A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sao Paulo vs. San Ignacio for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sao Paulo or San Ignacio?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or San Ignacio, 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: Sao Paulo or San Ignacio?

Sao Paulo

With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Belize, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize.


Which place is cheaper, San Ignacio or Sao Paulo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in San Ignacio is $72. 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 Sao Paulo and San Ignacio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $30
    San Ignacio $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $60
    San Ignacio $38
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and San Ignacio

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo 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.

Hotels in Sao Paulo


Hotels in San Ignacio


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: Sao Paulo Hotel Prices and San Ignacio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sao Paulo $5.90
    San Ignacio $3.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • (Sedan Executive Class) Transfer VCP Airport • São Paulo: $298
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia Grande/Santos - Private Transfer: $62
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos hotels - Arrival Transfer: $62
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $76
  • Campinas Airport (VCP)to Praia Grande/Santos - RoundTrip Transfer: $125
  • Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) Sao Paulo - Round-Trip Transfer: $76
  • Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo - Private Transfer: $38
  • Departure Private Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Business Car: $122
  • Departure Private Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Luxury Van: $143
  • Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $194
  • Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $180

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Ignacio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Ignacio:

  • From Van Transfer To Flores Peten in Guatemala: $20
  • San Ignacio Hotel to Belize City Transfer: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or San Ignacio?

Prices for flights to both San Ignacio and Sao Paulo 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
    Sao Paulo $15
    San Ignacio $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo

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

  • Private Traditional Brazilian or Paulistano Cooking Class with a Chef: $130
  • Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Ignacio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Ignacio.

  • Xunantunich & Food Tour with local chocolate experience: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sao Paulo $4.05
    San Ignacio $100

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.

  • Downtown São Paulo's Epic History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • São Paulo Paulista Avenue City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Walking Tour Historic Center in São Paulo: $13
  • Sao Paulo 360 Guided Tour: $26
  • Discover Sao Paulo History Guided Tour: $27
  • Night Walking Tour through the Bars of Augusta street: $35
  • Personal aromatic experience in São Paulo: $40
  • São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour: $54
  • City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $64
  • São Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights in 7 Hours – (Shared Group): $79
  • Street Art and Parks Bike Tour: $80
  • Secrets of Downtown São Paulo Bike Tour: $85

Tours and Activities in San Ignacio

Here are a few actual costs in San Ignacio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • ATV Excursions in Cayo with Waterfalls Experience: $174
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic: $125
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour from San Ignacio : $125
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal with Local Tour guide & Belizean Lunch: $120
  • Belize Cave Tubing Adventure from San Ignacio: $90
  • Caracol Maya Ruins Tour Including Rio On Pools, Rio Frio Cave and a Picnic Lunch: $125
  • Cave Canoeing with Local Tour Guide: $80
  • Cave Tubing Adventure at Nohoch Che'en and Jaguar Paw : $115
  • Cave Tubing and Zip line Adventure from San Ignacio: $144
  • Cave Tubing with local tour Guide and Belizean Lunch: $90
  • Deluxe Cave Tubing combo Adventure: $125
  • Farm Ride plus Xunantunich tour: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $3.52
    San Ignacio $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:

  • Half Day Private Wine Tour from São Roque: $54
  • 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $180


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sao Paulo Expensive? and Is San Ignacio Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or San Ignacio?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 600 times larger than the population of San Ignacio. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo or San Ignacio?

Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo or San Ignacio in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as San Ignacio. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Ignacio throughout the year.

In January, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than San Ignacioin July. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 25°C (77°F), and San Ignacio fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in San Ignacio. Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in January than San Ignacioin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F) 
    San Ignacio 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Ignacio in the Autumn?

Both San Ignacio and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Ignacio because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Sao Paulo is cooler than San Ignacio in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and San Ignacio fluctuates around 26°C (80°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. In April, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than San Ignacioin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F) 
    San Ignacio 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Ignacio in the Winter?

Both San Ignacio and Sao Paulo during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Ignacio year-round.

In the winter, Sao Paulo is cooler than San Ignacio. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sao Paulo in July average around 19°C (66°F), and San Ignacio averages at about 24°C (74°F)in January.

San Ignacio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in July than San Ignacioin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F) 
    San Ignacio 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Ignacio in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and San Ignacio. San Ignacio attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than San Ignacioin April. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 21°C (70°F), and San Ignacio fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In October, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than San Ignacioin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F) 
    San Ignacio 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for San Ignacio and Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo San Ignacio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 24°C (74°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 24°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in) 27°C (80°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 243 mm (9.6 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 25°C (76°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)