Which place is cheaper, Tulum 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 Tulum?
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 Tulum 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 Tulum?
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.
Tulum
When you think of ancient ruins you probably picture dusty archaeological digs surrounded by sand and professors in khaki shorts. What if I told you there is a way to see ancient ruins and visit a tropical beach? That's exactly what you find in Tulum, Mexico.
Built near the end of Mayan era, the ruins of Tulum served as a port before the arrival of the Spanish. It may have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, given that these ruins face the sunrise. Because of Tulum's access to both land and sea routes, this spot was an important hub for the trade industry. It may have had another claim to fame, too. According to some murals and other works around the site, it seems this spot was an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending God. Today, the area is the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico with daily tour buses dropping off visitors.
This area is usually packed with people looking to get a glimpse of the seaside ruins. To avoid crowds and capture the best view of the day, try to arrive as early as possible.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFoz do Iguacu $66Tulum $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Foz do Iguacu is $66, while the average daily cost in Tulum is $122. 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 Tulum in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFoz do Iguacu $29Tulum $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFoz do Iguacu $58Tulum $120
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and Tulum
Looking for a hotel in Foz do Iguacu or Tulum? 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 Tulum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Foz do Iguacu $13Tulum $28
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
- Cancun Airport Departure transfer from Akumal, Tulum: $191
- Departure Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport CUN by Minivan - Minibus: $117
- One Way Private Tulum Transfers to or from Cancun Airport: $160
- Private Luxury Transfer Tulum to Cancun Airport: $220
- Private Transfer From Cancun Airport - Tulum: $208
- Private Transfer Tulum Zone - Cancun International Airport: $160
- Private Transfer Tulum-Bacalar with optional 2h in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: $210
- Private Transfer in Vehicle from Tulum to Cancun Airport : $91
- Round-trip Private Transfer Cancun Airport to TULUM - up to 9 pax: $299
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $254
- Roundtrip Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $269
- Tulum to Bacalar - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $153
Is it cheaper to fly into Foz do Iguacu or Tulum?
Prices for flights to both Tulum 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 $22Tulum $34
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
Typical Food Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Lunch$3.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.
- Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $86
- Vegan Walking Food Tour with Tasting: $87
- Mexican Cooking from Scratch and Mezcal Tasting in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
- Mayan Night Guided Tour, Cenote Swim and Mayan Dinner: $209
- Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Foz do Iguacu $24Tulum $32
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 Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- Audioguide Tulum, Audioguide-App Mayastadt Tulum, Tour Tulum Archaeological Site: $4.31
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Return Home: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Coba Ruins: The trail of the Mayas: $10
- Tulum Archeological Site Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
- Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $12
- Self-Guided Mayan Ruins Tour: $13
- Explore Coba: The Ultimate Self-Guided Audio & Map Tour: $15
- Archeological Guided Walking Tour in Tulum: $20
- Archaeological Site Guided Walking Tour: $20
- Tulum Mural Tours: $36
- Playa del Carmen: ATV, Cenote, and Zipline Tour with a Meal: $41
- Entrance tickets to swim in 4 Cenotes in Casa Tortuga Park: $42
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFoz do Iguacu $12Tulum $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:
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Beer$0.88
Sample the Local Flavors in Tulum
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:
- 30 Minutes Brewery Tour in Tulum: $39
- Wine Tasting at Pan y Vino Tulum: $58
- Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour: $69
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Foz do Iguacu and Tulum, we can see that Tulum 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 Tulum is in North 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 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 Tulum would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tulum 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 Tulum Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Tulum?
Foz do Iguacu has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu and Tulum, 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 Tulum?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Foz do Iguacu is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Tulum has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Tulum in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and Tulum. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.
In January, Foz do Iguacu is generally around the same temperature as Tulumin July. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 27°C (81°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
Tulum receives a lot of rain in the summer. Foz do Iguacu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Foz do Iguacu usually receives less rain than Tulumin July. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 145 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)Tulum 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Tulum in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as Tulum. Also, many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Tulum in the autumn. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Tulum. Foz do Iguacu usually gets less rain in April than Tulumin October. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFoz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Tulum in the Winter?
Both Tulum and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Tulum. Typically, the winter temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Tulum averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.
In July, Foz do Iguacu usually receives less rain than Tulumin January. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFoz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F)Tulum 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Tulum in the Spring?
Both Tulum and Foz do Iguacu during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In October, Foz do Iguacu is generally cooler than Tulumin April. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 24°C (75°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Foz do Iguacu. Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in October than Tulumin April. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFoz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Tulum and Foz do Iguacu
| Foz do Iguacu | Tulum | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 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.