A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Foz do Iguacu vs. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Foz do Iguacu travel costs.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a authentic, remote, and local town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food. See Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) travel costs.

Foz do Iguacu and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park): Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Iguacu National Park
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Foz do Iguacu. Although Foz do Iguacu and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) are popular destinations, Foz do Iguacu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Foz do Iguacu is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping, while Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and small town charm. Foz do Iguacu is more touristy than Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and is known for its spectacular beauty and incredible volume of water. It is also well known for Iguacu National Park. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is famous for its fishing and wildlife.

How is Foz do Iguacu different from Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Foz do Iguacu
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Foz do Iguacu is a moderate park for its sights and museums. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good town for its museums and history.

Foz do Iguacu offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a handful of museums and nature parks in and near town.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). People visit the town for the nearby national park, so you won't find much in the form of museums.


Is the Food Better in Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foz do Iguacu
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Foz do Iguacu and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park).

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).

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many places have local Costa Rican dishes, but you'll also find pizza joints and the occasional cafe as well.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Nightlife?

Foz do Iguacu
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Foz do Iguacu is very good for nightlife. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Foz do Iguacu. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). There are a few bars on the town's main street, but most visitors don't come to town for the nightlife.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Foz do Iguacu
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Foz do Iguacu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. You'll find nice snorkeling with calm waters and you might even see dolphins.

Foz do Iguacu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Beaches?

Foz do Iguacu
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a great destination for the beach. However, Foz do Iguacu is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) attract visitors from all over. Near town you'll find wonderful beaches and long stretches of sand bordered by lush rainforests.

Foz do Iguacu is not a beach destination.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Hiking?

Foz do Iguacu
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Both Foz do Iguacu and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) are destinations which offer superb hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Many visitors go to Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) for the hiking trails. Corcovado National Park can be challenging to reach, which is part of what makes it such a wonderful place to explore. The rainforest and wildlife still feels untouched by the tourist crowds and you can lose yourself hiking through the forest.

Is the Shopping Better in Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Foz do Iguacu
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Foz do Iguacu is very good for shopping. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good town for its shopping opportunities.

Foz do Iguacu is a great destination for shopping. There's shopping in the center of town, particularly around Avenida Brasil, Rua Barbosa, Rua Almirante Barroso, and Quintino Bocaiuva.

If you're looking to go shopping, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) has some nice offerings. It's a small local town so you won't find many shopping options that cater to tourists.


Is Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) More Beautiful?

Foz do Iguacu
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Foz do Iguacu and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) attracts visitors from all around. The beaches, wildlife, and rainforests make this a unique and beautiful place to visit.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Families?

Foz do Iguacu
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Both Foz do Iguacu and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Kids will love the beaches, kayaking, surfing, wildlife, hiking, and swimming. There really is something for the whole family to enjoy.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Couples?

Foz do Iguacu
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Both Foz do Iguacu and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will love the stunning nature and wildlife that nearby Corcovado National Park offers. There are also many great beaches where you can take a stroll or go kayaking.


Is Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Foz do Iguacu
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Foz do Iguacu and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). It's become a popular backpacker destination because there are a number of hostels nearby.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Foz do Iguacu
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Foz do Iguacu and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park).

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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Many visitors take the colectivo taxi, which is a flatbed truck that is more affordable than private taxis.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) a more walkable city?

Foz do Iguacu
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very walkable town. The town is relatively easy to walk around.

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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Foz do Iguacu?

How long in Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

It's fun to spend time in either Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. However, 3-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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


  • How many days in Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)? Ideal Length of Stay
    Foz do Iguacu 3-4 
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 3-4

One day in Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

In Foz do Iguacu, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this breathtaking destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This park offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the local destination of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

In Foz do Iguacu, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this beautiful park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Foz do Iguacu is a popular choice for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the local destination of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


A week in Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Foz do Iguacu is a great place to explore. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the beautiful town of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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.

  • Foz do Iguacu Prices
    Brazil Prices
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Prices
    Costa Rica Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Foz do Iguacu $79
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $140

The average daily cost (per person) in Foz do Iguacu is $79, while the average daily cost in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is $140. 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Foz do Iguacu $28
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Foz do Iguacu $56
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $98
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Looking for a hotel in Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)? 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 Foz do Iguacu


Hotels in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)


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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Foz do Iguacu $13
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:

  • Transfer In - Airport Hotel: $8.00
  • Foz do Iguaçu Airport Shared Transfer: $10
  • Transfer Paraguay - Shopping : $29
  • Foz do Iguaçu Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $39
  • Private airport transfers - Brazil - Argentina - Paraguay : $42
  • Transfer from Foz de Iguazu Airport to Hotels on the Argentine side: $70
  • Private Transfer from IGU to Any Point within Foz Do Iguaçu City: $80
  • Private E Bike Tour Iguaçu Waterfalls + Transfers + Tickets: $120
  • Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $127
  • Private Transfer to Foz do Iguaçu from the Airport: $154
  • Transfer IN IGU & Iguassu Falls Brazilian side & Macuco Boat Safari: $220

Is it cheaper to fly into Foz do Iguacu or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Prices for flights to both Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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 day
    Foz do Iguacu $37
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $60

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

Typical Food Prices in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Some typical examples of dining costs in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) are as follows:


  • Dinner at Finca Exotica
    $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Foz do Iguacu $23
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $119

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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) are as follows:

  • Gold Panning Private Adventure in Puerto Jimenez: $35
  • Puerto Jimenez Birdwatching Tour Osa Peninsula Golfo Dulce: $60
  • Kayak experience on Playa Blanca in Puerto Jiménez: $65
  • Bio-Luminescence and Sunset Kayak Tour: $67
  • Corcovado La Leona Day Tour from Puerto Jimenez - All Inclusive: $120
  • Isla del Caño snorkel tour from Drake Bay (Cano island) : $125
  • Sirena Day Tour - Corcovado NP All Inclusive from Puerto Jimenez: $145
  • One Day Tour To Caño Island From Drake Bay: $145
  • Corcovado National Park - Day Tour from Drake Bay: $145
  • 4 Hour Private Guided Tour in Osa Jungle : $163
  • Corcovado National Park - Private Siren Day Tour: $190
  • Scuba Diving Tour at Cano Island (Isla del Caño) from Drake Bay: $195

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Foz do Iguacu $11
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) -
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


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