A Travel Price Comparison for Brazil Ilha Grande vs. Foz do Iguacu for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Ilha Grande travel costs.

Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu is a breathtaking, spectacular, and scenic park. The beauty of Foz do Iguacu is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Foz do Iguacu travel costs.

Ilha Grande and Foz do Iguacu: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Iguacu National Park
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Foz do Iguacu than Ilha Grande, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Foz do Iguacu is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ilha Grande is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling. Foz do Iguacu is more touristy than Ilha Grande and is popular for its spectacular beauty and incredible volume of water. Also, Foz do Iguacu is famous for Iguacu National Park. Ilha Grande is well known for

How is Ilha Grande different from Foz do Iguacu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Foz do Iguacu and Ilha Grande. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu?

Ilha Grande
Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Foz do Iguacu specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a handful of museums and nature parks in and near town.

Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ilha Grande
Foz do Iguacu

Both Ilha Grande and Foz do Iguacu offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Ilha Grande has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The island still has a quiet, local vibe and that can be seen in the restaurants around town as well. Many places are locally owned and serve up traditional dishes. In particular, the seafood is excellent.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Foz do Iguacu area. You'll find a variety of restaurants around town where you can sample the regional cuisine. A popular item on the menus is Surubí (a local river fish). Also make sure you try the Mbeyú (fried bread), and paraguayan soup (more like bread than an actual soup).

Is Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu Better for Nightlife?

Ilha Grande
Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Ilha Grande is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Foz do Iguacu. Head to the intersection of Avenida JK and Avenida Jorge Schimmelpfeng for the most lively nightlife scene in town. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of restaurants and bars, many with outdoor areas or live music.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Ilha Grande. It's a quiet island with a national park and most people visit specifically to get away from the busy and active city scene.

Is Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ilha Grande
Foz do Iguacu

Ilha Grande is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Foz do Iguacu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Ilha Grande is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are several places where you can rent snorkeling or dive equipment. The area has coral and tropical fish, with the occasional sea turtle sighting. The visibility is generally good and the experience is worth enjoying, but make sure you check on water conditions.

Foz do Iguacu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu Better for Hiking?

Ilha Grande
Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ilha Grande is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Foz do Iguacu. There's a network of trails and walkways at the foot of the falls as well as above the falls. You can also venture into the surrounding rainforest or hike to Devil's Throat for a great view.

Ilha Grande is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu?

Ilha Grande
Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Foz do Iguacu. There's shopping in the center of town, particularly around Avenida Brasil, Rua Barbosa, Rua Almirante Barroso, and Quintino Bocaiuva.

Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu More Beautiful?

Ilha Grande
Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Foz do Iguacu is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The falls is absolutely breathtaking. The volume of water and enormity in size is something that you can only experience in person.

Ilha Grande offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The secluded beaches and surrounding nature make this a beautiful island to explore. It's made up of a national park and there are hiking trails and many scenic spots.


Is Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu Better for Families?

Ilha Grande
Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Foz do Iguacu is very family-friendly. Of course, the highlight for everyone is a visit to Iguacu National Park, which also offers boat rides, hiking, and spectacular views. In addition to this impressive park, the whole family will also enjoy a visit to Parque das Aves, which is a bird park that includes information on wildlife species and conservation.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ilha Grande. Most families who visit the island come for the beaches. There are also many nice hikes, waterfalls, and even wildlife that the kids will enjoy. In the village there are a few restaurants. Many aren't geared specifically to kids, but they do have a selection that kids might enjoy.

Is Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu Better for Couples?

Ilha Grande
Foz do Iguacu

With fun activities for couples, both Ilha Grande and Foz do Iguacu make for a excellent place to visit.

Ilha Grande makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Scenic beaches and beautiful nature make this a wonderful couples retreat that's not far from Rio de Janeiro. The beaches have a more relaxed and quiet vibe than many places in Brazil and the island still holds on to its undiscovered atmosphere.

Couples visit Foz do Iguacu frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. While the town itself has limited entertainment, the waterfalls is a spectacular sight that has inspired more than a few marriage proposals.

Is Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ilha Grande
Foz do Iguacu

Ilha Grande and Foz do Iguacu are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Ilha Grande. It is possible to reach the island with a backpacker's budget, but it will take you more time than if you hire a private tour. Once you're on the island there are some hostels and budget hotels to choose from as well.

Foz do Iguacu is a very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. This is one of the country's most popular backpacker destinations so you'll find plenty of hostels and young travelers to hang out with. The falls itself is truly incredible and well worth the trip.


Is Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ilha Grande
Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Ilha Grande is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Foz do Iguacu has some public transit options. It's 12 miles between the park and the town so you'll need to take either a taxi or a public bus. On your way to the park, you should arrange for a ride back because finding a taxi as you leave can be challenging.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Ilha Grande. You'll need to take a boat to reach the island, and once you're there, there are not vehicles around.

Is Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu a more walkable city?

Ilha Grande
Foz do Iguacu

Ilha Grande is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Foz do Iguacu is a park with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Ilha Grande is a very walkable . There are no cars on the island and very few roads. You'll spend a lot of time hiking around, which is the best way to enjoy the island. They don't call it "big island" for no reason though, so make sure you understand the distance between destinations.

Foz do Iguacu is generally not a very walkable . There are walkways near the waterfalls, but the city isn't particularly walkable and you'll need transportation to travel between the park and the town.

Should I spend more time in Foz do Iguacu or Ilha Grande?

How long in Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu?

It's fun to spend time in either Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu. In our opinion, Foz do Iguacu has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Foz do Iguacu than Ilha Grande. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Ilha Grande, and 3-4 days is enough time in Foz do Iguacu.

