A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Foz do Iguacu vs. Punta Arenas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or Punta Arenas?

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 Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas?

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.

Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas 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
    Punta Arenas Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Foz do Iguacu $79
    Punta Arenas $79

The average daily cost (per person) in Foz do Iguacu is $79, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $79. 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 Punta Arenas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Foz do Iguacu $28
    Punta Arenas $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Foz do Iguacu $56
    Punta Arenas $64
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and Punta Arenas

Looking for a hotel in Foz do Iguacu or Punta Arenas? 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 Punta Arenas


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 Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Foz do Iguacu $13
    Punta Arenas $1.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas

Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Oneway Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport to Punta Arenas: $37
  • Transfer Airport Punta Arenas : $30
  • Transfer from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales: $267

Is it cheaper to fly into Foz do Iguacu or Punta Arenas?

Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas 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
    Punta Arenas $36

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 Punta Arenas

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:


  • Donut
    $1.05
  • Dinner
    $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Foz do Iguacu $23
    Punta Arenas $6.44

Tours and Activities in Foz do Iguacu

Here are a few actual costs in Foz do Iguacu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Days PRIVATE Brasil & Argentina Experience Iguazu Falls: $160
  • 1 Day Iguaçu Falls Tour across Brazil and Argentina: $60
  • 1-Day Private tour on Both Brazillian & Argentinean Falls: $106
  • 2 Days- Private- Explore the Falls Tour-Both Brazil & Argentina : $173
  • 2-Day Private Tour Iguaçu Falls Brazil and Argentina: $221
  • 2-Day Private Tour of Iguassu Waterfalls Side BRA and ARG: $174
  • 2-day tour, both sides of Cataratas Brasil and Argentina.: $115
  • Afternoon Iguazu Falls Tour with Sunset & Drinks – Brazil Side: $161
  • Airport IGU Pick-Up & Shopping In Paraguay & Hotel Drop-Off - Private Tour: $100
  • Airport IGU Round Trip & 2 Days Sightseeing in Iguassu: $225
  • Argentine Side Iguassu Falls - Private Tour: $120
  • Argentinian Side of the Falls - All Tickets Included: $149

Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.

  • Fort Bulnes Historical Tour: $39
  • City Tour: $60
  • City Tour Shore Excursion for Cruisers: $60
  • Punta Arenas City Tour Shore Excursion: $60
  • Cruises Shore Excursions : City tour Cruises Regular: $70
  • Fuerte Bulnes Shore Tour for Cruisers: $70
  • Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
  • Fuerte Bulnes Shore Tour for Cruisers in Punta Arenas: $80
  • Full-Day Torres del Paine Tour: $88
  • Monte Tarn Trekking Tour with Guide: $129
  • Torres Del Paine and Milodon Cave Full Day Tour: $135
  • King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $154

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Foz do Iguacu $11
    Punta Arenas $4.86
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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:


  • Alcohol
    $7.33


When comparing the travel costs between Foz do Iguacu and Punta Arenas, we can see that Foz do Iguacu is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Punta Arenas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Punta Arenas?

Foz do Iguacu has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu and Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Punta Arenas in the Summer?

Both Punta Arenas and Foz do Iguacu during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Foz do Iguacu for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Foz do Iguacu is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Foz do Iguacu. Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in January than Punta Arenas. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Foz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F) 
    Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and Punta Arenas. Many visitors come to Foz do Iguacu in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In April, Foz do Iguacu is generally much warmer than Punta Arenas. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 23°C (73°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In April, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Foz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F) 
    Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Punta Arenas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as Punta Arenas. Most visitors come to Foz do Iguacu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Punta Arenas can be very cold. Foz do Iguacu is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the winter. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in July than Punta Arenas. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Foz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F) 
    Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Punta Arenas in the Spring?

Both Punta Arenas and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Foz do Iguacu because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Foz do Iguacu is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 7°C (44°F).

It's quite rainy in Foz do Iguacu. In October, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Foz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F) 
    Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu Punta Arenas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 50 mm (2 in) 1°C (35°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Oct 24°C (75°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)