A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Foz do Iguacu vs. Cancun for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or Cancun?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Foz do Iguacu and Cancun 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.

Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu is a breathtaking, spectacular, and scenic park. The beauty of Foz do Iguacu is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Foz do Iguacu travel costs.

Cancun

Cancun is a adventurous, wild, and party-hard city. The beauty of Cancun is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Cancun travel costs.

Foz do Iguacu and Cancun: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Foz do Iguacu or Cancun?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cancun than Foz do Iguacu. Cancun is bigger than Foz do Iguacu, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cancun is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Foz do Iguacu is more popular for its hiking. Foz do Iguacu is well known for its spectacular beauty and incredible volume of water. Cancun is well known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Also, Cancun is famous for .

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How is Foz do Iguacu different from Cancun?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cancun and Foz do Iguacu. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Foz do Iguacu or Cancun?

Cancun is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Foz do Iguacu is a park with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cancun. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

While most people don't head to Foz do Iguacu specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a handful of museums and nature parks in and near town.

Is the Food Better in Foz do Iguacu or Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Foz do Iguacu and Cancun.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Foz do Iguacu. You'll find a variety of restaurants around town where you can sample the regional cuisine. A popular item on the menus is Surubí (a local river fish). Also make sure you try the Mbeyú (fried bread), and paraguayan soup (more like bread than an actual soup).

Cancun is becoming an appealing option for foodies. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Cancun Better for Nightlife?

Cancun is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Foz do Iguacu is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Cancun is a must-see party destination. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

If you're looking for night time activities Foz do Iguacu has a few options to choose from. Head to the intersection of Avenida JK and Avenida Jorge Schimmelpfeng for the most lively nightlife scene in town. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of restaurants and bars, many with outdoor areas or live music.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Cancun Better for Resorts?

Cancun is terrific for its resorts. However, Foz do Iguacu is not a resort destination.

Cancun is a world class resort vacation destination. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Foz do Iguacu is not a resort destination.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Foz do Iguacu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cancun is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Foz do Iguacu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Cancun Better for Beaches?

Cancun is terrific for the beach. However, Foz do Iguacu is not a beach destination.

Cancun is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Foz do Iguacu is not a beach destination.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Cancun Better for Hiking?

Foz do Iguacu is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Foz do Iguacu. There's a network of trails and walkways at the foot of the falls as well as above the falls. You can also venture into the surrounding rainforest or hike to Devil's Throat for a great view.

Cancun has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Foz do Iguacu or Cancun?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cancun and Foz do Iguacu.

Foz do Iguacu offers some nice shopping areas. There's shopping in the center of town, particularly around Avenida Brasil, Rua Barbosa, Rua Almirante Barroso, and Quintino Bocaiuva.

Cancun has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Cancun More Beautiful?

Foz do Iguacu and Cancun are somewhat similar when it comes to the superb scenery.

The beauty of Foz do Iguacu is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The falls is absolutely breathtaking. The volume of water and enormity in size is something that you can only experience in person.

With stunning beauty, Cancun attracts visitors from all around. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Cancun Better for Families?

Cancun is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Foz do Iguacu is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cancun is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Foz do Iguacu. Of course, the highlight for everyone is a visit to Iguacu National Park, which also offers boat rides, hiking, and spectacular views. In addition to this impressive park, the whole family will also enjoy a visit to Parque das Aves, which is a bird park that includes information on wildlife species and conservation.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Cancun Better for Couples?

Cancun is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Foz do Iguacu is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Cancun is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

Foz do Iguacu is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. While the town itself has limited entertainment, the waterfalls is a spectacular sight that has inspired more than a few marriage proposals.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Foz do Iguacu and Cancun are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Foz do Iguacu is a great park to visit for backpackers. This is one of the country's most popular backpacker destinations so you'll find plenty of hostels and young travelers to hang out with. The falls itself is truly incredible and well worth the trip.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Cancun. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Cancun Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Foz do Iguacu and Cancun.

You'll find some public transit in Foz do Iguacu, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. It's 12 miles between the park and the town so you'll need to take either a taxi or a public bus. On your way to the park, you should arrange for a ride back because finding a taxi as you leave can be challenging.

While Cancun offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Cancun a more walkable city?

Cancun is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Foz do Iguacu is a park with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Cancun is a very walkable city. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

Foz do Iguacu is generally not a very walkable park. There are walkways near the waterfalls, but the city isn't particularly walkable and you'll need transportation to travel between the park and the town.

For even more information, also check out Is Foz do Iguacu Worth Visiting? and Is Cancun Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cancun or Foz do Iguacu?

How long in Foz do Iguacu or Cancun?

Both Foz do Iguacu and Cancun have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Foz do Iguacu. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Foz do Iguacu, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.

Families should spend more time in Cancun than Foz do Iguacu. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cancun, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cancun than Foz do Iguacu. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cancun that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun than Foz do Iguacu 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 Cancun.

One day in Foz do Iguacu or Cancun?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Foz do Iguacu. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the tropical destination of Cancun. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Foz do Iguacu or Cancun?

Foz do Iguacu is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cancun. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Foz do Iguacu or Cancun?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Foz do Iguacu. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the wild destination of Cancun. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Foz do Iguacu or Cancun?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Foz do Iguacu. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful city of Cancun. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Foz do Iguacu and Cancun, we can see that Cancun is more expensive. And not only is Foz do Iguacu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Foz do Iguacu is in South America and Cancun is in North 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 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 Cancun would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cancun 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 Foz do Iguacu Expensive? and Is Cancun Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Cancun?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of Foz do Iguacu. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu and Cancun, 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.