A Travel Price Comparison for Brazil Salvador vs. Foz do Iguacu for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Salvador or Foz do Iguacu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Foz do Iguacu, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Salvador

Salvador is a cultural, historical, and authentic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Salvador travel costs.

Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu is a spectacular, scenic, and breathtaking park. With stunning beauty, Foz do Iguacu attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Foz do Iguacu travel costs.

Salvador and Foz do Iguacu: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Foz do Iguacu than Salvador. While Salvador is larger than Foz do Iguacu, Foz do Iguacu has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Foz do Iguacu is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Salvador is known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights. Foz do Iguacu is more touristy than Salvador and is known for its spectacular beauty and incredible volume of water. It is also home to Iguacu National Park. Salvador is popular for its West African influence, rich culinary scene, and colonial architecture.

How is Salvador different from Foz do Iguacu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Foz do Iguacu and Salvador. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Salvador or Foz do Iguacu?

Salvador is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Foz do Iguacu is a park with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Salvador. Many of the main sights are found in the historic part of town. In this area you'll find the Museu da Cidade, the Abelardo Rodrigues Museum, and the Casa do Benin. There are many ornate churches as well such as the São Francisco and the Carmelite Church.

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.

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

Salvador is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Foz do Iguacu is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Salvador. The city has rich African roots that are noticeable in the cuisine around town. Buffets have become popular in restaurants and many places offer a lunch buffet. They range in price and quality and you often pay by the weight. Common dishes include moqueca (seafood stew), vatapá (a type of curry), and acarajé (fried balls of beans and shrimp).

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).

Is Salvador or Foz do Iguacu Better for Nightlife?

Salvador 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 Salvador know how to have a good time. Head to the old city for a mix of local music and authentic Brazilian activities. Further out, along the stretches of beach, you'll find larger music venues and dance clubs. The atmosphere is laid back and relaxed throughout the city and you'll find a very local vibe in many neighborhoods.

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 Salvador or Foz do Iguacu Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Salvador attract visitors from all over. Many of the beaches are sandy with warm water and tidal pools to explore. The most popular beach is Praia Farol da Barra, which can get crowded. North of the city is the more relaxed Praia Farol de Itapuã and if you want to learn to surf, head to Praia da Jaguaribe, which is home to several surfing schools.

Foz do Iguacu is not a beach destination.

Is Salvador or Foz do Iguacu Better for its Old Town?

Salvador is a city with good options for its old town. However, Foz do Iguacu does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Salvador to see the old town. The city served as the first Portuguese capital and today it still has colonial architecture and a historic atmosphere. At the historic heart of the city is the Pelourinho neighborhood, which has nice squares and cobblestone streets.

Foz do Iguacu does not have a historic old town.

Is Salvador or Foz do Iguacu Better for Hiking?

Foz do Iguacu is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Salvador is not a hiking destination.

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.

Salvador is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Salvador or Foz do Iguacu?

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

Many visitors go to Salvador to go shopping. There are many local markets and shops around town where you can pick up traditional Brazilian items and artisan crafts.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Foz do Iguacu. There's shopping in the center of town, particularly around Avenida Brasil, Rua Barbosa, Rua Almirante Barroso, and Quintino Bocaiuva.

Is Salvador or Foz do Iguacu More Beautiful?

Foz do Iguacu is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Salvador is not a destination known for its 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.

Salvador is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Salvador or Foz do Iguacu Better for Families?

Foz do Iguacu is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Salvador is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Foz do Iguacu is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Salvador is not always the best place to visit. It has a reputation for being dangerous, so many families don't plan to spend much time here, but the city has parks, recreational activities like climbing, and a number of kid-friendly museums to explore. There are also many ice cream shops and family-friendly restaurants.

Is Salvador or Foz do Iguacu Better for Couples?

Salvador and Foz do Iguacu are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Salvador frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The historical center is charming and the perfect place to explore as a couple. There are also parks around town and many cultural experiences that visitors truly enjoy.

Foz do Iguacu is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. While the town itself has limited entertainment, the waterfalls is a spectacular sight that has inspired more than a few marriage proposals.

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

Salvador and Foz do Iguacu are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Salvador is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers love the historical architecture and the authenticity that this city offers. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Foz do Iguacu is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Salvador or Foz do Iguacu Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

You'll find some public transit in Salvador, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are divided into two different classes - the common bus and the executive bus.

While Foz do Iguacu offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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.

Is Salvador or Foz do Iguacu a more walkable city?

Salvador and Foz do Iguacu both are decent when exploring on foot.

Salvador is generally not very walkable. While it's possible to walk around town, you should really understand which areas are safe and which parts of town are dangerous. Sometimes the dangerous areas are just a couple of blocks that are surrounded by an otherwise safe neighborhood, so you should really understand where you are before heading out on foot.

Foz do Iguacu is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Salvador Worth Visiting? and Is Foz do Iguacu Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Salvador or Foz do Iguacu?

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

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

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

One day in Salvador or Foz do Iguacu?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Salvador. 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.

The beautiful park of Foz do Iguacu offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Salvador or Foz do Iguacu?

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

Foz do Iguacu is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Salvador or Foz do Iguacu?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical destination of Salvador. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city 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.

Foz do Iguacu is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Salvador or Foz do Iguacu?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Salvador. 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.

Foz do Iguacu is a great place to explore. 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. This park offers something for everyone.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Salvador or Foz do Iguacu?

Salvador has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Foz do Iguacu. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and Foz do Iguacu, 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 Salvador or Foz do Iguacu?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

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

Both Foz do Iguacu and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Salvador this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Foz do Iguacu for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Foz do Iguacu. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 27°C (81°F), and Foz do Iguacu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Foz do Iguacu. It's quite rainy in Salvador. In January, Salvador usually receives more rain than Foz do Iguacu. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Foz do Iguacu receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Salvador is September to February. The rainy season in Salvador is March to August.

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

Both Foz do Iguacu and Salvador during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Salvador for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Foz do Iguacu in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Salvador is a little warmer than Foz do Iguacu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Foz do Iguacu fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in April than Foz do Iguacu. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Foz do Iguacu receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Foz do Iguacu. Many visitors come to Salvador in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Foz do Iguacu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Salvador is a little warmer than Foz do Iguacu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salvador in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Foz do Iguacu averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Salvador usually receives more rain than Foz do Iguacu. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Foz do Iguacu receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter. September to February in Salvador is the dry season. Also, March to August is the rainy season in Salvador.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Foz do Iguacu. Most visitors come to Salvador for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Foz do Iguacu because of the natural beauty.

In October, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Foz do Iguacu. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (78°F), and Foz do Iguacu fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite rainy in Foz do Iguacu. Salvador receives a lot of rain in the spring. Salvador usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Foz do Iguacu. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Foz do Iguacu receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Foz do Iguacu and Salvador