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

Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Madryn?

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 Puerto Madryn 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 Puerto Madryn?

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.

Puerto Madryn

Puerto Madryn is mostly known as the gateway to Peninsula Valdes, welcoming tourists who come for whale watching. The Peninsula Valdes is a nature reserve designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site; 97 km long and 63 km wide, it is connected to the continent by an isthmus of 35 km from which we can see both gulfs, San Jose at north and the Nuevo at south.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours in Argentina, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Puerto Madryn 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 $68, while the average daily cost in Puerto Madryn is $14. 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 Puerto Madryn in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Foz do Iguacu $30
    Puerto Madryn $5.33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Foz do Iguacu $60
    Puerto Madryn $11
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and Puerto Madryn

Looking for a hotel in Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Madryn? 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 Puerto Madryn


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 Puerto Madryn Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Foz do Iguacu $14
    Puerto Madryn $3.33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:

  • Foz do Iguaçu Airport Shared Transfer: $6.00
  • IGU Airport Transfers: $17
  • Transfer Cataratas Argentina: $20
  • Foz do Iguaçu Airport Private Transfer : $21
  • 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: $51
  • Private Transfer from IGU to Any Point within Foz Do Iguaçu City: $80
  • Private E Bike Tour Iguaçu Waterfalls + Transfers + Tickets: $133
  • Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $140
  • Private Transfer to Foz do Iguaçu from the Airport: $165
  • Transfer IN IGU & Iguassu Falls Brazilian side & Macuco Boat Safari: $220

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Madryn

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Madryn:

  • From Punta Tombo Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $92
  • Trelew Airport Shuttle Transfer To Puerto Madryn : $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Madryn?

Prices for flights to both Puerto Madryn 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 $23
    Puerto Madryn $5.78

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: $53
  • Transport to Acaray Casino + dinner (optional): $100
  • Dinner Show - Rafain Steakhouse : $100
  • Dinner Show at Rafain in Foz do Iguaçu: $113
  • Foz do Iguacu Dancing Musical Show with Dinner and Pickup: $208

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Foz do Iguacu $25
    Puerto Madryn $5.86

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: $26
  • Iguassu Falls Shopping Tour: $34
  • 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 Hydroelectric Dam - Tickets Included: $43
  • Iguassu Falls Sightseeing Tour from Foz do Iguaçu: $48
  • City Tour with Buddhist Temple and Muslim Mosque: $48

Typical Entertainment Prices in Puerto Madryn

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Puerto Madryn are as follows:


  • Whale Watching for Two
    $0.35

Tours and Activities in Puerto Madryn

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

  • Kayaking adventure in Puerto Madryn: $60
  • Nautical tour with dolphin search in Puerto Madryn: $60
  • Excursion to Punta Loma and Puerto Madryn for Cruisers: $60
  • Private Diving Experience with Sea Lions in Punta Loma: $70
  • Shore Excursion: Punta Loma+City Tour, for cruise passengers: $70
  • From City Tour and Punta Loma Tour: $70
  • City Tour and Sea Lions at Punta Loma from Puerto Madryn: $75
  • Punta Loma Excursion for Cruise Passengers: $75
  • Punta Loma Shore Excursion with City tour: $75
  • Full Day Peninsula Valdes Experience - optional Whale Watching : $87
  • Full Day Punta Tombo - Walking Among Penguins Experience - Madryn: $87
  • Punta Tombo Full Day Tour, Walking among Penguins - Regular service SIB: $88

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Foz do Iguacu $12
    Puerto Madryn $3.18
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
    $0.90


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

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 Puerto Madryn Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Madryn?

Foz do Iguacu has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Puerto Madryn. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu and Puerto Madryn, 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 Puerto Madryn?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Madryn in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and Puerto Madryn.

In the summer, Foz do Iguacu is a little warmer than Puerto Madryn. Typically, the summer temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Madryn averages at about 22°C (71°F).

Foz do Iguacu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Puerto Madryn. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Foz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F) 
    Puerto Madryn 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Madryn in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as Puerto Madryn.

In April, Foz do Iguacu is generally much warmer than Puerto Madryn. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 23°C (73°F), and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in April than Puerto Madryn. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Foz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F) 
    Puerto Madryn 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Madryn in the Winter?

Both Puerto Madryn and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Foz do Iguacu is much warmer than Puerto Madryn in the winter. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In July, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Puerto Madryn. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Foz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F) 
    Puerto Madryn 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Madryn in the Spring?

Both Puerto Madryn and Foz do Iguacu during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Foz do Iguacu is much warmer than Puerto Madryn. Typically, the spring temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Puerto Madryn averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Foz do Iguacu. Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in October than Puerto Madryn. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Foz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F) 
    Puerto Madryn 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Puerto Madryn and Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu Puerto Madryn
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (53°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 24°C (75°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)