Which place is cheaper, Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varas?
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 Puerto Varas, 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 Puerto Varas?
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.
Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas is a city in Southern Chile, in the Los Lagos (Lakes) Region, Llanquihue Province. It is a charming town, only 23 km away from Puerto Montt and surrounded by the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes as well as the impressive Llanquihue lake. In terms of landscape, accommodation and activities, Puerto Varas is well served! Kayak, paddle, canyoning, rock climbing, trekking, ski, fishing, you name it! If you decide to stop in that area, we recommend that you stay in Puerto Varas, as it provides the perfect starting point for many memorable excursions in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, The Best G Adventures Tours to Chile, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBocas del Toro $77Puerto Varas $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Bocas del Toro is $77, while the average daily cost in Puerto Varas is $109. 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 Puerto Varas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBocas del Toro $33Puerto Varas $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBocas del Toro $66Puerto Varas $134
Compare Hotels in Bocas del Toro and Puerto Varas
Looking for a hotel in Bocas del Toro or Puerto Varas? 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 Puerto Varas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bocas del Toro $10Puerto Varas $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 Puerto Varas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Varas:
- Transfer from Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport: $50
- Transfer from Hotel in Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport: $24
- Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport: $22
- Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $21
Is it cheaper to fly into Bocas del Toro or Puerto Varas?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Varas 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 $27Puerto Varas $25
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 $22Puerto Varas $19
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 Puerto Varas
Here are a few actual costs in Puerto Varas for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Adventure Fullday Tour Osorno Volcano and Saltos de Petrohue National Park: $150
- From Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt: Chiloé Island Tour: $60
- From Osorno Volcano & Petrohue Falls Day Tour: $49
- Full-Day Osorno Vulcano and Petrohue Falls Small-Group Tour: $80
- Half-Day Small-Group Rafting Experience in Petrohué River: $52
- Lake Llanquihue Bike Tour in Puerto Varas: $129
- Petrohue Falls and Osorno Volcano Bike Tour: $124
- Peulla Full Day Tour from Puerto Varas: $68
- Premium Half Day Shared Tour Sunset at Osorno Volcano: $130
- Premium Small-Group Half day Tour to Frutillar in Puerto Varas: $144
- Private Rock Climbing Experience in Northern Patagonia: $100
- Full-Day Tour Chiloe Island: Castro and Dalcahue : $62
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBocas del Toro $12Puerto Varas $6.51
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bocas del Toro and Puerto Varas, we can see that Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bocas del Toro or Puerto Varas?
Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varas, 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 Puerto Varas?
Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Bocas del Toro as well as Puerto Varas. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Bocas del Toro is much warmer than Puerto Varas in the summer. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 16°C (60°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Puerto Varas. In the summer, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Puerto Varasin January. Bocas del Toro gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Varas receives 204 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 Puerto Varasin January. Bocas del Toro gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Puerto Varas 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Puerto Varas in the Autumn?
Both Puerto Varas 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.
In the autumn, Bocas del Toro is much warmer than Puerto Varas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bocas del Toro in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Puerto Varas averages at about 11°C (51°F)in April.
Bocas del Toro usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Varas during autumn. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Varas receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Varas. It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. In October, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Puerto Varasin April. Bocas del Toro gets 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Puerto Varas in the Winter?
Both Puerto Varas 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 January, Bocas del Toro is generally much warmer than Puerto Varasin July. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 25°C (77°F), and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
In the winter, Bocas del Toro often gets more sunshine than Puerto Varasin July. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Varas receives 67 hours of full sun.
Puerto Varas 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 more rain in January than Puerto Varasin July. Bocas del Toro gets 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyBocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)Puerto Varas 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Puerto Varas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bocas del Toro and Puerto Varas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Bocas del Toro is much warmer than Puerto Varas in the spring. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in October.
Bocas del Toro usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Varas during spring. Bocas del Toro gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Varas receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.
Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varasin October. Bocas del Toro gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Varas and Bocas del Toro
| Bocas del Toro | Puerto Varas | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 103 mm (4.1 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.