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

Should you visit Caracas or Bocas del Toro?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Caracas and Bocas del Toro can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Caracas or Bocas del Toro?

Caracas

Caracas is the capital city of Venezuela, and also the country's largest city. It's in the northern portion of the country and is close to the Caribbean. While Caracas may not be a major travel destination in Venezuela, it can offer interesting insight into the country's urban character. It has a great art, culinary, and music culture that truly bring the city to life. The beautiful Mount Avila overlooks the city and separates the city from the Caribbean Sea. Many locals and visitors alike head to the mountain as a quick escape. You can reach it by taking a cable car that carries you up to the SWaraira Repano Park at the very top.

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 The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Adventure Tours to Panama.


Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Caracas?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Caracas is $0.00, 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 Caracas and Bocas del Toro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Caracas -
    Bocas del Toro $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Caracas $0.00
    Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Caracas and Bocas del Toro

Looking for a hotel in Caracas 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.

Hotels in Caracas


Hotels in Bocas del Toro


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Caracas -
    Bocas del Toro $10

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bocas del Toro

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bocas del Toro:


  • 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:

  • Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $42
  • Transfer Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
  • Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Caracas or Bocas del Toro?

Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Caracas 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Caracas -
    Bocas del Toro $27

Typical Food Prices in Bocas del Toro

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:


  • Lunch
    $15
  • Breakfast
    $14

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Caracas -
    Bocas del Toro $22

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bocas del Toro

For Bocas del Toro, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Island Boat Tour
    $25
  • Starfish Island Boat Trip
    $20
  • 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.

  • Stand Up Paddle Board Experience in Bahia Honda Bocas del Toro: $60
  • Speed Boat tour to Mangrove Point -Starfish Beach -Bocas del Drago and Birds Island: $65
  • Dolphin Bay and Coral Cay with Drinks Private Tour in Zapatilla: $66
  • Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Panama from Colón Cruise Port: $231

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Caracas -
    Bocas del Toro $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Caracas and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro is more expensive. And not only is Caracas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Caracas 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 Caracas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Caracas 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 Caracas.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Caracas Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Caracas or Bocas del Toro?

Caracas has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Caracas 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 Caracas or Bocas del Toro?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Caracas or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?

Both Bocas del Toro and Caracas during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Caracas 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. Caracas usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Caracas gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Caracas. In the summer, Caracas often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Caracas gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun.

Caracas is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the summer. The daily temperature in Caracas averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Caracas 27°C (81°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Caracas and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Caracas 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 autumn. In October, Caracas usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Caracas gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In Caracas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Caracas usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Caracas gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Caracas is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Caracas in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Caracas 28°C (83°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Caracas as well as Bocas del Toro. Caracas 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. Caracas usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Caracas gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caracas this time of the year. In the winter, Caracas often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Caracas gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.

In January, Caracas is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Caracas average around 26°C (78°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Caracas 26°C (78°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)

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

Both Bocas del Toro and Caracas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Caracas 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 April, Caracas usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Caracas gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Caracas usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toro during spring. Caracas gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

Caracas is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the spring. The daily temperature in Caracas averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Caracas 27°C (80°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Caracas

Caracas Bocas del Toro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 319 mm (12.6 in)
Feb 25°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 281 mm (11.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 367 mm (14.4 in)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 402 mm (15.8 in)