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

Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or Mexico City?

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 Mexico City 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 spectacular, scenic, and breathtaking park. With stunning beauty, Foz do Iguacu attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Foz do Iguacu travel costs.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a colorful, cultural, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Mexico City travel costs.

Foz do Iguacu and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Foz do Iguacu or Mexico City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mexico City than Foz do Iguacu, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mexico City is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Foz do Iguacu is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Foz do Iguacu is more touristy than Mexico City and is popular for its spectacular beauty and incredible volume of water. Mexico City is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also home to Zócalo.

How is Foz do Iguacu different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mexico City is terrific for its museums and landmarks. However, Foz do Iguacu is a park with minimal options for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Mexico City are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History 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 Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mexico City is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Foz do Iguacu is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Mexico City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.

Foz do Iguacu is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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).

Is Foz do Iguacu or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

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

Mexico City is a must-see party destination. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.

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 Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is a city with good options for its old town. However, Foz do Iguacu does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Mexico City to see the old town. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.

Foz do Iguacu does not have a historic old town.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Mexico City Better for Hiking?

Foz do Iguacu is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Mexico City is not a hiking destination.

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.

Mexico City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Foz do Iguacu or Mexico City?

Mexico City is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Foz do Iguacu is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Mexico City make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.

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 Mexico City More Beautiful?

Foz do Iguacu is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Foz do Iguacu attracts visitors from all around. The falls is absolutely breathtaking. The volume of water and enormity in size is something that you can only experience in person.

Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Mexico City Better for Families?

Both Foz do Iguacu and Mexico City are excellent 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 Mexico City. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Mexico City Better for Couples?

Foz do Iguacu is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Foz do Iguacu makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While the town itself has limited entertainment, the waterfalls is a spectacular sight that has inspired more than a few marriage proposals.

Mexico City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.

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

Foz do Iguacu and Mexico City are excellent 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 Mexico City. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Mexico City Better for Students?

Mexico City is a great destination for students. However, Foz do Iguacu is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Mexico City. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Foz do Iguacu is not popular with students.

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

Mexico City is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Foz do Iguacu is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Mexico City can get you around easily. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

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.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Mexico City a more walkable city?

Foz do Iguacu and Mexico City both are decent when exploring on foot.

Foz do Iguacu is generally not very walkable. 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.

Mexico City is generally not a very walkable park. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Foz do Iguacu?

How long in Foz do Iguacu or Mexico City?

In either Foz do Iguacu or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City than Foz do Iguacu because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Foz do Iguacu, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City 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 Mexico City.

One day in Foz do Iguacu or Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the breathtaking park of Foz do Iguacu. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Mexico City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the spectacular destination of Foz do Iguacu. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This park offers something for everyone. 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 Mexico City. 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 Mexico City?

The scenic park of Foz do Iguacu offers shopping and nightlife. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Mexico City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Mexico City?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Foz do Iguacu. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Mexico City. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. 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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.

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

Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Mexico City?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Foz do Iguacu. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu and Mexico City, 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.