Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Bogota?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bogota or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bogota or Bocas del Toro, 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: Bogota or Bocas del Toro?
Bogota
Sprawling across a high altitude in the Columbian Andes region, Bogota is the capital city of Columbia. It is a mix of the old and new with century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers, museums representing the history, art, and culture of the region, as well as a mix of distinct neighborhoods from quaint and historic to trendy and contemporary.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Adventure Tours to Panama.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBogota $53Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Bogota is $53, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is $77. 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 Bogota and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBogota $26Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBogota $52Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Bogota and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Bogota or Bocas del Toro? 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: Bogota Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bogota $8.77Bocas del Toro $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:
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Taxi from Airport$7.56
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Taxi Ride$0.39
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2 Bus Passes$0.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota
Also for Bogota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Salt Cathedral and Nemocón Salt Mines + In & out Transfer + (8 hours): $242
- Private Visit to Zipaquira's Town & Salt Cathedral + In&Out Transfer + (6 hours): $176
- Bogotá to or from Barichara or San Gil Private Transfer: $167
- Bogotá to or from Villavieja or Tatacoa Desert Private Transfer: $167
- Layover Bogotá Private Tour + Transfer in & Out (4 Hrs.) : $149
- Arrival Private Transfer Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City in a Luxury Van: $134
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by Minibus: $124
- Bogotá Private Luxury Transfer - Airport Pick Up or Drop Off - SUV Mercedes Benz: $97
- Bogotá to or from Villa de Leyva Private Transfer: $80
- El Dorado International Airport (BOG) - Private Round trip transfer Bogota: $80
- Arrival Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota by MiniSuv: $66
- Andres Carne de Res Chia • Premium Private Transfer: $39
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 from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
- Transfer Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
- Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Bogota or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Bogota 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 dayBogota $14Bocas del Toro $27
Typical Food Prices in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$1.57
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Hot Dog$0.92
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Peruvian cooking workshop: $26
- Bogotá Bites: Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $45
- Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
- PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
- Bogota Food Tour • Private Car • Fruits Cacao Lunch Coffee Beer: $59
- Private Colombian Cooking Class and Market Tour In Bogota: $90
- Dinner and party at Andres Carne de Res DC: $100
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.Bogota $13Bocas del Toro $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Beer$1.31
Tours and Activities in Bogota
For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Bogota Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Private Tour + Lunch: $80
- Express Salt Cathedral Tour• Guided Tour & Tickets • 5h: $219
- La Candelaria and Monserrate Walking Half Day Tour: $234
- Lake Guatavitá Private Day Tour: $255
- Salt Cathedral Zipaquira - Group tour and daily departure: $80
- *Private tour* to Guatavita sacred lagoon + Nemocon salt mine: $153
- 3h 30 -Hour StopOver—Walking Tour: Bogota Historical Center: $54
- 4 Hours Private Tour to Monserrate from Bogotá: $69
- 4-Hour Private Tour of Bogotá with Guide and Transportation: $77
- 4-hour Paragliding Adventure from Bogota: $170
- 5-hour Bogota Street Art Tour with transportation: $184
- 5-hour Tour through Bogotá during the stopover. Includes round-trip from airport: $160
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBogota $14Bocas del Toro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:
- Thursday Bar Crawl in Bogotá: $25
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá : $25
- Saturday Bar Crawl in La Candelaria, Bogotá: $25
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bogota and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro is more expensive. And not only is Bogota much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bogota is in South America and Bocas del Toro is in Central 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 Bogota would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bogota 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 Bogota.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bogota Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bogota or Bocas del Toro?
Bogota has a larger population, and is about 720 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Bogota and Bocas del Toro, 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 Bogota or Bocas del Toro?
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 Bogota or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bogota and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bogota year-round. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Bogota usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Bogota gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Bogota is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bogota in July average around 14°C (57°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBogota 14°C (57°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Bogota or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Bogota as well as Bocas del Toro. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Bogota receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bogota usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Bogota gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Bogota is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Bogota average around 14°C (57°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBogota 14°C (57°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Bogota or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and Bogota are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bogota throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In January, Bogota usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Bogota gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Bogota is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the winter. The daily temperature in Bogota averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBogota 14°C (57°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Bogota or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Bogota during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bogota because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bogota usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Bogota gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Bogota is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bogota in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBogota 15°C (59°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Bogota
| Bogota | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 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.