Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Foz do Iguacu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or Cartagena?
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 Cartagena 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: Foz do Iguacu or Cartagena?
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.
Cartagena
The capital of the Bolivar Department of Colombia, Cartagena is one of the most visited cities in the country. It sits on Colombia's northern coast by the Caribbean Sea. It's a port city with a population of almost 900,000, making it the fifth largest city in Colombia. The city has a rich history and was the first Spanish colony on the American continent. It was also one of the first sanctuaries for freed African slaves in the Americas.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
-
Foz do Iguacu Prices
Brazil PricesCartagena Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFoz do Iguacu $79Cartagena $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Foz do Iguacu is $79, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $55. 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 Foz do Iguacu and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFoz do Iguacu $28Cartagena $27
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFoz do Iguacu $56Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Foz do Iguacu or Cartagena? 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: Foz do Iguacu Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Foz do Iguacu $13Cartagena $7.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:
- Foz do Iguaçu Airport Shared Transfer: $10
- Foz do Iguaçu Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $39
- Private E Bike Tour Iguaçu Waterfalls + Transfers + Tickets: $120
- Private Transfer from IGU to Any Point within Foz Do Iguaçu City: $80
- Private Transfer to Foz do Iguaçu from the Airport: $154
- Private airport transfers - Brazil - Argentina - Paraguay : $42
- Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $127
- Transfer IN IGU & Iguassu Falls Brazilian side & Macuco Boat Safari: $220
- Transfer In - Airport Hotel: $8.00
- Transfer Paraguay - Shopping : $29
- Transfer from Foz de Iguazu Airport to Hotels on the Argentine side: $70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- 18.Transfer (Rafael N-Hotel Decameron Baru Airport) or vice versa: $156
- 2. Transfer from the Airport to the Cartagena Hotel (or vice versa): $40
- 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $167
- 6.Transfer (Airport-Manzanillo KARIBANA-ESTELAR) Or Vice Versa: $56
- Airport Private Transfer to Hotel in the urban City : $12
- Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $29
- Airport Transfer Hotel: $35
- Airport Transfers Cartagena: $38
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minibus: $91
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $63
- Baru: Rafael Nunez International Airport Private Transfer: $94
- TRANSFER CARTAGENA TO SANTA MARTA OR VICEVERSA IN SHARED CAR: $64
Is it cheaper to fly into Foz do Iguacu or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Foz do Iguacu 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 dayFoz do Iguacu $37Cartagena $17
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.
- Shared Group: Rafain Dinner and Latin American Show with Transfer: $99
- Rafain dinner Samba Show: $105
- Rafain Dinner Show : $106
- Experience Guamini Mision Dinner and Tango Show Selva Iriapu Hotels Exclusive: $110
- Dinner Show at Rafain in Foz do Iguaçu: $114
- Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse Belmond Hotel Cataratas : $135
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- Cartagena Fritters Cooking Class – by Lunático Experience: $23
- Street food tour Cartagena: $40
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $42
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $44
- Traditional cooking class in a restaurant in the historic center: $45
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $47
- Flavors of Colombia: Cooking Class with Chef Andrés: $52
- Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $52
- Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
- Food Tour of the Old City Flavors and Culture: $59
- Dinner Cruise Along Cartagena's Bay: $60
- Cartagena Island Dinner (Island of Tierra Bomba): $60
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Foz do Iguacu $23Cartagena $21
Tours and Activities in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few actual costs in Foz do Iguacu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Humming Bird Garden Experience in Iguazu: $6.00
- Shopping tour at Duty Free Shop Argentina: $18
- Visit to Itaipu: Panoramic Tour: $20
- Iguassu Falls Shopping Tour: $27
- Three Borders Landmark - Rountrip Transportation + Ticket : $32
- Guided tour of the Iguacu Falls on the Argentine side: $32
- Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam - Tickets Included: $33
- Visit to Itaipu: Entrance Ticket for Panoramic View and shuttle: $33
- Tour to Iguazu Falls Brazil with visit at the Bird Park: $36
- Tour to Iguassu Falls Argentinean Side: $38
- Sightseeing Bus Tour of Foz do Iguaçu: $38
- City Tour Foz do Iguaçu - With Ticket: $38
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Ghost of Downtown: Fear in the streets. : $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part II: $10
- Republican Architecture Self-Guided Audio Tour in Cartagena: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Legends of the Streets of Downtown : $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Pirate Tales in Cartagena: $10
- Self Guided Audio Tour The Great Battle Fort of San Felipe: $11
- Shared Walking Tour of the Colonial Old Town: $11
- CITY TOUR OVERVIEW of the city Boots castle chiva: $11
- CITYTOUR of Cartagena Monuments, Walls and Castles : $11
- Historic Center & Getsemaní Shared Tour in Cartagena : $12
- Cartagena Sunset Walking Tour: $12
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayFoz do Iguacu $11Cartagena $9.17
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:
-
Beer$0.84
Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena
Also in Cartagena, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Open Bar Sunset Cruise with Bar Crawl After Party: $16
- Group Night Experience: Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $21
- Pub Crawl with Dancing Lessons and Free Shots: $21
- Getsemaní Pub Crawl with Shots and Dance Class: $22
- Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $24
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Centro Histórico Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $29
- Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $35
- Pub Crawl-Last Call For Alcohol-Cartagena Night Tour (Bar/Club) : $50
- Pub Crawl Nightlife in Cartagena : $60
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Foz do Iguacu and Cartagena, we can see that Foz do Iguacu is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cartagena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cartagena 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 Foz do Iguacu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Foz do Iguacu than you might in Cartagena.
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 Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Foz do Iguacu. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu and Cartagena, 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 Foz do Iguacu or Cartagena?
Foz do Iguacu has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cartagena experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Cartagena in the Summer?
Both Cartagena and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Foz do Iguacu in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Foz do Iguacu is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the summer. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Foz do Iguacu. In January, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Cartagenain July. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFoz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Foz do Iguacu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Foz do Iguacu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
In the autumn, Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Cartagena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
Cartagena gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Foz do Iguacu usually gets less rain in April than Cartagenain October. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFoz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Cartagena in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and Cartagena. The winter months attract visitors to Foz do Iguacu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Foz do Iguacu is generally cooler than Cartagenain January. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 18°C (64°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In July, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Cartagenain January. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFoz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as Cartagena. The natural beauty are the main draw to Foz do Iguacu this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Cartagena in the spring. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in April.
Foz do Iguacu receives a lot of rain in the spring. Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in October than Cartagenain April. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFoz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Foz do Iguacu
| Foz do Iguacu | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.