Which place is cheaper, Lima or Bocas del Toro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bocas del Toro or Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bocas del Toro or Lima, 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: Bocas del Toro or Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBocas del Toro $77Lima $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Bocas del Toro is $77, while the average daily cost in Lima 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 Bocas del Toro and Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBocas del Toro $33Lima $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBocas del Toro $66Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Bocas del Toro and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Bocas del Toro or Lima? 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: Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bocas del Toro $10Lima $5.73
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 from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
- Transfer Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Short Taxi Ride$4.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Private Transfer From Lima To Paracas With 2 Stops : $176
- Premium Peruvian Horse Show with Lunch & Transfers: $150
- Round-Trip Transfer in Private Minivan from-to Lima Airport (LIM) in Lima City: $122
- Palomino Islands Excursion & Swimming with Sea Lions with Hotel Transfers: $119
- Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
- Lima round trip transfers airport - hotel - airport + City Tour: $89
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima city hotels: $87
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port: $87
- Lima Airport Arrival Transfer for small groups: $79
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port : $79
- Private Largevan Transfer - Arrival Lima Airport to Hotel: $70
- Lima J Chavez Airport to Lima Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
Is it cheaper to fly into Bocas del Toro or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima and Bocas del Toro 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 dayBocas del Toro $27Lima $18
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
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.34
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Ice cream$3.53
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Coffee$2.99
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Donut$0.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Market Food Tour: $33
- Lima Market Food Tour: $34
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
- Lima Night Food Tour: $48
- Lima Market Food Tour: $52
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bocas del Toro $22Lima $8.66
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$16
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Movie Tickets$2.31
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Lima bike and 5 Step Food Tasting Experience: $92
- Lima in 1 Day! - City Tour + Miraflores, Barranco & San Isidro: $85
- Tour to Historical Places in Lima: $30
- Cultural Tour of the city of Lima & Gastronomic: $62
- 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $149
- 2d/1n Tour: Flight to the Nazca, Paracas and Huacachina Lines: $289
- 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
- 3 Day Tour to Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $159
- 3-Day Trip to Lima Tour Package: $150
- 3-Hour Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Lima: $51
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBocas del Toro $12Lima $5.63
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.30
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Beer$4.07
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Cocktail$3.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
- Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $25
- Local Wine Tour: $50
- Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226
When comparing the travel costs between Bocas del Toro and Lima, we can see that Lima 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 Bocas del Toro is in Central America and Lima is in South 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 Bocas del Toro Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bocas del Toro or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 780 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Bocas del Toro and Lima, 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 Bocas del Toro or Lima?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Bocas del Toro during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in July than Lima. Bocas del Toro gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Bocas del Toro often gets more sunshine than Lima. Bocas del Toro gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.
In July, Bocas del Toro is generally a little warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 26°C (79°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bocas del Toro and Lima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Lima. Bocas del Toro gets 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Bocas del Toro usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Bocas del Toro is a little warmer than Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Lima in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Bocas del Toro as well as Lima. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in January than Lima. Bocas del Toro gets 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Lima. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bocas del Toro in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima and Bocas del Toro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. In April, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Lima. Bocas del Toro gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Bocas del Toro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lima during spring. Bocas del Toro gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Bocas del Toro is generally a little warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 26°C (79°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Bocas del Toro
| Bocas del Toro | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.