Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Foz do Iguacu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu 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: Foz do Iguacu or Bocas del Toro?
Foz do Iguacu
Foz do Iguacu is a larger city in Brazil that is most famous for the Iguacu Falls. The city serves as an entry point for Paraguay and Argentina as well. The obvious reason to visit the city is to see the beautiful falls, and together with Ciudad del Este, Paraguay and Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, it makes up one of the largest tourism sights in South America.
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 Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors 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 dayFoz do Iguacu $66Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Foz do Iguacu is $66, 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 Foz do Iguacu and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFoz do Iguacu $29Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFoz do Iguacu $58Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Foz do Iguacu 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: Foz do Iguacu Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Foz do Iguacu $13Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:
- Transfer IN IGU & Iguassu Falls Brazilian side & Macuco Boat Safari: $220
- Private E Bike Tour Iguaçu Waterfalls + Transfers + Tickets: $131
- Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $120
- Roundtrip Airport Transfer in Foz do Iguaçu: $49
- Transfer from Foz de Iguazu Airport to Hotels on the Argentine side: $42
- Private transfer from Foz do Iguaçu airport and bus station: $22
- Foz do Iguaçu Airport Private Transfer : $20
- Transfer Cataratas Argentina: $19
- IGU Airport Transfers: $17
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:
- 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 Foz do Iguacu or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Foz do Iguacu 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 dayFoz do Iguacu $22Bocas del Toro $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Foz do Iguacu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Foz do Iguacu.
- Official Entrance: Dinner with Latin American Show at Rafain Steakhouse: $52
- Entrance to Rafain with Dinner and Show: $74
- Rafain dinner Samba Show: $94
- Transport to Acaray Casino + dinner (optional): $100
- Dinner Show - Rafain Steakhouse : $100
- Rafain Steakhouse Show - Dinner and Show Included: $103
- Dinner Show at Rafain in Foz do Iguaçu: $107
- Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse Belmond Hotel Cataratas : $135
- Foz do Iguacu Dancing Musical Show with Dinner and Pickup: $208
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.Foz do Iguacu $24Bocas del Toro $22
Tours and Activities in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few actual costs in Foz do Iguacu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Days Private Tour Argentinean & Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls: $150
- 2-Day Private Tour Iguaçu Falls Brazil and Argentina: $229
- 2-Day Private Tour to Argentina and Brazil Falls: $112
- 2-Days Private Brasil & Argentina Iguassu Falls Experience : $116
- 2-day private tour Both waterfalls+ bird park: $199
- Airport IGU Pick-Up & Shopping In Paraguay & Hotel Drop-Off - Private Tour: $100
- Airport IGU Round Trip & Iguassu Falls Argentinean side & Great Adventure: $295
- Argentina Bike Experience: Interact with indigenous communities: $90
- Argentinean Side Iguassu Falls - Private Tour: $120
- Argentinian Side of the Falls - All Tickets Included: $92
- Argentinian Side of the Falls and Boat Tour Gran Aventura - All Tickets Included: $231
- Bird Park Tour: $25
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.
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFoz do Iguacu $12Bocas del Toro $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Foz do Iguacu from other travelers:
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Beer$0.88
When comparing the travel costs between Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Bocas del Toro?
Foz do Iguacu has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu or Bocas del Toro?
Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Foz do Iguacu during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Foz do Iguacu is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the summer. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Foz do Iguacu. Foz do Iguacu usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toroin July. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFoz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in October.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Foz do Iguacu usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin October. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFoz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as Bocas del Toro. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In July, Foz do Iguacu is generally cooler than Bocas del Toroin January. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 18°C (64°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Foz do Iguacu usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toroin January. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFoz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Foz do Iguacu is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the spring. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. It's quite rainy in Foz do Iguacu. In October, Foz do Iguacu usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin April. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFoz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Foz do Iguacu
| Foz do Iguacu | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.