Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Acapulco de Juarez?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Bocas del Toro? 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: Acapulco de Juarez or Bocas del Toro?
Acapulco de Juarez
Located on the southwestern Pacific Coast of Mexico is the beautiful beach city of Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco is one of the original travel and resort destinations in Mexico, and it's still considered a popular spring break destination for Americans. Known as simply "Acapulco" to many travelers, this region is a popular spot for cruise lines to stop and timeshares to grow. Thanks to those cruise lines and timeshares, tourist activities like water parks and jet skis have experienced considerable growth.
Bocas del Toro
The capital of the Bocas del Toro province, this city of the same name sits in the Caribbean West region of Panama. Bocas del Toro, or Bocas Town, is in the district of Bocas del Toro, which also includes the towns of Bastimentos, Cauchero, Punta Laurel, and Tierra Oscura. The district has a population of about 17,000 and covers a total area of 433.2 square kilometers, and the town has a population of about 13,000. The area is a tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling and diving, and interesting culture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Adventure Tours to Panama.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAcapulco de Juarez $81Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $81, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is $77. 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 Acapulco de Juarez and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAcapulco de Juarez $39Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAcapulco de Juarez $78Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Bocas del Toro? 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.
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: Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $16Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:
- Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
- Private Best Round Trip Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer : $70
- Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66
- Airport Transfer in Suburban: $65
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Bahia de Acapulco: $49
- Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Bahía de Acapulco - Acapulco Airport (ACA): $24
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Acapulco Airport (ACA) -Bahía de Acapulco: $24
- Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $20
- Acapulco Airport Transfer: $10
- Shared transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Acapulco: $6.00
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bocas del Toro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bocas del Toro:
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Water Taxi$3.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bocas del Toro
Also for Bocas del Toro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $42
- Transfer Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Acapulco de Juarez 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
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Food Meals for one dayAcapulco de Juarez $29Bocas del Toro $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.
- High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner +Three Drinks plus SUNSET: $49
- Cliff Divers Exhibition 2 Drinks + Tacos al Pastor Dinner & Beer: $55
- Cliff Diver De Luxe 3 Course Dinner at "La Quebrada" in Acapulco: $56
- Cliff Divers Show With Dinner At Acapulco: $72
- Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only SUNDAY: $84
- Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $89
- Hands ON - Mex Cooking Class Experience - City Market & Lunch : $90
- Hands On Mexican Cooking Class with Food Tasting & Market Visit: $100
- Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
- Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $191
- Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $193
- Divers Show and Luxury Dinner in Acapulco: $199
Typical Food Prices in Bocas del Toro
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:
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Lunch$15
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Breakfast$14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $18Bocas del Toro $22
Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez
Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4Hrs City Tour Exclusively for Hotels, Divers, Chapel & Mural.: $44
- 6Hr Walking Tour San Diego Fort Museum Cliff Divers Zocalo: $68
- Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $36
- 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $62
- 4-6Hrs Acapulco City Tour With a Fun Guide. Diver Show, Mex Lunch: $47
- 4Hrs Small Group Half Day City Tour with Lunch at High Divers: $85
- 4hr City Tour For Cruises or Hotels Diver Peace Chapel & Mural: $40
- 6Hr City Tour Cruise or Hotel Turtle Nesting High Diver & Market: $51
- 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $51
- 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $50
- Acapulco City Tour : $35
- Acapulco Historical Tour with Cliff Divers Show: $65
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bocas del Toro
For Bocas del Toro, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Island Boat Tour$25
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Starfish Island Boat Trip$20
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Yoga Class$5.01
Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.
- Stand Up Paddle Board Experience in Bahia Honda Bocas del Toro: $60
- Speed Boat tour to Mangrove Point -Starfish Beach -Bocas del Drago and Birds Island: $65
- Dolphin Bay and Coral Cay with Drinks Private Tour in Zapatilla: $66
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in Panama from Colón Cruise Port: $231
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAcapulco de Juarez $11Bocas del Toro $12
When comparing the travel costs between Acapulco de Juarez and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Acapulco de Juarez is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Acapulco de Juarez is in North America and Bocas del Toro is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Bocas del Toro?
Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Bocas del Toro, 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 Acapulco de Juarez or Bocas del Toro?
Acapulco de Juarez has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bocas del Toro experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Acapulco de Juarez during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
In July, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 29°C (83°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun.
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAcapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Bocas del Toro. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the autumn for the shopping scene. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Acapulco de Juarez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAcapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Bocas del Toro. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In the winter, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the winter, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAcapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the beaches. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 27°C (81°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during spring. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In April, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAcapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Acapulco de Juarez
| Acapulco de Juarez | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 341 mm (13.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.