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

Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or Tamarindo?

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 Tamarindo 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 breathtaking, spectacular, and scenic park. The beauty of Foz do Iguacu is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Foz do Iguacu travel costs.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a chill, scenic, and laid back town. Tamarindo is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Tamarindo travel costs.

Foz do Iguacu and Tamarindo: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Foz do Iguacu than Tamarindo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Foz do Iguacu is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Tamarindo is more popular for its nightlife and beaches. Foz do Iguacu is more touristy than Tamarindo and is known for its spectacular beauty and incredible volume of water. Also, Foz do Iguacu is famous for Iguacu National Park. Tamarindo is well known for its surfing, wildlife, and leatherback sea turtles.

How is Foz do Iguacu different from Tamarindo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the respectable sights and museums in both Foz do Iguacu and Tamarindo.

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.

While most people don't head to Tamarindo specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Aside from a few art galleries, there aren't many real museums around town.

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

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

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).

Tamarindo is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a combination of beach bars and restaurants in town that offer local cuisine and international options. Many places have a laid back vibe that fits with the town's atmosphere but you'll also find some more upscale options.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Tamarindo Better for Nightlife?

Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo know how to have a good time. The town has beach bars, dance clubs, and regular parties that attract tourists and locals alike. The evening has a vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a day of surfing or swimming.

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 Tamarindo Better for Beaches?

Tamarindo is a great destination for the beach. However, Foz do Iguacu is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Tamarindo attract visitors from all over. The beaches are popular with surfers but the currents can be strong so swimmers should use caution. The golden sand and beautiful setting make this a fun and chill beach destination. There are also plenty of water sports to choose from.

Foz do Iguacu is not a beach destination.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Tamarindo Better for Hiking?

Foz do Iguacu is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Tamarindo is not a hiking destination.

Foz do Iguacu is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Tamarindo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Foz do Iguacu or Tamarindo?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Tamarindo 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.

Tamarindo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find most of the souvenir shops along Diria Grand Boulevard. There are a few upscale clothing boutiques and jewelry shops as well.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Tamarindo More Beautiful?

Foz do Iguacu is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

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.

Tamarindo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The golden sand beaches offer a beautiful setting where you can relax and soak up a chill beachfront vibe.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Tamarindo Better for Families?

Both Foz do Iguacu and Tamarindo are high quality 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 Tamarindo. The golden beaches offer a great escape for families. The surf can be a bit strong, but the kids will love seeing the sea turtles or going horseback riding. There are also beginning surfing lessons available.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Tamarindo Better for Couples?

Both Foz do Iguacu and Tamarindo are high quality 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.

Tamarindo is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy romantic horseback rides along the beach, sunset cruises, and romantic meals. For the adventurous, there's surfing lessons and wildlife tours.

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

Foz do Iguacu and Tamarindo are high quality 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 Tamarindo. There are plenty of hostels in the area and many wonderful activities that let you experience everything that Costa Rica has to offer.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo.

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 Tamarindo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are three public bus lines through town.

Is Foz do Iguacu or Tamarindo a more walkable city?

Tamarindo 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.

Tamarindo is a very walkable town. The town is easy to walk around and 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 Tamarindo Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Foz do Iguacu or Tamarindo?

In either Foz do Iguacu or Tamarindo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo.

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

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

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

One day in Foz do Iguacu or Tamarindo?

You'll find food and shopping around the park of Foz do Iguacu. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the scenic destination of Tamarindo. 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 Tamarindo?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the breathtaking destination of Foz do Iguacu. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the spectacular park of Foz do Iguacu. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Tamarindo. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This town 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 Tamarindo?

Foz do Iguacu is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the town of Tamarindo. 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.

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

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

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

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Tamarindo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and Tamarindo. Most visitors come to Foz do Iguacu for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Foz do Iguacu is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the summer. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.

Tamarindo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Foz do Iguacu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Foz do Iguacu usually receives less rain than Tamarindoin July. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Tamarindo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as Tamarindo. The autumn months attract visitors to Foz do Iguacu because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.

In the autumn, Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Tamarindo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Tamarindo. Foz do Iguacu usually gets less rain in April than Tamarindoin October. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to May in Tamarindo is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in Tamarindo is June to November.

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Tamarindo in the Winter?

Both Tamarindo and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Foz do Iguacu this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Foz do Iguacu is generally much colder than Tamarindoin January. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 18°C (64°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In July, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Tamarindoin January. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Tamarindo in the Spring?

Both Tamarindo and Foz do Iguacu during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Foz do Iguacu for the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.

Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Tamarindo in the spring. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Foz do Iguacu. Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in October than Tamarindoin April. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to May is the dry season in Tamarindo. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tamarindo.

Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Foz do Iguacu