A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Iguazu vs. Cali for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Puerto Iguazu or Cali?

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

Should I visit Puerto Iguazu or Cali? 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.

Where Should I go: Puerto Iguazu or Cali?

Puerto Iguazu

Puerto Iguazu is located in the northeastern part of Argentina at the border with Paraguay and Brazil. It is a tourist city and travel destination because of its close proximity to Iguazu Falls, which is only 18 kilometers away. Much of the city's infrastructure has grown to maintain the tourist crowds that come to see the falls. The town itself has a population of slightly over 80,000.

Cali

Cali is Colombia's third largest city. Founded in 1536, can be explored on foot: walk under the shade of trees along the riverbank, admire the architecture of churches and other national monuments, and visit the city's many museums. Being the salsa capital of the world, Cali is primarily a destination for salsa and party but it also offers some great days out in the nearby natural surroundings. In Cali, travelers can enjoy music festivals, learn about sugarcane farming, and take in the mountainous landscapes.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Argentina, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Argentina, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bogota, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Colombia.


Which place is cheaper, Cali or Puerto Iguazu?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto Iguazu is $8.32, while the average daily cost in Cali is $25. 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 Puerto Iguazu and Cali in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Puerto Iguazu $3.31
    Cali $6.04
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Puerto Iguazu $6.62
    Cali $12
Compare Hotels in Puerto Iguazu and Cali

Looking for a hotel in Puerto Iguazu or Cali? 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 Puerto Iguazu


Hotels in Cali


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: Puerto Iguazu Hotel Prices and Cali Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Puerto Iguazu $2.55
    Cali $5.65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Iguazu

Also for Puerto Iguazu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer In + Transfer Out IGR Airport Puerto Iguazú Hotels Selva de Iryapu: $145
  • One-Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $8.00
  • One-Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $11
  • Puerto Iguazu Airport Shuttle Transfer: $6.85
  • Puerto Iguazú Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $20
  • Puerto Iguazú Combo: Iguazu Falls 2 Day Tours + transfers: $98
  • Iguazu Falls Argentina Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Hotels: $20
  • Iguazú Falls Brazil & Argentina 3-Day In-Out Transfers: $61
  • Argentine and Brazilian Falls with transfers: $67

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cali

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cali:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cali

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

  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Cali Airport (CLO) - Cali City: $25
  • Transfer in Private Car from Cali Airport (CLO) -Cali City: $22
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Cali Airport (CLO) - Cali City: $51
  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport : $17
  • From Cali Airport: One-way Privater Transfer to Cali: $58
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cali City to Cali Airport CLO by Minibus: $171
  • National Park Waterfalls Tour with Lunch & Transfer: $115
  • City Highlights Private Bus Tour with Transfer: $150
  • Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airpot One Way Transfer: $19
  • Cali to Popayan Private Transfer: $272
  • Cali to Popayan Private Transfer: $272
  • Arrival Transfer from Cali Airport CLO to Cali City by MiniSuv: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto Iguazu or Cali?

Prices for flights to both Cali and Puerto Iguazu 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
    Puerto Iguazu $3.06
    Cali $8.60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Puerto Iguazu

For Puerto Iguazu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • El Quincho Del Tio Querido - Dinner And Show from Foz do Iguaçu: $46
  • Argentine Experience: Immersive Dinner & Wine Pairing in Iguazú: $60
  • Iguazu Falls: The Argentine Experience Interactive Dinner: $69
  • Churrascaria Rafain - Show and Dinner : $107
  • Experience Guamini Mision Dinner and Tango Show Selva Iriapu Hotels Exclusive: $110
  • Rafain Steakhouse Dinner & Show: $117
  • The Argentine Experience: wine & dinner experience: $118
  • Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse from Puerto Iguazú Hotels Private Tour: $120
  • Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse Gran Meliá Hotel Exclusive - Private Tour: $120
  • From Foz do Iguaçu: Madero Tango with dinner: $123
  • Experience Guamini Mision Dinner and Tango Show Gran Meliá Iguazú Exclusive: $145
  • Experience Guamini Mision Dinner and Tango Show Belmond Hotel: $160

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cali

For Cali, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Alameda Market Cali Food Tour: $14
  • Street Food Tour: $21
  • Alameda Market Food Tour: $55
  • Flavors of Food tour at the local market: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Puerto Iguazu $2.73
    Cali $11

Tours and Activities in Puerto Iguazu

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

  • 3hr Experience Learning to Make an Argentine Asado: $150
  • Argentina: Full-Day Iguazu Falls and Great Adventure Tour: $140
  • Argentine Gastronomy Experience in Iguazú: $105
  • Argentinean Side Iguassu Falls - Private Tour Hotels in Puerto Iguazú Exclusive: $140
  • Argentinian Iguazu Falls Full Day Tour: $31
  • Bird Park & Iguassu Brazilian Side From Puerto Iguazú Hotels - Private Tour: $120
  • Brazilian Side Falls: Brazilian Falls Tour with Parque Das Aves:: $120
  • Brazilian Side of Iguassu Falls and Itaipu Dam Full-Day Sightseeing Tour from Puerto Iguazú: $78
  • Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $41
  • Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls Tour from Puerto Iguazu: $55
  • Brazilian Side of the Falls - All Tickets Included: $74
  • City Tour Puerto Iguazú Gran Meliá Iguazú Exclusivo: $135

Tours and Activities in Cali

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

  • 4 Hours Private River Tour to Pance Cali Colombia : $60
  • A day to enjoy nature and have an adventure in the Jordan river: $65
  • Cali ATV tours - Take your adrenaline to the maximum on the road: $159
  • Cali Bike Park Tour: $95
  • Cali City Tour - The Best Of Cali In Comfort: $53
  • Cali City Tour by 3 Hours (transportation + guide): $182
  • Cali City Tour by 5 Hours (transportation + guide): $251
  • Cali City Tour by 8 Hours (transportation + guide): $374
  • Cali Downtown Walking Tour: $56
  • Cali Mountain Bike Tour: $95
  • Cali Salsa & Resistance Street Art Tour: $14
  • Cali Salsa Tour: Learn the history, dance and play instruments: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Puerto Iguazu $1.31
    Cali $8.51


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Puerto Iguazu and Cali, we can see that Cali is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Iguazu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Puerto Iguazu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Iguazu 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 Cali would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cali than you might in Puerto Iguazu.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Puerto Iguazu Expensive? and Is Cali Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Puerto Iguazu or Cali?

Cali has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Puerto Iguazu. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Iguazu and Cali, 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.