A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Petra vs. Fortaleza for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Petra or Fortaleza?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Petra and Fortaleza can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Petra or Fortaleza?

Petra

Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.

Fortaleza

A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, and The Best Eco Tours in Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Fortaleza or Petra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Fortaleza is $83. 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 Petra and Fortaleza in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Fortaleza $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Fortaleza $58
Compare Hotels in Petra and Fortaleza

Looking for a hotel in Petra or Fortaleza? 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 Petra


Hotels in Fortaleza


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: Petra Hotel Prices and Fortaleza Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Fortaleza $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:

  • From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
  • Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $140
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
  • Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
  • Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
  • Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
  • Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
  • Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza

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

  • Transfer from Fortaleza Airport to Hotels in Orla Marítima: $8.62
  • Transfer to Beach Park: $11
  • Roundtrip transfer from Pinto Martins Airport to Hotels in Fortaleza: $17
  • Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $19
  • Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $28
  • Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Fortaleza Roundtrip Airport Transfers: $38
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Porto das Dunas: $39
  • Fortaleza Airport Private Transfer: $40
  • Private Transfer from Cumbuco to Fortaleza (FOR) Airport: $48
  • Fortaleza to Fortaleza Airport (FOR) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Cumbuco: $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Fortaleza?

Prices for flights to both Fortaleza and Petra 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
    Petra $66
    Fortaleza $39
Typical Food Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:


  • Dinner for Two
    $12
  • Juice
    $1.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.

  • Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $50
  • Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Fortaleza $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:


  • Entry to Petra for One
    $71

Tours and Activities in Petra

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:

  • 2-Day Amman to Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea Adventure Tour: $220
  • 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
  • 3-Hour Private Petra Tour: Exclusive Classical Guided Experience: $55
  • 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
  • 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
  • Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
  • From Petra Wadi Rum Private 8 hours roundtrip tour : $140
  • Hike Tour of Petra: $10
  • Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour | Guide Sami Nawafleh: $225
  • Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
  • Petra Secret Backdoor Tour: Hidden Gems & Exclusive Experience: $240
  • Private Full Day Tour to Aqaba Red Sea from Petra Hotels: $200

Tours and Activities in Fortaleza

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

  • Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $12
  • 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $12
  • Lagoinha Beach Tour: $14
  • Águas Belas Tour: $14
  • Lagoinha Beach Tour: $16
  • Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $17
  • Fortaleza Panoramic City Tour with visit to Cumbuco Beach: $19
  • Tour 3 Beaches in 1 day (Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes and Canoa Quebrada): $23
  • Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $23
  • Jericoacoara Tour in a Full Day - Leaving Fortaleza by Girafatur: $25
  • City Tour Fortaleza - Full Day Cumbuco Beach Tour by Nettour: $25
  • Historical and Cultural City Tour of Fortaleza: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Fortaleza $9.58


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Fortaleza, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Fortaleza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East and Fortaleza is in South 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 Fortaleza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fortaleza 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra than you might in Fortaleza.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Petra Expensive? and Is Fortaleza Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Petra or Fortaleza?

Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Fortaleza, 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 Petra or Fortaleza?

Fortaleza has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Petra experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Petra or Fortaleza in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Petra as well as Fortaleza. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Fortaleza in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally a little warmer than Fortalezain January. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Fortaleza fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the summer, Petra often gets more sunshine than Fortalezain January. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fortaleza receives 221 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. Petra usually gets less rain in July than Fortalezain January. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, July to January in Fortaleza is the dry season. January to July in Fortaleza is the rainy season.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Petra or Fortaleza in the Autumn?

Both Fortaleza and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Fortaleza for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Petra is around the same temperature as Fortaleza in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Fortaleza fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Fortaleza during autumn. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Fortaleza receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. In October, Petra usually receives less rain than Fortalezain April. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 356 mm (14 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Fortaleza 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Petra or Fortaleza in the Winter?

Both Fortaleza and Petra during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Fortaleza because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Petra is much colder than Fortaleza. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Fortaleza averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.

In Fortaleza, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Petra. In the winter, Petra often gets less sunshine than Fortalezain July. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fortaleza receives 256 hours of full sun.

Petra usually gets less rain in January than Fortalezain July. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. July to January is the dry season in Fortaleza. January to July is the rainy season in Fortaleza.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Fortaleza 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Petra or Fortaleza in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Fortaleza. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Fortaleza this time of year.

In April, Petra is generally cooler than Fortalezain October. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Fortaleza fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Fortaleza during spring. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Fortaleza receives 287 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Fortalezain October. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Fortaleza and Petra

Petra Fortaleza
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 323 mm (12.7 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 356 mm (14 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 256 mm (10.1 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (80°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)