 mm (2 in) 25°C (78°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (78°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 24°C (75°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)