A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bocas del Toro vs. Puerto Viejo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bocas del Toro or Puerto Viejo?

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 Viejo, 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 Viejo?

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 Viejo

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a small coastal town in Caribbean Costa Rica in the province of Limon. There are two gorgeous National Parks nearby - Cahuita and Manzanillo, and it rains more than on the Pacific side, which is why it is so lush and green with the rainforest coming down to the sea. Clear water, coconut palms, great surf and a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere make Puerto Viejo a favorite among travelers. Located on about an hour south of Limon, Puerto Viejo is the center of activity between the smaller villages of Cahuita and Manzanillo. The relaxed, seaside town is framed by jungle, turquoise seas, banana plantations and scenic rivers. It's known for the Salsa Brava surf break and beaches like black-sand Playa Negra, but this burgeoning party town is no longer a destination only for intrepid surfers; it's bustling with tourist activity. Stylish eateries serve global fusion, and intentionally rustic bamboo bars pump dancehall and reggaeton. With its blend of Afro-Caribbean descendants, expat Europeans and indigenous Costa Ricans, Puerto Viejo charms visitors with a unique mix of people and cultures. Rastafari culture has a firm foothold in the town, and many Rastas sell handmade jewelry and other wares along the town's vibrant roadside. Nearby you'll find rainforest fruit and cacao farms and wide-open beaches. If you're looking to chill a little, party a little and eat a little, you've come to the right place.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Panama, The Best 2-Week Tours in Costa Rica, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bocas del Toro and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Viejo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Puerto Viejo 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 Viejo Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Bocas del Toro or Puerto Viejo?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bocas del Toro and Puerto Viejo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Bocas del Toro usually receives around the same amount of rain as Puerto Viejo. Bocas del Toro gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Bocas del Toro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Puerto Viejo during summer. Bocas del Toro gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bocas del Toro in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bocas del Toro as well as Puerto Viejo. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bocas del Toro usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Puerto Viejo. Bocas del Toro gets 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Bocas del Toro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Puerto Viejo. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.

In October, Bocas del Toro is generally around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 26°C (79°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

Both Puerto Viejo and Bocas del Toro are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Viejo. It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. In January, Bocas del Toro usually receives around the same amount of rain as Puerto Viejo. Bocas del Toro gets 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Bocas del Toro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Puerto Viejo during winter. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the winter. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

Both Puerto Viejo and Bocas del Toro during the spring 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 Puerto Viejo year-round.

Puerto Viejo 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 April as Puerto Viejo. Bocas del Toro gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Bocas del Toro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Puerto Viejo. Bocas del Toro gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bocas del Toro in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Bocas del Toro