A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Iguazu vs. Florianopolis for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Puerto Iguazu or Florianopolis?

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

Should I visit Puerto Iguazu or Florianopolis? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Puerto Iguazu or Florianopolis?

Puerto Iguazu

Puerto Iguazu is located in the northeastern part of Argentina at the border with Paraguay and Brazil. It is a tourist city and travel destination because of its close proximity to Iguazu Falls, which is only 18 kilometers away. Much of the city's infrastructure has grown to maintain the tourist crowds that come to see the falls. The town itself has a population of slightly over 80,000.

Florianopolis

With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.

Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Argentina, The Best Eco Tours in Argentina, The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Florianopolis or Puerto Iguazu?

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

  • Puerto Iguazu Prices
    Argentina Prices
    Florianopolis Prices
    Brazil Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Puerto Iguazu $57
    Florianopolis $74

The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto Iguazu is $57, while the average daily cost in Florianopolis is $74. 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 Puerto Iguazu and Florianopolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Puerto Iguazu $41
    Florianopolis $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Puerto Iguazu $82
    Florianopolis $50
Compare Hotels in Puerto Iguazu and Florianopolis

Looking for a hotel in Puerto Iguazu or Florianopolis? 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 Puerto Iguazu


Hotels in Florianopolis


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: Puerto Iguazu Hotel Prices and Florianopolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Puerto Iguazu $3.07
    Florianopolis $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Iguazu

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

  • Transfers IGR from the (ARG) to IGU (BRA) with PasseioTur: $80
  • Transfer In + Transfer Out IGR Airport Puerto Iguazú Hotels Selva de Iryapu: $145
  • One-Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $11
  • Puerto Iguazu Airport Shuttle Transfer: $17
  • Puerto Iguazu Airport Private Transfer: $22
  • Puerto Iguazu Airport (IGR) Private Transfer to Puerto Iguazu: $27
  • Puerto Iguazú Combo: Iguazu Falls 2 Day Tours + transfers: $100
  • Private Transfers Full Day Iguazú Falls: $130
  • Private Transfer from Puerto Iguazu Airport to Foz do Iguaçu: $78
  • Iguazu Falls 2-Day Tour with Airport Transfer: $348
  • Iguazú Falls Brazil & Argentina 3-Day In Transfer: $79
  • Brazilian Waterfalls Tour and Bird Park with Transfer: $102

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis

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

  • Transfer Hotels in Florianópolis/Airport - private: $67
  • Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $56
  • Shared Transfer: $13
  • Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $228
  • Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $115
  • Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $81
  • Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $31
  • Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $13

Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto Iguazu or Florianopolis?

Prices for flights to both Florianopolis and Puerto Iguazu 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
    Puerto Iguazu $6.30
    Florianopolis $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Puerto Iguazu

For Puerto Iguazu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Madero Tango Iguazú - Premium Dinner (Foz do Iguaçu/Puerto Iguazú): $30
  • Madero Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Iguazu: $36
  • El Quincho Del Tio Querido - Dinner And Show from Foz do Iguaçu: $44
  • Argentine Experience: Immersive Dinner & Wine Pairing in Iguazú: $65
  • Iguazu Falls: The Argentine Experience Interactive Dinner: $65
  • Iguazu: The Argentine Experience Dinner with Wine Pairing: $69
  • Puerto Iguazú: Madero Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $98
  • Churrascaria Rafain - Show and Dinner : $117
  • Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse from Puerto Iguazú Hotels Private Tour: $120
  • Experience Guamini Mision Dinner and Tango Show Gran Meliá Iguazú Exclusive: $155
  • Foz do Iguaçu: Argentinean Cooking Class: $157

Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis

For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • A Quick Snack
    $0.42

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Puerto Iguazu $33
    Florianopolis $25

Tours and Activities in Puerto Iguazu

For Puerto Iguazu, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1 day- Tour on both sides of the waterfalls: $111
  • 1-Day Private Tour In the Iguacu Falls of Brazil and Argentina : $106
  • 2-Day Private Tour Both Waterfalls ARG/BRA: $182
  • 2Day Iguazu Tour HELICOPTER Ride & Airfare from Buenos Aires: $590
  • 3-Day Iguazu Falls Exploring Tour From Argentina and Brazil: $299
  • Argentina: Full-Day Iguazu Falls and Great Adventure Tour: $142
  • Argentine Falls Package with Great Adventure and Brazilian Falls: $250
  • Argentine Side Iguassu Falls Private Tour Hotels in Puerto Iguazú: $140
  • Argentinean Falls with Gran Aventura Boat Tour: $238
  • Argentinian Iguazu Falls Full Day Tour: $32
  • Bird Park & Iguassu Brazilian Side From Puerto Iguazú Hotels - Private Tour: $135
  • Bird Park & Iguassu Brazilian Side Gran Meliá Hotel Exclusive - Private Tour: $130

Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Internet
    $0.56

Tours and Activities in Florianopolis

For Florianopolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Balneário Camboriú tour and cable car ride from Florianópolis: $39
  • Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $40
  • Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $40
  • Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $21
  • Cinematic Kayak Tour: The Best of Florianópolis: $59
  • Discover Florianópolis: Full Day City Tour and Local Highlights: $27
  • Florianópolis city tour (full day): $21
  • Florianopolis Bike Tour: Photography, History & Street Food: $86
  • Florianopolis Walking Tour - History, Art and Gastronomy: $17
  • Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $35
  • Floripa by Night: The Local Party Tour: $299
  • Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $58

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Puerto Iguazu $7.86
    Florianopolis $8.34

Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.56


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

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


Which is Bigger, Puerto Iguazu or Florianopolis?

Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Puerto Iguazu. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Iguazu and Florianopolis, 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.