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

Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or Ponce?

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 Ponce 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 Ponce?

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.

Ponce

Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Ponce 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 Ponce is $205. 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 Ponce in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Foz do Iguacu $29
    Ponce $151
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Foz do Iguacu $58
    Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and Ponce

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


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
    Ponce $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:

  • Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
  • Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $279
  • Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
  • Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
  • Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
  • Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $109
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
  • San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
  • San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46

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

Prices for flights to both Ponce 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
    Ponce $35

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 Ponce

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

  • Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
  • Private Half-Day Food Tour : $130
  • Private San Juan Cooking Class with a Local Expert: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Foz do Iguacu $24
    Ponce $56

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 Ponce

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:

  • Talking Buildings of Old San Juan: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Footsteps in San Juan Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $17
  • Private Sunset Walking Tour in San Juan: $25
  • Old San Juan Tour (1 Hour) by DUHO: $25
  • Salsa Tours PR Sunset Salsa Beach Class in San Juan, Puerto Rico : $29
  • Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
  • Guided Walking Tour in Ponce: $30
  • Guided City Walking Tour: $32
  • La Perla Cultural Tour: $35
  • Historic Old San Juan Sunset Walking Tour: $39
  • Bio Bay Boat Tour with Swimming from La Parguera, Puerto Rico: $50
  • Turtle spotting snorkeling adventure- no Jets : $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Foz do Iguacu $12
    Ponce $16
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

Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce

Also in Ponce, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50
  • Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
  • Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
  • Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Tour: $99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Foz do Iguacu and Ponce, we can see that Ponce 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 Ponce is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Ponce would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ponce 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 Ponce Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Ponce?

Foz do Iguacu has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu and Ponce, 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 Ponce?

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

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

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

Foz do Iguacu is around the same temperature as Ponce in the summer. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F)in July.

Foz do Iguacu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Poncein July. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Foz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (83°F)

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

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

In the autumn, Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Ponce. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (82°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Ponce. Foz do Iguacu usually gets less rain in April than Poncein October. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Foz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (82°F)

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

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

In July, Foz do Iguacu is generally cooler than Poncein January. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 18°C (64°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In July, Foz do Iguacu usually receives less rain than Poncein January. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Foz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F) 
    Ponce 25°C (77°F)

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

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

Foz do Iguacu is around the same temperature as Ponce in the spring. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Foz do Iguacu. Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in October than Poncein April. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Foz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F) 
    Ponce 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Ponce and Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu Ponce
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 24°C (75°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)