A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antigua Guatemala vs. Bocas del Toro for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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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.

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. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Antigua Guatemala and Bocas del Toro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Antigua Guatemala $17
    Bocas del Toro $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Antigua Guatemala $34
    Bocas del Toro $52

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Antigua Guatemala $9.82
    Bocas del Toro $8.14

Typical Local Transportation prices in Bocas del Toro

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bocas del Toro:


  • Water Taxi
    $2.98

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Antigua Guatemala $11
    Bocas del Toro $21
Typical Food prices in Antigua Guatemala

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Antigua Guatemala:


  • Lunch
    $3.21
  • Lunch
    $7.71

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:

  • Short Cooking Class in Antigua, Guatemala: $37
  • Guatemalan Food Cooking Class: $45
  • Cooking Classes: $49
  • Food Tour in Antigua Traditional Market: $58
  • Market and Mayan Cooking Class: $60
  • Guatemalan Mestizo and Gourmet Food Tour in Antigua: $71
  • Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class: $72
  • Guatemalan Cooking Class and Market Tour: $84
  • Food Tour in the lovely town of Antigua, Guatemala: $87
  • Guatemala City Market and Food Tour from Antigua: $90
  • Guatemala Cooking Class Tour: $100

Typical Food prices in Bocas del Toro

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:


  • Lunch
    $15
  • Breakfast
    $14

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Antigua Guatemala $12
    Bocas del Toro $17

Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Antigua Guatemala.

  • 2-Day Kayak and Hike Adventure Package from Antigua: $199
  • Antigua ATV Coffee Tour: $39
  • Antigua ATV Cultural Adventure: $55
  • Antigua ATV Mountain Adventure: $66
  • Antigua ATV Sunset Tour: $59
  • Antigua ATV Villages Tour: $62
  • Antigua Family Walking Tour: $541
  • Antigua Guatemala Walking Group Tour: $26
  • Stopover Tour: $75
  • Antigua Market Culture and Cuisine Tour: $20
  • Antigua Walking Tour: $22
  • Antigua Walking Tour Morning and Afternoon: $18

Typical Entertainment prices in Bocas del Toro

For Bocas del Toro, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Island Boat Tour
    $25
  • Starfish Island Boat Trip
    $20
  • Yoga Class
    $4.96

Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.

  • Small-Group Speed Boat and Snorkel Tour from Bocas del Toro: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Antigua Guatemala $9.05
    Bocas del Toro $9.42

About these numbers

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.

Budget Your Trip

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Antigua Guatemala vs. Bocas del Toro Travel Comparison

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