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

Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or Cozumel?

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 Cozumel 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 scenic, breathtaking, and spectacular park. Foz do Iguacu is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Foz do Iguacu travel costs.

Cozumel

Cozumel is a colorful, scenic, and lively island. Cozumel is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Cozumel travel costs.

Foz do Iguacu and Cozumel: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Foz do Iguacu than Cozumel. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Foz do Iguacu is very popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Cozumel attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Foz do Iguacu is famous for its spectacular beauty and incredible volume of water. It is also well known for Iguacu National Park. Cozumel is famous for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites.

How is Foz do Iguacu different from Cozumel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cozumel 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 Cozumel?

Cozumel is a island with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Foz do Iguacu is a park with minimal options for its historical sights.

Cozumel offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Check out the Island Museum, the Coral Reefs Monument, and some of the local Mayan ruins. Also worth a visit is Cozumel's Lighthouse.

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 Cozumel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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).

Cozumel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find a mix of tourist restaurants and hidden gems that serve up authentic Mexican dishes. Wander off the main streets to find the restaurants that are tucked away from the cruise ship crowds.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Cozumel Better for Nightlife?

Cozumel is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Foz do Iguacu is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Cozumel know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is filled with cocktail lounges, beachfront bars, and wild weekend parties. There is something for everyone, whether you'll looking to sip wine by the ocean or party into the early morning.

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 Cozumel Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is a great destination for its resorts. However, Foz do Iguacu is not a resort destination.

In Cozumel, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are hotels in the city center, and resorts by the beaches. For diving and snorkeling, stay in Southern Cozumel. Golfing and waterfront properties are popular in Northern Cozumel.

Foz do Iguacu is not a resort destination.

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

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

Cozumel is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Many people visit Cozumel specifically for the world class diving. Palancar Reef is one of the best dive spots in the area, and thanks to conservation efforts it is rebounding and offers a diverse environment.

Foz do Iguacu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Cozumel Better for Beaches?

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

Cozumel is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is lined with beautiful beaches and you'll find great snorkeling and tourist-friendly amenities. Some of the best beaches are Playa Punta Morena, Playa El Cielo, and Playa Chen Rio.

Foz do Iguacu is not a beach destination.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Cozumel Better for Hiking?

Foz do Iguacu is a great park for hiking. However, Cozumel is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Foz do Iguacu for the hiking trails. 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.

Cozumel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Foz do Iguacu or Cozumel?

Cozumel is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Foz do Iguacu is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Cozumel is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the best shopping head to Plaza del Sol, the Royal Village Shopping Center, or Los Cincos Soles. Expect cruise ship crowds and no shortage of tourists.

Foz do Iguacu has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's shopping in the center of town, particularly around Avenida Brasil, Rua Barbosa, Rua Almirante Barroso, and Quintino Bocaiuva.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Cozumel More Beautiful?

Foz do Iguacu is a great park for its scenery and beauty. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its scenery and beauty.

Foz do Iguacu is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The falls is absolutely breathtaking. The volume of water and enormity in size is something that you can only experience in person.

Cozumel is a beautiful place to visit, too. The beaches and undersea world are stunningly beautiful.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Cozumel Better for Families?

Both Foz do Iguacu and Cozumel are superb to visit with kids.

Foz do Iguacu is a very kid-friendly park. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cozumel. The area is filled with water parks, snorkeling opportunities and, of course, fun-filled beaches. There are also wildlife reserves and Mayan ruins that aren't too far away.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Cozumel Better for Couples?

Both Foz do Iguacu and Cozumel are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Foz do Iguacu frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. While the town itself has limited entertainment, the waterfalls is a spectacular sight that has inspired more than a few marriage proposals.

Cozumel is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. Beaches, resorts, and adventure sports make this the perfect couples destination. There are also great restaurants and plenty of interesting places to explore.

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

Foz do Iguacu and Cozumel 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 Cozumel. There are a few hostels in town and it's a safe and easy place to explore independently.

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

Foz do Iguacu is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Cozumel is not known for its public transit.

While Foz do Iguacu offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Cozumel. Local buses don't efficiently travel to the beaches or the hotel areas, so most tourists don't use them.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Cozumel a more walkable city?

Cozumel 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.

Cozumel is a very walkable island. It's easy to walk around the downtown as it's compact and fun to explore on foot.

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 Cozumel Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Foz do Iguacu or Cozumel?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cozumel 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 Cozumel.

One day in Foz do Iguacu or Cozumel?

In Foz do Iguacu, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the scenic destination of Cozumel. 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 Cozumel?

In Foz do Iguacu, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cozumel. 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 Cozumel?

Foz do Iguacu is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the scenic destination of Cozumel. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island 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 Cozumel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Foz do Iguacu. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Foz do Iguacu. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the island of Cozumel. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, and The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Foz do Iguacu and Cozumel, we can see that Cozumel 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 Cozumel 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 Cozumel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cozumel 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 Cozumel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Cozumel?

Foz do Iguacu has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu and Cozumel, 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.