Which place is cheaper, Cali or Puerto Iguazu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPuerto Iguazu $7.77Cali $24
The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto Iguazu is $7.77, while the average daily cost in Cali is $24. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPuerto Iguazu $3.08Cali $5.76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPuerto Iguazu $6.16Cali $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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Puerto Iguazu $2.38Cali $5.38
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: $10
- Puerto Iguazú Combo: Iguazu Falls 2 Day Tours + transfers: $98
- Private Transfer from Puerto Iguazu Airport to Foz do Iguaçu: $93
- Iguazu Falls Saver Package! Both sides excursions & transfers : $79
- Iguazu Falls Argentina Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Hotels: $21
- Iguazú Falls Brazil & Argentina 3-Day In-Out Transfers: $64
- Full day tour visit to Iguazu Falls with transfers from airport : $120
- Argentine and Brazilian Falls with transfers: $71
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cali
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cali:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cali
Also for Cali, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Cali City- Cali Airport (CLO): $25
- Transfer in Private Car from Cali Airport (CLO) -Cali City: $22
- Transfer from Hotel Zone to Cali Airport: $39
- Transfer from Cali Airport to Cali Hotel Zone: $39
- RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Cali Airport (CLO) - Cali City: $51
- Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport : $20
- From Cali Airport: One-way Privater Transfer to Cali: $58
- Departure Private Transfer from Cali City to Cali Airport CLO by Minibus: $171
- City Highlights Private Bus Tour with Transfer: $166
- Cali/Palmira to Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) - Private Transfer: $24
- Cali to or from Coffee Region Private Transfer: $140
- Cali to or from Coffee Region Private Transfer: $136
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
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Food Meals for one dayPuerto Iguazu $2.85Cali $8.20
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:
- Puerto Iguazú: Madero Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $33
- Madero Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Iguazu: $33
- Argentine Experience: Immersive Dinner & Wine Pairing in Iguazú: $60
- Iguazu Falls: The Argentine Experience Interactive Dinner: $69
- From Foz do Iguaçu: Madero Tango with dinner: $101
- Experience Guamini Mision Dinner and Tango Show Selva Iriapu Hotels Exclusive: $110
- Rafain Steakhouse Dinner & Show: $117
- Churrascaria Rafain - Show and Dinner : $117
- Foz do Iguaçu: Argentinean Cooking Class: $135
- FD Iguazu Falls Argentinian side + Dinner Tango Show -no transfer: $140
- Dinner Tango Show in Iguazú Falls - no transfers -: $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:
- Street Food Tour: $21
- Alameda Market Food Tour: $55
- Flavors of Food tour at the local market: $59
- Patio Santo Style Rumba Dinner: $168
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Puerto Iguazu $2.54Cali $10
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
- Adventure in the Argentine Waterfalls - Guided Tour: $61
- Argentina Iguazu Falls Bus Tour: $37
- Argentinean Falls with Gran Aventura Boat Tour: $207
- Argentinean Side Iguassu Falls - Private Tour Hotels in Puerto Iguazú Exclusive: $140
- Argentinian Iguazu Falls Full Day Tour: $33
- Bird Park & Iguassu Brazilian Side From Puerto Iguazú Hotels - Private Tour: $120
- Brazilian Side Falls: Brazilian Falls Tour with Parque Das Aves:: $240
- Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $43
- Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls Tour from Puerto Iguazu: $55
- Brazilian Side of the Falls - All Tickets Included: $79
- 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
- Afro Walking Tour. THE COLORS OF CALI.: $39
- Cali ATV tours - Take your adrenaline to the maximum on the road: $179
- Cali City Tour - The Best Of Cali In Comfort: $63
- Cali Downtown Walking Tour: $54
- Cali Salsa Tour: Learn the history, dance and play instruments: $45
- Cali is Salsa Tour con Mulato: $193
- Cali private city tour: $120
- ATV Tour - Adventure and Extreme Fun: $197
- Ceramic Workshop for Tourists: $17
- City Tour: $53
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPuerto Iguazu $1.22Cali $8.12
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.
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.