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

Should you visit Bocas del Toro or Valdivia?

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 Valdivia, 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 Valdivia?

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.

Valdivia

Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.

When comparing the travel costs between Bocas del Toro and Valdivia, we can see that Bocas del Toro 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 Valdivia 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 Valdivia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bocas del Toro or Valdivia?

Valdivia has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Bocas del Toro and Valdivia, 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 Valdivia?

Valdivia 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 Valdivia in the Summer?

Both Valdivia 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 Valdiviain January. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 26°C (79°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Valdivia. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Valdivia during summer. Bocas del Toro gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 296 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 Valdiviain January. Bocas del Toro gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Valdivia in the Autumn?

Both Valdivia 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 Valdivia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in April.

In the autumn, Bocas del Toro often gets more sunshine than Valdiviain April. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 132 hours of full sun.

Valdivia 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 October than Valdiviain April. Bocas del Toro gets 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Valdivia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bocas del Toro and Valdivia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.

In the winter, Bocas del Toro is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bocas del Toro in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Valdivia averages at about 7°C (45°F)in July.

Bocas del Toro usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during winter. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 66 hours of full sun in the winter.

Valdivia 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 around the same amount of rain as Valdiviain July. Bocas del Toro gets 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Valdivia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bocas del Toro as well as Valdivia. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Bocas del Toro is generally much warmer than Valdiviain October. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 26°C (79°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Valdiviain October. Bocas del Toro gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 198 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Valdivia. Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in April than Valdiviain October. Bocas del Toro gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Valdivia and Bocas del Toro