A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Foz do Iguacu vs. Santa Elena for Backpackers, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or Santa Elena?

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 Santa Elena 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 shopping, nightlife, and food. See Foz do Iguacu travel costs.

Santa Elena

Santa Elena is a tranquil, outdoorsy, and scenic town. Santa Elena is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking and shopping. See Santa Elena travel costs.

Foz do Iguacu and Santa Elena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Foz do Iguacu or Santa Elena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Foz do Iguacu. Although Foz do Iguacu and Santa Elena are both popular with visitors, Foz do Iguacu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Foz do Iguacu is more touristy than Santa Elena and is popular for its spectacular beauty and incredible volume of water. It is also home to Iguacu National Park. Santa Elena is popular for its birdwatching and environmental conservation.

How is Foz do Iguacu different from Santa Elena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Foz do Iguacu is adequate for its historical sights. However, Santa Elena is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Santa Elena offers a few options for museum-goers. The area is filled with outdoor gardens, parks, and nature reserves, but there are few museums to visit.

Is the Food Better in Foz do Iguacu or Santa Elena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foz do Iguacu is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Santa Elena is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Santa Elena offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find some basic but good restaurants around town. Many offer pasta, pizza, and typical Costa Rican dishes.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Santa Elena Better for Nightlife?

Foz do Iguacu is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Santa Elena is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Santa Elena specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's a couple of bars but not much else for nightlife in town.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Santa Elena Better for Hiking?

Both Foz do Iguacu and Santa Elena are destinations which offer very good 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 Santa Elena for the hiking trails. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has a range of trails including a walk along the Continental Divide. There's also the famous red hanging bridge.

Is the Shopping Better in Foz do Iguacu or Santa Elena?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Santa Elena and Foz do Iguacu.

Foz do Iguacu offers some nice shopping areas. There's shopping in the center of town, particularly around Avenida Brasil, Rua Barbosa, Rua Almirante Barroso, and Quintino Bocaiuva.

Santa Elena has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some art galleries and artisan shops around town where you can pick up some interesting souvenirs.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Santa Elena More Beautiful?

Foz do Iguacu is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, Santa Elena is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its scenery and 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.

Santa Elena is a gorgeous place to visit. The cloud forest and canopy walks give you access to breathtaking views and unique wildlife.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Santa Elena Better for Families?

Both Foz do Iguacu and Santa Elena are very good 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 Santa Elena. Monteverde has many canopy walks, zipline courses, and animal parks that the kids will love. The nature and wildlife make this a fun and educational destination for everyone.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Santa Elena Better for Couples?

Both Foz do Iguacu and Santa Elena are very good 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.

Santa Elena is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. The cloud forest is filled with romantic views and unique landscapes. Couples who enjoy the outdoors will fall in love with this magical setting.

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

Santa Elena is terrific for backpackers. Also, Foz do Iguacu is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Santa Elena. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and affordable activities. There are also many hostels with social activities that make this a great backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Foz do Iguacu. 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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Foz do Iguacu and Santa Elena.

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 Santa Elena offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses through town that travel to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Santa Elena a more walkable city?

Santa Elena is a town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Foz do Iguacu is a park with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Santa Elena is a somewhat walkable place. It's relatively easy to walk around, but you will need to take a bus to Monteverde.

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 Santa Elena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Elena or Foz do Iguacu?

How long in Foz do Iguacu or Santa Elena?

It's fun to spend time in either Foz do Iguacu or Santa Elena. In our opinion, Foz do Iguacu has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Foz do Iguacu than Santa Elena. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Foz do Iguacu, and 2-4 days is enough time in Santa Elena.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Elena 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 Santa Elena.

One day in Foz do Iguacu or Santa Elena?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the spectacular 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Santa Elena. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Santa Elena?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the breathtaking 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 Santa Elena. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Foz do Iguacu or Santa Elena?

The spectacular 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Santa Elena. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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 Santa Elena?

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 shopping around the town of Santa Elena. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 G Adventures Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Costa Rica.

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

When is the best time to visit Foz do Iguacu or Santa Elena?

Foz do Iguacu has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Santa Elena experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Santa Elena in the Summer?

Both Santa Elena and Foz do Iguacu during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Foz do Iguacu this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Santa Elena year-round.

In the summer, Foz do Iguacu is around the same temperature as Santa Elena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Santa Elena averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.

Santa Elena gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Foz do Iguacu. Foz do Iguacu usually gets less rain in January than Santa Elenain July. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Santa Elena receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Santa Elena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and Santa Elena. Many travelers come to Foz do Iguacu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Santa Elena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Foz do Iguacu is generally cooler than Santa Elenain October. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 23°C (73°F), and Santa Elena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Santa Elena receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Foz do Iguacu usually receives less rain than Santa Elenain October. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Santa Elena receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Santa Elena.

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Santa Elena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as Santa Elena. Many visitors come to Foz do Iguacu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Santa Elena throughout the year.

Foz do Iguacu is much colder than Santa Elena in the winter. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Santa Elena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in January.

Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in July than Santa Elenain January. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santa Elena receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to May in Santa Elena is the dry season.

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Santa Elena in the Spring?

Both Santa Elena and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Foz do Iguacu for the natural beauty during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Santa Elena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Santa Elena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Santa Elena averages at about 29°C (85°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Foz do Iguacu. In October, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Santa Elenain April. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Santa Elena receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Santa Elena is February to May. June to October in Santa Elena is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Santa Elena and Foz do Iguacu