Which place is cheaper, Pucon 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 Pucon?
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 Pucon, 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 Pucon?
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.
Pucon
A popular hub for adventure tourism, Pucon is a town in the Lake District of the South American nation of Chile. Located on Lake Villarirca with the snowcapped Villarrica volcano looming above and plenty of forested valleys below, the town has become a home base year-round for a full range of outdoor activities.
Check out our ultimate guide to Traveling in Patagonia.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBocas del Toro $77Pucon $100
The average daily cost (per person) in Bocas del Toro is $77, while the average daily cost in Pucon is $100. 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 Pucon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBocas del Toro $33Pucon $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBocas del Toro $66Pucon $86
Compare Hotels in Bocas del Toro and Pucon
Looking for a hotel in Bocas del Toro or Pucon? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bocas del Toro $10Pucon $19
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 Pucon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pucon:
- Pucon Temuco Airport Private Transfer: $130
- Pucon to Puerto Montt El Tepual Airport (PMC) -Departure Transfer: $114
- Private Transfer Pucon Thermal Resorts to Temuco Airport: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Bocas del Toro or Pucon?
Prices for flights to both Pucon 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 $27Pucon $38
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.Bocas del Toro $22Pucon $37
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 Pucon
Here are a few actual costs in Pucon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3-Hour Rafting Experience in Pucon: $60
- Full Day Excursion Tour to Quetrupillán Volcano: $177
- Full Day Private Tour Ascending Sollipulli Volcano: $140
- Half Day Tour to The Eyes Of Caburgua from Pucon: $93
- Local Chile-Bavarian Culinary Pretzel Baking Experience n Sausage: $149
- Private 3-Hour Canyoning Experience on the Correntoso River: $68
- Private Half Day Andean Lakes Experience with pickup: $110
- Sightseeing Tour in Pucon and Villarica: $93
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBocas del Toro $12Pucon $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bocas del Toro and Pucon, we can see that Pucon is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bocas del Toro is in Central America and Pucon is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bocas del Toro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bocas del Toro 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 Pucon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pucon than you might in Bocas del Toro.
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 Pucon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bocas del Toro or Pucon?
Pucon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Bocas del Toro and Pucon, 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 Pucon?
Pucon 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 Pucon in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Bocas del Toro as well as Pucon. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Bocas del Toro is generally much warmer than Puconin January. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 26°C (79°F), and Pucon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pucon. In the summer, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Puconin January. Bocas del Toro gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 296 hours of full sun.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in July than Puconin January. Bocas del Toro gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Pucon 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Pucon in the Autumn?
Both Pucon 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.
Bocas del Toro is much warmer than Pucon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Pucon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in April.
Bocas del Toro usually receives more sunshine than Pucon during autumn. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 132 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pucon. It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. In October, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Puconin April. Bocas del Toro gets 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Pucon 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Pucon in the Winter?
Both Pucon 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.
In the winter, Bocas del Toro is much warmer than Pucon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bocas del Toro in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Pucon averages at about 7°C (45°F)in July.
In the winter, Bocas del Toro often gets more sunshine than Puconin July. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 66 hours of full sun.
Pucon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Puconin July. Bocas del Toro gets 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyBocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)Pucon 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Pucon in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bocas del Toro and Pucon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
In April, Bocas del Toro is generally much warmer than Puconin October. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 26°C (79°F), and Pucon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Pucon during spring. Bocas del Toro gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.
Pucon receives a lot of rain 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 Puconin October. Bocas del Toro gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Pucon 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Pucon and Bocas del Toro
| Bocas del Toro | Pucon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.