Families should spend more time in Foz do Iguacu than Ilha Grande. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Foz do Iguacu, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Foz do Iguacu than Ilha Grande. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Foz do Iguacu that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Foz do Iguacu than Ilha Grande if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Foz do Iguacu.


  • How many days in Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ilha Grande 2-4 
    Foz do Iguacu 3-4

One day in Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu?


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Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Ilha Grande. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the breathtaking park of Foz do Iguacu. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu?


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It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ilha Grande. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the spectacular destination of Foz do Iguacu. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This park offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu?


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Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Ilha Grande. This offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

The breathtaking park of Foz do Iguacu offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu?


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You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the of Ilha Grande. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Foz do Iguacu. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, and The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Foz do Iguacu or Ilha Grande?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Ilha Grande Prices
    Brazil Prices
    Foz do Iguacu Prices
    Brazil Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ilha Grande $80
    Foz do Iguacu $79

The average daily cost (per person) in Ilha Grande is $80, while the average daily cost in Foz do Iguacu is $79. 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 Ilha Grande and Foz do Iguacu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ilha Grande $35
    Foz do Iguacu $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ilha Grande $70
    Foz do Iguacu $56
Compare Hotels in Ilha Grande and Foz do Iguacu

Looking for a hotel in Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu? 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 Ilha Grande


Hotels in Foz do Iguacu


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.
    Ilha Grande $17
    Foz do Iguacu $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ilha Grande

Also for Ilha Grande, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Angra dos Reis: Shared Transfer to Rio de Janeiro: $46
  • Private Transfer Angra dos Reis to Rio de Janeiro: $91
  • Private Transfer from Angra dos Reis to Airport GIG in Rio : $183
  • Private Transfer from GIG to anywhere in the City Angra dos Reis: $183
  • Regular Transfer Angra dos Reis x Rio de Janeiro and Airports: $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:

  • Transfer from Foz de Iguazu Airport to Hotels on the Argentine side: $70
  • Transfer Paraguay - Shopping : $29
  • Transfer In - Airport Hotel: $8.00
  • Transfer IN IGU & Iguassu Falls Brazilian side & Macuco Boat Safari: $220
  • Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $127
  • Private airport transfers - Brazil - Argentina - Paraguay : $42
  • Private Transfer to Foz do Iguaçu from the Airport: $154
  • Private Transfer from IGU to Any Point within Foz Do Iguaçu City: $80
  • Private E Bike Tour Iguaçu Waterfalls + Transfers + Tickets: $120
  • Foz do Iguaçu Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $39
  • Foz do Iguaçu Airport Shared Transfer: $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Ilha Grande or Foz do Iguacu?

Prices for flights to both Foz do Iguacu and Ilha Grande 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
    Ilha Grande $35
    Foz do Iguacu $37

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.

  • Shared Group: Rafain Dinner and Latin American Show with Transfer: $99
  • Rafain dinner Samba Show: $105
  • Rafain Dinner Show : $106
  • Experience Guamini Mision Dinner and Tango Show Selva Iriapu Hotels Exclusive: $110
  • Dinner Show at Rafain in Foz do Iguaçu: $114
  • Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse Belmond Hotel Cataratas : $135

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ilha Grande $6.36
    Foz do Iguacu $23

Tours and Activities in Ilha Grande

For Ilha Grande, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Regular Schooner Ride - Ilha Grande Tour: $12
  • Speedboat Tour Paradise Lagoons of Ilha Grande: $13
  • Boat Tour To The Beaches Of Angra Dos Reis: $18
  • Ilha Grande - From Abrãao: Lopes Mendes beach tour & trekking: $25
  • Shared Speedboat Tour - Paradise Island Tour: $33
  • Tour Of The Motorboat The Paradisiac Islands Of Angra Dos Reis: $42
  • Half-Day Ilha Grande Schooner Tour: $42
  • Six hour speedboat tour of Ilha Grande. Be amazed by the Blue and Green Lagoons: $55
  • Schooner Cruise with Caipirinha drinks by the Blue Lagoon: $56
  • Ilha Grande - Private Historical Walking Tour with Natural Pool.: $60
  • Full-Day Ilha Grande Northern Coast Speedboat Tour: $63
  • From Ilha Grande - Paradise Island 7 h - Speedboat tour: $65

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 Brasil & Argentina Experience Iguazu Falls: $160
  • 1 Day Iguaçu Falls Tour across Brazil and Argentina: $60
  • 1-Day Private tour on Both Brazillian & Argentinean Falls: $106
  • 2 Days- Private- Explore the Falls Tour-Both Brazil & Argentina : $173
  • 2-Day Private Tour Iguaçu Falls Brazil and Argentina: $221
  • 2-Day Private Tour of Iguassu Waterfalls Side BRA and ARG: $174
  • 2-day tour, both sides of Cataratas Brasil and Argentina.: $115
  • Afternoon Iguazu Falls Tour with Sunset & Drinks – Brazil Side: $161
  • Airport IGU Pick-Up & Shopping In Paraguay & Hotel Drop-Off - Private Tour: $100
  • Airport IGU Round Trip & 2 Days Sightseeing in Iguassu: $225
  • Argentine Side Iguassu Falls - Private Tour: $120
  • Argentinian Side of the Falls - All Tickets Included: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ilha Grande $10
    Foz do Iguacu $11

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
    $0.84


When comparing the travel costs between Ilha Grande and Foz do Iguacu, we can see that Ilha Grande is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ilha Grande Expensive? and Is Foz do Iguacu Expensive?.