A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rio de Janeiro vs. Rotorua for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rio de Janeiro and Rotorua can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a colorful, multicultural, and festive city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Rio de Janeiro is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a natural, world-renowned, and diverse town. With stunning beauty, Rotorua attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Rotorua travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rio de Janeiro than Rotorua. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rio de Janeiro is more touristy than Rotorua and is popular for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. It is also well known for Christ the Redeemer. Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies.

How is Rio de Janeiro different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rotorua and Rio de Janeiro. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua?

Rio de Janeiro is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Rio de Janeiro has many famous sights for visitors. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Rotorua. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

Is the Food Better in Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rio de Janeiro is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Rio de Janeiro have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Rotorua makes for a great culinary experience. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Rio de Janeiro is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Rio de Janeiro has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

Rotorua has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua Better for Beaches?

Rio de Janeiro is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Rio de Janeiro is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rio de Janeiro is an amazing city to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Rio de Janeiro visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua?

Rio de Janeiro is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Rio de Janeiro specifically to go shopping. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Rio de Janeiro is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Rio de Janeiro is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Rotorua is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

Rio de Janeiro is a very family-friendly destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua Better for Couples?

Rotorua is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Rotorua is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

Rio de Janeiro is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rio de Janeiro and Rotorua are world-class places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rio de Janeiro is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

Many backpackers frequent Rotorua. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rio de Janeiro is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Rio de Janeiro. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

You'll find some public transit in Rotorua, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Rio de Janeiro is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Rio de Janeiro is a very walkable destination. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

Rotorua is somewhat walkable. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

For even more information, also check out Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting? and Is Rotorua Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Rio de Janeiro?

How long in Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Rio de Janeiro and Rotorua. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rio de Janeiro than in Rotorua. Usually, 4-6 days is a good amount of time for Rio de Janeiro, and 2-3 days is enough time in Rotorua.

Couples should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro than Rotorua. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rio de Janeiro that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro than Rotorua 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 Rio de Janeiro.

One day in Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua?

Because Rio de Janeiro is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Rotorua, you'll find museums and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua?

Because Rio de Janeiro is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Rotorua is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua?

Rio de Janeiro is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rio de Janeiro has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotorua. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rio de Janeiro. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rio de Janeiro. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the town of Rotorua. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Rio de Janeiro and Rotorua, we can see that Rio de Janeiro 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. Even though Rio de Janeiro is in South America and Rotorua is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Rotorua, 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 Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua?

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 Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Rotorua. The summer months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Rotorua in the summer. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in January than Rotorua. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Rotorua averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. In April, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Rotorua. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua in the Winter?

Both Rotorua and Rio de Janeiro during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Rio de Janeiro is generally cooler than Rotorua. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 21°C (70°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in July than Rotorua. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Rotorua. Many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the natural beauty during these months.

Rio de Janeiro is a little warmer than Rotorua in the spring. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In October, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Rotorua. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Rio de Janeiro