Which place is cheaper, Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia?
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 Ushuaia, 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 Ushuaia?
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.
Ushuaia
Ushuaia is a city on the Tierra del Fuego island of Argentina on the Beagle Strait. The city is considered to be one of the southernmost cities in the world and is often used as a base for cruises to Antarctica. Ushuaia's close proximity to Antarctica and their amazing hiking trails have made it a popular tourist destination over the past few decades.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, The Best Wildlife Tours to Argentina, and The Best Eco Tours in Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBocas del Toro $77Ushuaia $11
The average daily cost (per person) in Bocas del Toro is $77, while the average daily cost in Ushuaia is $11. 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 Ushuaia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBocas del Toro $33Ushuaia $5.64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBocas del Toro $66Ushuaia $11
Compare Hotels in Bocas del Toro and Ushuaia
Looking for a hotel in Bocas del Toro or Ushuaia? 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 Ushuaia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bocas del Toro $10Ushuaia -
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ushuaia
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ushuaia are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$0.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ushuaia
Also for Ushuaia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport and Hotel Transfer in Ushuaia: $139
- Private Embarkation Debarkation Transfer: $129
- Private Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $120
- Escondido and Fagnano Lakes with transfer: $97
- Transfer from/to the airport: $89
- Ushuaia Airport (USH) to Ushuaia - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $63
- Private Transfer Airport-Port or Port-Airport (Ushuaia): $55
- Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia city - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $46
- Shared Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $37
- Transfer Ushuaia Airport - Hotel in Ushuaia - Ushuaia Airport : $35
- Ushuaia to Ushuaia Airport (USH) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer from Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia Cruise Port: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Bocas del Toro or Ushuaia?
Prices for flights to both Ushuaia 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 $27Ushuaia $2.18
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
Typical Food Prices in Ushuaia
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ushuaia:
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Lunch for Two$0.06
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ushuaia
For Ushuaia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The Martial Glacier at Night with Dinner Included: $94
- Ushuaia at night: A Snow and Fire dinner, sledding and adventure: $280
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bocas del Toro $22Ushuaia $13
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 Ushuaia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ushuaia.
- 2-day tour: Tierra del Fuego National Park + Fagnano and Escondido Lakes: $115
- 2-day tour:Tierra del Fuego NP + Beagle Channel Navigation + Fagnano & Escondido: $190
- 3-Hour Navigation Tour in the Beagle Channel with Isla de Lobos: $75
- 3-Hour Tour Sailing through the Beagle Channel: $105
- 4×4 Off Road Tour to Escondido and Khami Lakes: $122
- 4-Hour National Park - USHUAIA (Shared tour): $75
- 4WD Off-Road Lakes Adventure in Tierra del Fuego: $156
- 5-Hour Nat Park + City tour - USHUAIA (Private Tour): $195
- 5.5-Hour National park w/ hiking Shore excursion - USHUAIA (Private Tour): $280
- 5hrs of Trekking Experience in Martial Glacier: $95
- 7-Hour Lakes Escondido & Fagnano - USHUAIA (Shared tour): $105
- Adventure 360º in Quads with Lunch: $160
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBocas del Toro $12Ushuaia -
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ushuaia
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ushuaia are as follows:
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Wine$0.05
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Beer$0.01
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bocas del Toro and Ushuaia, we can see that Bocas del Toro is more expensive. And not only is Ushuaia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bocas del Toro is in Central America and Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ushuaia 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 Bocas del Toro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bocas del Toro than you might in Ushuaia.
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 Ushuaia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bocas del Toro or Ushuaia?
Ushuaia has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Bocas del Toro and Ushuaia, 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 Ushuaia?
Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia in the Summer?
Both Ushuaia 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 July, Bocas del Toro is generally much warmer than Ushuaiain January. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 26°C (79°F), and Ushuaia fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Ushuaia during summer. Bocas del Toro gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Ushuaia receives 169 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 Ushuaiain January. Bocas del Toro gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Ushuaia 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Ushuaia in the Autumn?
Both Ushuaia 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.
Bocas del Toro is much warmer than Ushuaia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Ushuaia fluctuates around 6°C (43°F)in April.
In the autumn, Bocas del Toro often gets more sunshine than Ushuaiain April. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ushuaia receives 74 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 Ushuaiain April. Bocas del Toro gets 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Ushuaia 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Ushuaia in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bocas del Toro and Ushuaia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
It's quite cold in Ushuaia in the winter. In the winter, Bocas del Toro is much warmer than Ushuaia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bocas del Toro in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Ushuaia averages at about 2°C (36°F)in July.
Bocas del Toro usually receives more sunshine than Ushuaia during winter. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Ushuaia receives 61 hours of full sun 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 Ushuaiain July. Bocas del Toro gets 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyBocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)Ushuaia 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Ushuaia in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Bocas del Toro as well as Ushuaia. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Bocas del Toro is generally much warmer than Ushuaiain October. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 26°C (79°F), and Ushuaia fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
In the spring, Bocas del Toro often gets more sunshine than Ushuaiain October. Bocas del Toro gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ushuaia receives 156 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 Ushuaiain October. Bocas del Toro gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Ushuaia 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Ushuaia and Bocas del Toro
| Bocas del Toro | Ushuaia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.