Which place is cheaper, Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan?
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 Mazatlan, 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 Mazatlan?
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.
Mazatlan
Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBocas del Toro $77Mazatlan $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Bocas del Toro is $77, while the average daily cost in Mazatlan is $79. 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 Mazatlan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBocas del Toro $33Mazatlan $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBocas del Toro $66Mazatlan $66
Compare Hotels in Bocas del Toro and Mazatlan
Looking for a hotel in Bocas del Toro or Mazatlan? 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 Mazatlan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bocas del Toro $10Mazatlan $21
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 Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:
- Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296
- Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
- Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
- Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
- Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Bocas del Toro or Mazatlan?
Prices for flights to both Mazatlan 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 $27Mazatlan $34
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mazatlan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mazatlan.
- Mercado walking food tour: $78
- Mazatlan routes of taste food tour: $84
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan: $84
- Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan: $96
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bocas del Toro $22Mazatlan $9.59
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
Tours and Activities in Mazatlan
Here are a few actual costs in Mazatlan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Barrio Bites tour: $78
- Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
- BeachBlast ATV's & City Tour: $99
- Bird Watching Mazatlán - Birding Tour: $115
- City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
- From Zipline & ATV Adventure with Tequila Tasting: $210
- Half-Day Tour to Tequila Factory and Villages from Mazatlan: $75
- Half-Day Ziplining Experience from Mazatlán: $110
- Jungle and beach ATV tour + lunch + tequila tasting: $120
- Mazatlán: Beach & Jungle ATV Tour w/ Lunch & Tequila Tasting: $126
- Mazatlán: Tequila Factory & Country Sightseeing: $103
- Mazatlán: Zipline Adventure, Sightseeing & Mezcal Tasting: $128
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBocas del Toro $12Mazatlan $18
When comparing the travel costs between Bocas del Toro and Mazatlan, we can see that Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan is in North 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 Mazatlan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bocas del Toro or Mazatlan?
Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Bocas del Toro and Mazatlan, 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 Mazatlan?
Mazatlan 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 Bocas del Toro or Mazatlan in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Bocas del Toro as well as Mazatlan. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as Mazatlan in the summer. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. In the summer, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Mazatlan. Bocas del Toro gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 216 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Mazatlan. Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in July than Mazatlan. Bocas del Toro gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Mazatlan 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Mazatlan in the Autumn?
Both Mazatlan and Bocas del Toro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as Mazatlan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bocas del Toro in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during autumn. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. In October, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Mazatlan. Bocas del Toro gets 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Mazatlan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Mazatlan in the Winter?
Both Mazatlan and Bocas del Toro during the winter 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. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.
In January, Bocas del Toro is generally a little warmer than Mazatlan. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 25°C (77°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Mazatlan. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in January than Mazatlan. Bocas del Toro gets 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)Mazatlan 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Mazatlan in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bocas del Toro and Mazatlan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches.
Bocas del Toro is a little warmer than Mazatlan in the spring. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during spring. Bocas del Toro gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun in the spring.
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Mazatlan. Bocas del Toro gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Mazatlan 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Bocas del Toro
| Bocas del Toro | Mazatlan | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 227 mm (8.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 18 mm (0.7 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.