Should you visit Antigua Guatemala or Bocas del Toro?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Antigua Guatemala or Bocas del Toro, this travel cost comparison can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
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.
Which city is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Antigua Guatemala?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Antigua Guatemala is $50, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is $61. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Antigua Guatemala and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
The prices for places to stay in Antigua Guatemala can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is $17, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around $34.
The prices for places to stay in Bocas del Toro can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is $27, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around $54.
Food
The price of a meal in Antigua Guatemala can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $11 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $4.40 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
Food in Bocas del Toro costs travelers about $22 per day on average. Restaurants can vary significantly in price, so choose wisely if you're trying to save money. Fast food and street stalls are typically your cheapest options, which sit down restaurants can be significantly more expensive.
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Food
Meals for one day
Antigua Guatemala $11
Bocas del Toro $22
Typical Food prices in Antigua Guatemala
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Antigua Guatemala:
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:
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Short Cooking Class in Antigua, Guatemala:
$37
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Guatemalan Food Cooking Class:
$45
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Cooking Classes:
$49
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Food Tour in Antigua Traditional Market:
$58
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Market and Mayan Cooking Class:
$60
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Guatemalan Mestizo and Gourmet Food Tour in Antigua:
$71
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Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class:
$72
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Guatemalan Cooking Class and Market Tour:
$84
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Food Tour in the lovely town of Antigua, Guatemala:
$87
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Guatemala City Market and Food Tour from Antigua:
$90
Typical Food prices in Bocas del Toro
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:
Local Transportation
Antigua Guatemala's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $9.88 per person, per day on transportation in Antigua Guatemala.
Public transportation tends to be much less expensive in Bocas del Toro than paying for a taxi or private car service, as is expected. Typically, people spend $8.20 on transportation in Bocas del Toro on average per day.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Bocas del Toro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bocas del Toro:
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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Antigua Guatemala can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $12 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Sightseeing expenses in Bocas del Toro, including the cost of admission tickets for day tours, museums, and attractions, usually cost an average of $17 per day, per person.
Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Antigua Guatemala.
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2-Day Kayak and Hike Adventure Package from Antigua:
$199
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3-Day Tour of Lake Atitlan & Chichicastenango Market:
$180
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Antigua ATV Coffee Tour:
$39
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Antigua ATV Cultural Adventure:
$55
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Antigua ATV Mountain Adventure:
$66
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Antigua ATV Sunset Tour:
$59
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Antigua ATV Villages Tour:
$62
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Antigua Guatemala Walking Group Tour:
$26
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Antigua Market Culture and Cuisine Tour:
$20
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Antigua Walking Tour:
$22
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Antigua Walking Tour Morning and Afternoon:
$18
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Antigua old city Walking tour:
$8.00
Typical Entertainment prices in Bocas del Toro
For Bocas del Toro, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.
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Small-Group Speed Boat and Snorkel Tour from Bocas del Toro:
$68
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Antigua Guatemala, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $9.10.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Bocas del Toro, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $9.48.
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.
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