Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Asuncion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Asuncion 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 Asuncion 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: Asuncion or Bocas del Toro?
Asuncion
Asuncion is a vastly underrated city. It is the capital but also the administrative economic and cultural center of Paraguay. It is located in the south central part of the country, near the border with Argentina and it is one of the oldest cities in South America, with people living here since almost 500 years. The city has a beautiful and simple center, with a few unique colonial and beaux arts buildings, international cuisine, shady plazas and friendly people. Its handful of historic buildings around the Plaza de los Heroes, Plaza Uruguaya and Manzana de la Ribera, two or three small museums, old bars and cafes, but also smart suburbs, ritzy shopping malls and fashionable nightclubs will keep you entertained for a day or two. It is a very charming city for travellers and apart from the sights, the city boasts a good tourist infrastructure with hotels and restaurants.
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 from Panama City, and The Best Adventure Tours to Panama.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAsuncion $68Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Asuncion is $68, 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 Asuncion and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAsuncion $22Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAsuncion $44Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Asuncion and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Asuncion 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: Asuncion Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Asuncion $8.82Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asuncion
Also for Asuncion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $59
- RoundTrip Private Transfer Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $52
- Transfer in private minivan from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $29
- Transfer in private minivan Asuncion City - Silvio Pettirosi Airport (ASU): $29
- Transfer in Private Car from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $21
- Transfer in private car from Asuncion City - Asuncion Airport (ASU): $20
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
- Transfer Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
- Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Asuncion or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Asuncion 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 dayAsuncion $17Bocas del Toro $27
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.Asuncion $16Bocas del Toro $22
Tours and Activities in Asuncion
For Asuncion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Asunción Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Asuncion Birding Tour: $70
- Birding and Nature Chaco Tour: $140
- Crystal Fall - day tour in a reduced group: $85
- Day Tour “Cerrito”: $231
- Day tour “Circuito San Bernardino”: $214
- Day tour “Circuito Sapucai”: $221
- Day tour “Pai Pukú”: $230
- Day tour to “National Park Ybycuí”: $265
- Full day Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour: $207
- Golden Triangle Tour: $110
- Half-Day Yparacai Lake Tour from Asuncion with Pick Up: $185
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.
- Dolphin Bay and Coral Cay with Drinks Private Tour in Zapatilla: $66
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in Panama from Colón Cruise Port: $231
- 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 dayAsuncion $10Bocas del Toro $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Asuncion
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Asuncion are as follows:
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Beer$1.22
When comparing the travel costs between Asuncion and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro 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 Asuncion is in South 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 Asuncion Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Asuncion or Bocas del Toro?
Asuncion has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Asuncion 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 Asuncion or Bocas del Toro?
Asuncion 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 Asuncion or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Asuncion and Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Asuncion is a little warmer than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Asuncion in January average around 29°C (84°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.
In Asuncion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Asuncion usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Asuncion gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Asuncion gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Asuncion usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin July. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyAsuncion 29°C (84°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Asuncion as well as Bocas del Toro. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In April, Asuncion is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toroin October. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 24°C (75°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In the autumn, Asuncion often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toroin October. Asuncion gets 199 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. Asuncion receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Asuncion usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toroin October. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberAsuncion 24°C (75°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and Asuncion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Asuncion is cooler than Bocas del Toro in the winter. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
Asuncion usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Asuncion gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In July, Asuncion usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin January. Asuncion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAsuncion 19°C (66°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Asuncion during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
In the spring, Asuncion is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Asuncion in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Asuncion. In the spring, Asuncion often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toroin April. Asuncion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 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 Asuncion. Asuncion usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toroin April. Asuncion gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilAsuncion 25°C (77°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Asuncion
| Asuncion | Bocas del Toro | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 29°C (84°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 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.