Which place is cheaper, Temuco 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 Temuco?
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 Temuco, 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 Temuco?
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.
Temuco
Temuco is a large and modern city found 680 km south of Santiago. While the city is dynamic, it does not have any particular charm with the exception of being a great point of departure for many excursions around the lake region and the many national parks found in the surrounding area. Temuco is also well known for its Mapuche culture, a proud and rebellious community of around 20 000 in the area today, who has fought continuously against every invaders in the past.
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 Chile, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBocas del Toro $77Temuco $80
The average daily cost (per person) in Bocas del Toro is $77, while the average daily cost in Temuco is $80. 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 Temuco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBocas del Toro $33Temuco $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBocas del Toro $66Temuco $88
Compare Hotels in Bocas del Toro and Temuco
Looking for a hotel in Bocas del Toro or Temuco? 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 Temuco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bocas del Toro $10Temuco $23
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:
- Transfer Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
- Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Temuco
Also for Temuco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Temuco Airport to Pucon: $140
- Temuco Airport (ZCO) to Pucon Thermal Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $98
- Transfer Araucanía Airport - Temuco: $50
- Temuco Airport (ZCO) to Pucon Resorts - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
- Transfers from or to Temuco - Araucanía Airport: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Bocas del Toro or Temuco?
Prices for flights to both Temuco 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 $27Temuco $22
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 $22Temuco $7.85
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.
- Dolphin Bay and Coral Cay with Drinks Private Tour in Zapatilla: $66
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in Panama from Colón Cruise Port: $231
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Speed Boat tour to Mangrove Point -Starfish Beach -Bocas del Drago and Birds Island: $65
- Stand Up Paddle Board Experience in Bahia Honda Bocas del Toro: $60
Tours and Activities in Temuco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Temuco.
- Tour Mapuche Community Araucanía: $582
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBocas del Toro $12Temuco $5.13
When comparing the travel costs between Bocas del Toro and Temuco, we can see that Temuco 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 Temuco 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 Temuco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bocas del Toro or Temuco?
Temuco has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Bocas del Toro and Temuco, 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 Temuco?
Temuco 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 Temuco in the Summer?
Both Temuco and Bocas del Toro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In the summer, Bocas del Toro is much warmer than Temuco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bocas del Toro in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Temuco averages at about 17°C (62°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in Temuco. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Temuco during summer. Bocas del Toro gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Temuco receives 290 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. In July, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Temucoin January. Bocas del Toro gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Temuco 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Temuco in the Autumn?
Both Temuco and Bocas del Toro during the autumn 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 October, Bocas del Toro is generally much warmer than Temucoin April. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 26°C (79°F), and Temuco fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the autumn, Bocas del Toro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Temucoin April. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Temuco receives 150 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 October than Temucoin April. Bocas del Toro gets 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Temuco 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Temuco in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bocas del Toro and Temuco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Bocas del Toro is much warmer than Temuco in the winter. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Temuco fluctuates around 8°C (46°F)in July.
Bocas del Toro usually receives more sunshine than Temuco during winter. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Temuco receives 78 hours of full sun in the winter.
Temuco receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Temucoin July. Bocas del Toro gets 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyBocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)Temuco 8°C (46°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Temuco in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Bocas del Toro as well as Temuco. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Bocas del Toro is much warmer than Temuco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bocas del Toro in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Temuco averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.
In the spring, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Temucoin October. Bocas del Toro gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Temuco receives 193 hours of full sun.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in April than Temucoin October. Bocas del Toro gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Temuco 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Temuco and Bocas del Toro
| Bocas del Toro | Temuco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 177 mm (7 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.