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

Should you visit Mar del Plata or Foz do Iguacu?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Mar del Plata and Foz do Iguacu can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Foz do Iguacu?

Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata is found only 404 km southeast of the city of Buenos Aires, on the Atlantic coast. Today Mar Del Plata is Argentina‘s most well known beach resort. It has successfully married the two worlds of beach and city into a fun, cosmopolitan urban center with the presence of highly developed tourist infrastructure. Founded in 1874, Mar del Plata was at first mainly an industrial and commercial center before becoming a vacation destination for Argentinians. For a peaceful trip and intimate oceanfront promenades, avoid visiting Mar del Plata during summer time, as the gorgeous arced coastline will be crawling with visitors. But the city is more than just beaches. It also offers some culture, lively nightlife, and great food.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Argentina, The Best Budget Tours to Argentina, The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Foz do Iguacu or Mar del Plata?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $9.01, while the average daily cost in Foz do Iguacu is $68. 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 Mar del Plata and Foz do Iguacu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mar del Plata $3.23
    Foz do Iguacu $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mar del Plata $6.46
    Foz do Iguacu $60
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Foz do Iguacu

Looking for a hotel in Mar del Plata 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 Mar del Plata


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: Mar del Plata Hotel Prices and Foz do Iguacu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.56
    Foz do Iguacu $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:

  • Transfer IN IGU & Iguassu Falls Brazilian side & Macuco Boat Safari: $220
  • Private Transfer to Foz do Iguaçu from the Airport: $164
  • Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $140
  • Private E Bike Tour Iguaçu Waterfalls + Transfers + Tickets: $133
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer in Foz do Iguaçu: $51
  • Transfer from Foz de Iguazu Airport to Hotels on the Argentine side: $42
  • Foz do Iguaçu Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $42
  • Private transfer from Foz do Iguaçu airport and bus station: $22
  • Foz do Iguaçu Airport Private Transfer : $21
  • Transfer Cataratas Argentina: $20
  • IGU Airport Transfers: $17
  • Foz do Iguaçu Airport Shared Transfer: $6.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Mar del Plata or Foz do Iguacu?

Prices for flights to both Foz do Iguacu and Mar del Plata 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
    Mar del Plata $3.91
    Foz do Iguacu $23

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
  • Rafain dinner Samba Show: $94
  • Transport to Acaray Casino + dinner (optional): $100
  • Dinner Show - Rafain Steakhouse : $100
  • Dinner Show at Rafain in Foz do Iguaçu: $113
  • Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse Belmond Hotel Cataratas : $135
  • Foz do Iguacu Dancing Musical Show with Dinner and Pickup: $208

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.33
    Foz do Iguacu $25

Tours and Activities in Foz do Iguacu

Here are a few actual costs in Foz do Iguacu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private Day Tour to Two Sides of the Iguassu Falls : $103
  • 1-day Private Tour of the Falls on the Brazilian and Argentinean sides.: $103
  • 2 Days Private Tour Argentinean & Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls: $115
  • 2-Day Private Tour Iguaçu Falls Brazil and Argentina: $236
  • 2-Day Private Tour to Argentina and Brazil Falls: $175
  • 2-Days Private Brasil & Argentina Iguassu Falls Experience : $130
  • Airport IGU Pick-Up & Shopping In Paraguay & Hotel Drop-Off - Private Tour: $100
  • Airport IGU Round Trip & 2 Days Sightseeing in Iguassu: $225
  • Airport IGU Round Trip & Iguassu Falls Argentinean side & Great Adventure: $295
  • Argentinean Side Iguassu Falls - Private Tour: $120
  • Argentinian Side of the Falls - All Tickets Included: $102
  • Argentinian Side of the Falls and Boat Tour Gran Aventura - All Tickets Included: $229

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mar del Plata $1.82
    Foz do Iguacu $12

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
    $0.91


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

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


Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Foz do Iguacu?

Mar del Plata has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Foz do Iguacu. When comparing the sizes of Mar del Plata and Foz do Iguacu, 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 Mar del Plata or Foz do Iguacu?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Foz do Iguacu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mar del Plata as well as Foz do Iguacu.

In the summer, Mar del Plata is cooler than Foz do Iguacu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mar del Plata in January average around 20°C (69°F), and Foz do Iguacu averages at about 27°C (81°F).

It's quite rainy in Foz do Iguacu. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in January than Foz do Iguacu. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Foz do Iguacu receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Mar del Plata 20°C (69°F) 
    Foz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Foz do Iguacu in the Autumn?

Both Foz do Iguacu and Mar del Plata are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In April, Mar del Plata is generally much colder than Foz do Iguacu. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 15°C (59°F), and Foz do Iguacu fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In April, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Foz do Iguacu. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Foz do Iguacu receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Mar del Plata 15°C (59°F) 
    Foz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Foz do Iguacu in the Winter?

Both Foz do Iguacu and Mar del Plata during the winter are popular places to visit.

Mar del Plata is much colder than Foz do Iguacu in the winter. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 9°C (47°F) in July, and Foz do Iguacu fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Mar del Plata usually gets more rain in July than Foz do Iguacu. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Foz do Iguacu receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Mar del Plata 9°C (47°F) 
    Foz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Foz do Iguacu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mar del Plata and Foz do Iguacu.

In the spring, Mar del Plata is much colder than Foz do Iguacu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mar del Plata in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Foz do Iguacu averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Foz do Iguacu receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Foz do Iguacu. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Foz do Iguacu receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Mar del Plata 13°C (56°F) 
    Foz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Foz do Iguacu and Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata Foz do Iguacu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (69°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 9°C (48°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Jul 9°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 9°C (49°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 75 mm (3 in) 25°C (77°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)