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Which is better: Foz do Iguaçu or Lençóis Maranhenses?

Short answer

Foz do Iguaçu is in Western Paraná (PR), while Lençóis Maranhenses is in the state of Maranhão (MA): different regions of Brazil. Foz do Iguaçu: around 275 waterfalls on the border of three countries, with the Itaipu power plant a few kilometers away; Lençóis Maranhenses: a desert that fills with water. For this month's weather, Lençóis Maranhenses has the edge.

Sources: INMET (updated 2026) · ANP · OpenStreetMap

Most reviewed activity in Foz do IguaçuIguazú Falls Argentine Side Tour★ 8.5 · 166 reviews · from US$ 44 · via CivitatisSee dates and price →

Most reviewed activity in Lençóis MaranhensesBonita Lagoon Off-Roading Tour★ 9.3 · 33 reviews · from US$ 24 · via CivitatisSee dates and price →

	Foz do Iguaçu	Lençóis Maranhenses
Best time to visit	Mar → Sep	Aug → Dec
Weather this month	30° · 10 days of rain	33° · 0 days of rain
By car	R$ 484 · from Curitiba	R$ 144 · from São Luís
Ideal stay	3–4 days	3–4 days
Best for	Family, Adventure	Adventure, Relax

Choose Foz do Iguaçu if

you want a trip for families and adventure seekers: around 275 waterfalls on the border of three countries, with the Itaipu power plant a few kilometers away.

See guide

Choose Lençóis Maranhenses if

you want a trip for adventure seekers and relaxation: white dunes as far as the eye can see, dotted with blue and green lagoons that exist only after the rains.

See guide

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Where to stay

Where to stay: Foz do Iguaçu or Lençóis Maranhenses

What usually tips the balance for your wallet is the rate on your travel dates. Check current prices for each city before deciding.

Compare hotels and places to stay in Foz do Iguaçu on Booking.com, with up-to-date prices and availability, before you book.

Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguassu Falls in Foz do Iguaçu

9.4 ★★★★★ · 141 reviews Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguassu Falls See on Booking →

9.1 ★★★★ · 382 reviews JL Hotel by Bourbon See on Booking →

See all hotels in Foz do Iguaçu

Compare hotels and places to stay in Lençóis Maranhenses on Booking.com, with up-to-date prices and availability, before you book.

Porto Preguicas Resort in Lençóis Maranhenses

8.9 ★★★★★ · 19 reviews Porto Preguicas Resort See on Booking →

4.8 ★★★★★ · 1 review VILA ATY LODGE See on Booking →

See all hotels in Lençóis Maranhenses

Rates change with the dates: confirm the price on Booking.com.

Frequently asked questions

Foz do Iguaçu or Lençóis Maranhenses: which is better?

What is the best time to visit Foz do Iguaçu and Lençóis Maranhenses?

The best time to visit Foz do Iguaçu is from March to September; for Lençóis Maranhenses, it is from August to December, based on INMET's climate normals (temperature and rainfall for each month). If your trip already has a date, check each destination's page for your month.

Which of the two is cheaper to get to?

By car, leaving from Curitiba, Foz do Iguaçu is 640 km (398 mi) and costs about R$ 484 each way (fuel plus tolls); leaving from São Luís, Lençóis Maranhenses is 255 km (158 mi) and costs about R$ 144 each way (fuel plus tolls). The calculation assumes a car that gets 11 km/L. Lodging and activities vary with each place's season.

Where does it rain less, Foz do Iguaçu or Lençóis Maranhenses?

Averaged over the year, Foz do Iguaçu has 9 rainy days a month and Lençóis Maranhenses has 10. Foz do Iguaçu is the drier of the two over the year as a whole, but what decides the trip is the month: the rainiest month in Foz do Iguaçu is October and in Lençóis Maranhenses, March. For temperature, Lençóis Maranhenses is the warmer one (average high of 32° versus 29°).

How many days should you spend in Foz do Iguaçu and in Lençóis Maranhenses?

To see the main sights without rushing, Foz do Iguaçu calls for 3–4 days and Lençóis Maranhenses, 3–4 days. These are distant regions: with a week or less, it is usually better to pick one of the two and make the most of it.

Foz do Iguaçu or Lençóis Maranhenses with kids?

Foz do Iguaçu (275 waterfalls, triple border, and UNESCO national park) is the better pick of the two for families. Lençóis Maranhenses (dunes and lagoons; desert with water; 4x4 jeep) is geared more toward adults or couples. With small children, weather matters: Foz do Iguaçu has fewer rainy days over the year.

What should you not miss in each?

In Foz do Iguaçu: Iguazu Falls, Brazilian side, Devil's Throat, Argentine side, Puerto Iguazú. In Lençóis Maranhenses: Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Bonita, Circuito das Lagoas. These are the sights that show up most in first-trip itineraries for each destination; the full guide to each has the whole list.