Which place is cheaper, San Ignacio or Rio de Janeiro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Rio de Janeiro or San Ignacio?
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 San Ignacio 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.
Where Should I go: Rio de Janeiro or San Ignacio?
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.
San Ignacio
So you want a tropical getaway, but also don't want to lay around with nothing to do. You want an adventure! You want relaxation and exploration.
You want to visit the small town of San Ignacio, Belize.
This section of the Cayo region is really more of a jungle than a typical Belize beach getaway. Located close the ancient Mayan ruins on the western and inland side of Belize, this town is most popular for its many outdoor adventures including hiking, climbing, and caving!
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 Budget Tours to Belize, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize.
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Rio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil PricesSan Ignacio Prices
Belize Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $115San Ignacio $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $115, while the average daily cost in San Ignacio is $86. 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 Rio de Janeiro and San Ignacio in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $64San Ignacio $19
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $128San Ignacio $38
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and San Ignacio
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or San Ignacio? 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: Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices and San Ignacio Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $7.65San Ignacio $3.10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
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Taxi Ride$2.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Business Car: $113
- All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $85
- Angra dos Reis Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro : $122
- AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $90
- Arrival Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Van: $137
- Boat Party by Night in Rio de Janeiro Admission & Transfer : $68
- Buzios Private Transfer to and from Rio de Janeiro: $200
- Buzios Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $40
- Cabo Frio Private Transfer From Rio de Janeiro : $124
- Cabo Frio Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $63
- Carnaval Party Tour and Samba Class in Rio with Transfer: $60
- Corcovado & Favela Tour with Transfer: $85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Ignacio
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Ignacio:
- Transfer from Belize Airport to San Ignacio: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or San Ignacio?
Prices for flights to both San Ignacio and Rio de Janeiro 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 dayRio de Janeiro $34San Ignacio $36
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
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Popcorn$0.56
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Corn on the Cob$0.75
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Hamburger$0.94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Waterfront Dinner and Live Music in Rio de Janeiro: $46
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $75
- Authentic Brazilian BBQ & Wine: A Guided Dinner Experience in Rio: $79
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $85
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
- LGBTQ+ Cooking Class in Rio: Cook, Toast & Celebrate Together: $95
- Brazilian BBQ Cooking & Drinks Class + Patio Party in Copacabana: $95
- Dinner and Show at the Official Roxy Dinner Show - Rio de Janeiro: $122
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $126
- Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
- Flavors of Cooking Class and Caipirinhas: $130
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Ignacio
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Ignacio.
- Maya Fish Cooking Experience: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $21San Ignacio $100
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.51
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $4.51
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $10
- Rocinha Local Tour: $19
- Rocinha favela walking tour with a local guide: $20
- Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $23
- Tour of the Heart of Historic Rio de Janeiro : $23
- Rio de Janeiro Tour with App – No Guide, Start When You Want: $24
- Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School : $25
- Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail : $26
- Favela Tour Rio de Janeiro - Vidigal Walking Tour by Russo Guide: $29
Tours and Activities in San Ignacio
Here are a few actual costs in San Ignacio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tea Tasting Medicinal Tour: $25
- Night Hike Tour: Critters of the Night: $28
- Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour from San Ignacio: $85
- Cave Tubing with local tour Guide and Belizean Lunch: $90
- Belize Cave Tubing Adventure from San Ignacio: $95
- LOST WORLD CEREMONIAL CAVE- Exciting Adventure at Ian Anderson's Caves Branch: $98
- 7:30am Jungle Farm trail Ride plus Xunantunich adventure: $100
- Xunantunich horseback riding tour: $120
- Caracol Maya Ruins Tour Including Rio On Pools, Rio Frio Cave and a Picnic Lunch: $122
- ATM Cave Tour from San Ignacio Actun Tunichil Muknal: $124
- Cave Tubing Adventure at Nohoch Che'en and Jaguar Paw : $125
- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic: $131
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12San Ignacio $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $40
- Rio Pub Crawl: Taste Caipirinhas & Local Bar Snacks: $95
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and San Ignacio, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is San Ignacio much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rio de Janeiro is in South America and San Ignacio is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to San Ignacio would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Ignacio 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 Rio de Janeiro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rio de Janeiro than you might in San Ignacio.
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 San Ignacio Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or San Ignacio?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 360 times larger than the population of San Ignacio. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and San Ignacio, 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 San Ignacio?
Rio de Janeiro has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Ignacio experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or San Ignacio in the Summer?
Both San Ignacio and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to San Ignacio because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Rio de Janeiro is generally around the same temperature as San Ignacioin July. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 26°C (79°F), and San Ignacio fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. In January, Rio de Janeiro usually receives less rain than San Ignacioin July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)San Ignacio 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or San Ignacio in the Autumn?
Both San Ignacio and Rio de Janeiro during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Ignacio year-round.
Rio de Janeiro is around the same temperature as San Ignacio in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and San Ignacio fluctuates around 26°C (80°F)in October.
San Ignacio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro usually gets less rain in April than San Ignacioin October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)San Ignacio 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or San Ignacio in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and San Ignacio. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year. San Ignacio attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Rio de Janeiro is cooler than San Ignacio. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in July average around 21°C (70°F), and San Ignacio averages at about 24°C (74°F)in January.
San Ignacio receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Rio de Janeiro usually receives less rain than San Ignacioin January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)San Ignacio 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or San Ignacio in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as San Ignacio. Many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Ignacio throughout the year.
In October, Rio de Janeiro is generally cooler than San Ignacioin April. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 23°C (73°F), and San Ignacio fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in October than San Ignacioin April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)San Ignacio 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for San Ignacio and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | San Ignacio | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 243 mm (9.6 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.