Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Antigua Guatemala?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Antigua Guatemala or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Antigua Guatemala or Bocas del Toro, 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.
Where Should I go: Antigua Guatemala or Bocas del Toro?
Antigua Guatemala
Before a disastrous earthquake in 1773, Antigua was the colonial capital of Guatemala. For 200 years it had reigned as so and today shows remnants of its glorious past with Spanish colonial buildings and other architectural landmarks still standing. Due to this large amount of preserved architecture, Antigua was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now the most touristed city of Guatemala.
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 Adventure Tours to Guatemala, The Best Eco Tours in Guatemala, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Panama City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAntigua Guatemala $63Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Antigua Guatemala is $63, 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 Antigua Guatemala and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAntigua Guatemala $22Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAntigua Guatemala $44Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Antigua Guatemala and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Antigua Guatemala 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: Antigua Guatemala Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Antigua Guatemala $12Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala
Also for Antigua Guatemala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One way private transfer to Panajachel: $214
- Transfer Guatemala City to Aurora to Antigua Guatemala: $130
- One way shared transfer to Flores, Peten: $79
- From Antigua: Transfer to Guatemala City: $75
- One way private transfer to GuatemalaCity: $74
- One way shared transfer to Rio Dulce: $59
- Antigua: One way shared transfer to Semuc Champey, Lanquin: $54
- Private Transfer From Antigua to Guatemala City / Airport: $50
- Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to La Aurora Airport: $45
- One way shared transfer to El Paredon: $34
- One way shared transfer to Panajachel: $31
- Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Puerto Quetzal Port: $28
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:
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
- Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $43
Is it cheaper to fly into Antigua Guatemala or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Antigua Guatemala 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 dayAntigua Guatemala $14Bocas del Toro $27
Typical Food Prices in Antigua Guatemala
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Antigua Guatemala:
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Lunch$3.23
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Lunch$7.74
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antigua Guatemala
For Antigua Guatemala, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Antigua: Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Experience with Locals: $60
- Traditional Guatemalan Cooking Class with a Local Family: $60
- Private Street Food Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $65
- Antigua: Cooking Class with Local Family: $74
- Street Food Tour Around Antigua: $75
- Local Street Food Tour of Antigua: $75
- Market food tour and tortilla workshop: $79
- Market and Mayan Cooking Class: $80
- Guatemalan Cooking Class & Market Tour: $85
- Foodie & street food tour: $85
- Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class in Antigua: $90
- Guatemalan Cooking Class and Market Tour: $98
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.Antigua Guatemala $15Bocas del Toro $22
Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Antigua Guatemala.
- ¡Pacaya Volcano Tour from Antigua!: $100
- 2-Day Kayak and Hike Adventure Package from Antigua: $295
- 2-Day Shared Hiking Tour to Acatenango Volcano from Antigua: $110
- 2-Day Shared Hiking Tour to Acatenango Volcano from Antigua: $125
- 2-Day Tour of Lake Atitlan & Chichicastenango Market: $220
- 3-Hour Chateau Defay Vineyard Tour in Central America: $65
- 4WD Acatenango Volcano Tour / Summit & Sunrise: $300
- ANTIGUA Villages Tour: $72
- ATV Cultural & Adventure Tour: Shared Antigua Villages Experience: $90
- Acatenango Overnight Hike Multiday Tour: $116
- Acatenango Volcano Experience for 2 Days and 1 Night: $72
- Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hiking from Antigua - 2 Days Private Tour: $215
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.
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in Panama from Colón Cruise Port: $236
- Full-Day Bocas del Toro Catamaran Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour in Panama: $105
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Speed Boat tour to Mangrove Point -Starfish Beach -Bocas del Drago and Birds Island: $65
- Stand Up Paddle Board Experience in Bahia Honda Bocas del Toro: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAntigua Guatemala $11Bocas del Toro $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antigua Guatemala and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro is more expensive. And not only is Antigua Guatemala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Antigua Guatemala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antigua Guatemala 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 Bocas del Toro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bocas del Toro than you might in Antigua Guatemala.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Antigua Guatemala Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Antigua Guatemala or Bocas del Toro?
Antigua Guatemala has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Antigua Guatemala 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.
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.