Which place is cheaper, Foz do Iguacu or Punta del Este?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Punta del Este or Foz do Iguacu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este or Foz do Iguacu, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Punta del Este or Foz do Iguacu?
Punta del Este
Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Jungle Trekking Tours in Brazil, and The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $98Foz do Iguacu $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, while the average daily cost in Foz do Iguacu is $66. 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 Punta del Este and Foz do Iguacu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $55Foz do Iguacu $29
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $110Foz do Iguacu $58
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Foz do Iguacu
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este 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.
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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices and Foz do Iguacu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $22Foz do Iguacu $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
- Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $54
- Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $29
- Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
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 E Bike Tour Iguaçu Waterfalls + Transfers + Tickets: $131
- Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $120
- Private Transfer from IGU to Any Point within Foz Do Iguaçu City: $80
- Roundtrip Airport Transfer in Foz do Iguaçu: $48
- Private transfer from Foz do Iguaçu airport and bus station: $22
- Foz do Iguaçu Airport Private Transfer : $20
- Transfer Cataratas Argentina: $19
- IGU Airport Transfers: $17
- Foz do Iguaçu Airport Shared Transfer: $7.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Foz do Iguacu?
Prices for flights to both Foz do Iguacu and Punta del Este 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 dayPunta del Este $31Foz do Iguacu $22
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: $51
- 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta del Este $11Foz do Iguacu $24
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- La Vista 360 ticket de admisión: $11
- Skip the Line: Casapueblo Museum Admission Ticket in Punta del Este: $15
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
- Punta del Este Classic City Tour with Sunset in Casapueblo: $30
- Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
- Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $50
- Punta del Este, City Tour: $50
- Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
- City Tour Punta del Este: $95
- Private - Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $120
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 Tour Argentinean & Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls: $166
- 2-Day Private Tour Iguaçu Falls Brazil and Argentina: $224
- 2-Day Private Tour to Argentina and Brazil Falls: $110
- 2-Days Private Brasil & Argentina Iguassu Falls Experience : $132
- 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
- Argentina Bike Experience: Interact with indigenous communities: $88
- 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
- Bird Park Tour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta del Este $7.70Foz do Iguacu $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:
- Wine Tasting: $42
- Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $157
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Foz do Iguacu, we can see that Punta del Este is more expensive. And not only is Foz do Iguacu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Punta del Este would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este Expensive? and Is Foz do Iguacu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Foz do Iguacu?
Foz do Iguacu has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Foz do Iguacu in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Foz do Iguacu.
In January, Punta del Este is generally cooler than Foz do Iguacu. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 23°C (73°F), and Foz do Iguacu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Foz do Iguacu. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in January than Foz do Iguacu. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Foz do Iguacu receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)Foz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Foz do Iguacu in the Autumn?
Both Foz do Iguacu and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Punta del Este is cooler than Foz do Iguacu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Foz do Iguacu fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In April, Punta del Este usually receives around the same amount of rain as Foz do Iguacu. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Foz do Iguacu receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)Foz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Foz do Iguacu in the Winter?
Both Foz do Iguacu and Punta del Este during the winter are popular places to visit.
In the winter, Punta del Este is much colder than Foz do Iguacu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Punta del Este in July average around 10°C (50°F), and Foz do Iguacu averages at about 18°C (64°F).
Punta del Este usually gets more rain in July than Foz do Iguacu. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Foz do Iguacu receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)Foz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Foz do Iguacu in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Foz do Iguacu.
In October, Punta del Este is generally cooler than Foz do Iguacu. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 16°C (61°F), and Foz do Iguacu fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
Foz do Iguacu receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Foz do Iguacu. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Foz do Iguacu receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)Foz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Foz do Iguacu and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | Foz do Iguacu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.