Which place is cheaper, San Juan del Sur or Foz do Iguacu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or San Juan del Sur?
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 San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur?
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.
San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is a popular port destination on the Pacific coast of southwest Nicaragua. The town was once a quaint fishing village but has grown into a tourist town with activities for visitors that include surfing, fishing, and, of course, partying. The town has a population of just over 15,000, most of whom are either fishermen or involved in the tourism industry. There is also a large expat community from the United States, Canada, and Europe.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFoz do Iguacu $66San Juan del Sur $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Foz do Iguacu is $66, while the average daily cost in San Juan del Sur is $53. 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 San Juan del Sur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFoz do Iguacu $29San Juan del Sur $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFoz do Iguacu $58San Juan del Sur $42
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and San Juan del Sur
Looking for a hotel in Foz do Iguacu or San Juan del Sur? 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.
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 San Juan del Sur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Foz do Iguacu $13San Juan del Sur $18
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Foz do Iguacu or San Juan del Sur?
Prices for flights to both San Juan del Sur 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
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Food Meals for one dayFoz do Iguacu $22San Juan del Sur $18
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Foz do Iguacu $24San Juan del Sur $15
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 San Juan del Sur
Here are a few actual costs in San Juan del Sur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Maderas, San Juan del Sur also in Costa Rica: $90
- SJDS PORT EXCURSION: Zipline and Adventure Park: $103
- San Juan del Sur Shore Excursion: Private Masaya Volcano and Catarina Tour: $118
- ATV Adventure Tour in San Juan del Sur, NICARAGUA: $130
- atv tour also in Costa Rica: $132
- Mombacho Volcano Hike and Ziplining Adventure from San Juan del Sur: $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFoz do Iguacu $12San Juan del Sur $13
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:
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Beer$0.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Foz do Iguacu and San Juan del Sur, we can see that Foz do Iguacu is more expensive. And not only is San Juan del Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Foz do Iguacu is in South America and San Juan del Sur is in Central 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 San Juan del Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur.
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 San Juan del Sur Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or San Juan del Sur?
Foz do Iguacu has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu and San Juan del Sur, 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 San Juan del Sur?
Foz do Iguacu has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan del Sur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or San Juan del Sur in the Summer?
Both San Juan del Sur and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan del Sur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Foz do Iguacu is around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in July.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. It's quite rainy in Foz do Iguacu. In January, Foz do Iguacu usually receives less rain than San Juan del Surin July. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFoz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F)San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or San Juan del Sur in the Autumn?
Both San Juan del Sur and Foz do Iguacu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan del Sur year-round.
In the autumn, Foz do Iguacu is cooler than San Juan del Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in April average around 23°C (73°F), and San Juan del Sur averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
San Juan del Sur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Foz do Iguacu usually gets less rain in April than San Juan del Surin October. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFoz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F)San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or San Juan del Sur in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and San Juan del Sur. San Juan del Sur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Foz do Iguacu is generally cooler than San Juan del Surin January. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 18°C (64°F), and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In July, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than San Juan del Surin January. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFoz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F)San Juan del Sur 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or San Juan del Sur in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as San Juan del Sur. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan del Sur throughout the year.
Foz do Iguacu is cooler than San Juan del Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.
Foz do Iguacu receives a lot of rain in the spring. Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in October than San Juan del Surin April. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFoz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F)San Juan del Sur 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan del Sur and Foz do Iguacu
| Foz do Iguacu | San Juan del Sur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.