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

Should you visit Luxor or Bocas del Toro?

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

Should I visit Luxor or Bocas del Toro? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Luxor or Bocas del Toro?

Luxor

Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.

The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.

Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.


Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Luxor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Luxor Prices
    Egypt Prices
    Bocas del Toro Prices
    Panama Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Luxor $33
    Bocas del Toro $96

The average daily cost (per person) in Luxor is $33, 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 Luxor and Bocas del Toro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luxor $11
    Bocas del Toro $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luxor $22
    Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Bocas del Toro

Looking for a hotel in Luxor 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 Luxor


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: Luxor Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luxor $5.64
    Bocas del Toro $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:

  • 3-Night Nile Cruise to Aswan with Transfers and Meals: $643
  • Comfortable Private Transfer from Luxor to El Cairo: $299
  • Private Transfer Luxor To Makadi - Car And Minibus Options: $260
  • Private Car And Minibus Transfer Luxor City To Soma Bay: $254
  • Private Transfer Luxor To Hurghada City - Car And Minibus Options: $247
  • Shared Transfer from Luxor to Aswan: $220
  • Private Pickup Transfers from Luxor to Cairo by Bus : $220
  • One-night Nile Cruise to Aswan with Transfer: $214
  • Luxor Airport (LXR) to El Queseir - Arrival Private Transfer : $195
  • Private transfer - from Luxor to Hurghada and visit Dendara en route: $192
  • Transfer Luxor to Hurghada including a Quad VIP safari adventure : $180
  • Vip Marsa Alam Private Transfer to Luxor: $180

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
    $3.00

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 Luxor or Bocas del Toro?

Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Luxor 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
    Luxor $16
    Bocas del Toro $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Luxor.

  • Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $31
  • Riding a felucca at Sunset and Dinner an Egyptian House in Luxor: $40
  • 3 Hours Culinary Journey with Family Food Tour in Luxor: $40
  • Luxor City Private Walking and Food Tour: $50
  • Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing in luxor: $60
  • Saray El Nile restaurant Dinner : $60
  • Enjoy Lunch or Dinner on a Luxor Nile River Boat: $60
  • Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca  : $64
  • private day in east bank & dendera with dinner on boat: $86
  • Luxor Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show with Dinner and Transfers: $95
  • Egyptian cooking class and Luxor museum : $120
  • Full day trip west Bank, Dandara and dinner on a boat.: $128

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.
    Luxor $10
    Bocas del Toro $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor

Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Boat Ride (for 2)
    $0.57
  • Temple Karnak for Two
    $2.73
  • Camel Ride for Two
    $1.26

Tours and Activities in Luxor

Here are a few actual costs in Luxor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Days Sightseeing Tour of Luxor Highlights: $120
  • Adventure Hot Air Balloon Ride Tour in Luxor: $79
  • Aswan and Abu Simbel private 2 days tour from Luxor : $220
  • Balloon Experience with Personalized Photography: $120
  • Balloon Tour and Sunset Felucca Ride in Luxor with Luxor Tour: $189
  • Balloon, Tour of Temples West Bank and Carter House in Luxor : $54
  • Day Private Tour to Karnak and Luxor Temples: $90
  • Day Tour of Luxor East & West Bank Temples and Tombs of Luxor: $140
  • Day Tour to Dendera and Abydos Temples from Luxor: $80
  • Day Tour to Hathor Temple at Dendera from Luxor by car: $90
  • Day Tour to Karnak temple and luxor temple from luxor: $77
  • Day tour to Aswan from Luxo visit Edfu,Kom Ombo,Phila Temples & Aswan dam.: $276

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
    $4.99

Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.

  • Zapatilla Island Hopping Day Tour: $49
  • Bioluminescence Tour - Bocas del Toro: $49
  • Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro: $50
  • Isla Colon Tour to Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach: $50
  • Bocas del Toro Island Hopping Day Tour in Zapatilla Beach: $51
  • From Isla Colon: Bocas del Toro Archipelago Boat Tour: $56
  • 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
  • Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
  • Bocas Biodiversity: A Birds & Wildlife EcoTour Experience: $76

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luxor $3.10
    Bocas del Toro $12


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

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


Which is Bigger, Luxor or Bocas del Toro?

Luxor has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Luxor 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 Luxor 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 Luxor or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?

Both Bocas del Toro and Luxor during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor 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. Luxor usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's very hot in Luxor this time of the year. Luxor is a little warmer than Bocas del Toro in the summer. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Luxor 33°C (91°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luxor and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor 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, Luxor usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Luxor gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Luxor is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luxor in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Luxor as well as Bocas del Toro. Luxor 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. Luxor usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Luxor is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Luxor average around 14°C (57°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Luxor 14°C (57°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)

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

Both Bocas del Toro and Luxor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor 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, Luxor usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Luxor is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the spring. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Luxor

Luxor Bocas del Toro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 319 mm (12.6 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (78°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 281 mm (11.1 in)
Jun 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (80°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (78°F) 367 mm (14.4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 402 mm (15.8 in)