Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Flores?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Flores or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Flores and Bocas del Toro can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Flores or Bocas del Toro?
Flores
The town of Flores is located in Peten, Guatemala. The main hub is located on an island on Lago Peten Itza, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. On the other side of the causeway are the towns of Santa Elena and San Benito, however, all three are often referred to as Flores. Most people visit the area for its proximity to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, though the town itself is also charming with colonial buildings and historic churches lining the cobbled streets.
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 Tours for Seniors to Guatemala, The Best G Adventures Tours to Guatemala, The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Panama.
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Flores Prices
Guatemala PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFlores $43Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Flores is $43, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is $96. 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 Flores and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlores $8.78Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlores $18Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Flores and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Flores 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: Flores Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Flores $8.01Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Flores
Also for Flores, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Same day Round-Trip VIP Exclusive Transfer to Tikal from Flores: $160
- Tikal Transfer and Tour Guide From Flores: $90
- One way shared transfer to Semuc Champey, Lanquin: $49
- Transfer from Flores to Semuc Champey, Lanquin, Tourists Only: $40
- Flores, Peten: One way shared transfer to Rio Dulce, Izabal: $39
- From Flores, Peten: One way shared transfer to Tikal: $39
- Tikal National Park Guided Tour with Transfers: $24
- Bus transfer from Flores, Guatemala to Belize City: $20
- Belize/Caye Caulke/San Pedro Van or Ferry Transfer: $20
- Transfer : Mayan World Airport to Flores Island Hotels: $10
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$3.00
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Flores or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Flores 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 dayFlores $23Bocas del Toro $47
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.Flores $20Bocas del Toro $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Flores
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Flores's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Tikal Entrance (for 2)$39
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Map of Tikal$3.28
Tours and Activities in Flores
For Flores, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Day Tour to Tikal and Yaxhá from Flores Island: $220
- 4 Hours Private Tour to see the sunset at El Rey Canek Viewpoint: $100
- All Inclusive Tikal Tour from Flores and Airport: $105
- All Inclusive Tikal Tour from Flores or Mayan World Airport: $78
- Basic Tour to Tikal Includes Transportation and Guide Service: $25
- 1-Day Tikal Tour Private Service From your Hotel: $185
- Blue Crater, Imox Lagoon & Hidden Pools Tour: $75
- Tikal National Park Tour with Mayan Energy Reading: $222
- Yaxha Shared Sunset Tour with Transportation & Guide: $25
- From Flores Guided Tour to Tikal with transportation + lunch: $75
- From Flores Petén: Tour to Playa 3 Naciones: $150
- From 2-Day Semuc Champey Tour with Caves & Tubing: $38
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$5.00
Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.
- A Bocas Mangrove Kayak & Reef Snorkel Eco Tour: $100
- Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro: $50
- Bocas Del Toro Dolphin Bay, Chocolate Farm and Snorkel Tour: $119
- Bocas del Toro Boat Tour Zapatilla Snorkeling and Island Hopping: $76
- Bocas del Toro Catamaran Day Tour with Sail Snorkel and Lunch: $89
- Bocas del Toro Island Hopping Day Tour in Zapatilla Beach: $51
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Isla Colon Tour to Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach: $50
- Speed Boat tour to Mangrove Point -Starfish Beach -Bocas del Drago and Birds Island: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlores $21Bocas del Toro $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Flores
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Flores are as follows:
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Two Margaritas$2.62
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Flores and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro is more expensive. And not only is Flores much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Flores would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Flores 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 Flores.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Flores Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Flores or Bocas del Toro?
Flores has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Flores 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.
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.