Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Fortaleza?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza 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: Fortaleza or Bocas del Toro?
Fortaleza
A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.
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 Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, 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 dayFortaleza $69Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $69, 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 Fortaleza and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFortaleza $30Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFortaleza $60Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza 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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fortaleza $21Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $300
- Jericoacoara Private Transfer From Fortaleza: $273
- Private Transfer From FOR to Any Point in Fortaleza City: $270
- 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $259
- Departure Private Transfer: Jericoacoara to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $253
- Transfer 4 X 4 Fortaleza to Jericoacoara or Jericoacoara to Fortaleza: $240
- 4x4 Private Transfer Service : $180
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza to Canoa Quebrada: $173
- Fortaleza Airport to Canoa Quebrada One–Way Transfer: $160
- Transfer Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $153
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Icaraí-Amontada : $131
- Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Minivan: $117
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Fortaleza 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 dayFortaleza $24Bocas 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:
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Lunch$15
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Breakfast$14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fortaleza $15Bocas del Toro $22
Tours and Activities in Fortaleza
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.
- Águas Belas Tour: $15
- 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
- Beach Park Full-Day Trip Including Brief Tour of Fortaleza: $35
- Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $20
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $19
- City Tour Fortaleza - Full Day Cumbuco Beach Tour by Nettour: $26
- City-Tour and Fortaleza (central market, cathedral, Fort, Theaters, encetur, P.ferreira: $56
- Cumbuco Beach Tour: $12
- Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
- Fortaleza City Tour : $26
- Fortaleza Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $31
- 4-Hour City Car Tour: $266
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 dayFortaleza $9.97Bocas del Toro $12
When comparing the travel costs between Fortaleza and Bocas del Toro, 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 Fortaleza is in South America and Bocas del Toro is in Central 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 Fortaleza Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Bocas del Toro?
Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or Bocas del Toro?
Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the summer. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Fortaleza gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. In January, Fortaleza usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin July. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Fortaleza during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
In the autumn, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fortaleza in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in October.
In the autumn, Fortaleza often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toroin October. Fortaleza gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually gets more rain in April than Bocas del Toroin October. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFortaleza 27°C (80°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toroin January. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 26°C (79°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Fortaleza, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fortaleza usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Fortaleza gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Fortaleza usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin January. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFortaleza 26°C (79°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Bocas del Toro. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the spring. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza this time of the year. In the spring, Fortaleza often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toroin April. Fortaleza gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Fortaleza usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toroin April. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Fortaleza
| Fortaleza | Bocas del Toro | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 356 mm (14 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 44 mm (1.7 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.