Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Manaus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Manaus or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Manaus 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: Manaus or Bocas del Toro?
Manaus
Manaus is a Brazilian city, capital of the state of Amazonas, and is located on the Rio Negro a few miles before it meets the Rio Solimões to form the Amazon River. The city is a major departure point for those visiting the Amazon Rainforest, though there are a few sights worth seeing within the city itself as well.
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 Brazil, The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Panama.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManaus $59Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Manaus is $59, 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 Manaus and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManaus $42Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManaus $84Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Manaus and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Manaus 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: Manaus Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manaus $7.94Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus
Also for Manaus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 24-hour private group transfer service airport -> hotel: $95
- Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Eduardo Gomes International Airport: $72
- Manaus Airport(MAO) to Manaus hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
- Transfers from the airport to any place in Manaus City: $40
- Transfer from Manaus Airport to Manaus City: $40
- Private Transfer - Airport - Hotel / Hotel - Airport: $34
- Manaus private Airport transfer: $30
- Manaus hotels to Manaus Airport(MAO) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Manaus Airport (MAO) to Manaus hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
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 from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
- Transfer Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
- Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Manaus or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Manaus 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 dayManaus $12Bocas del Toro $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manaus
For Manaus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Folklore Amazonian Dinner Show: $42
- Food Tour: $50
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.Manaus -Bocas del Toro $22
Tours and Activities in Manaus
For Manaus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Adventure: 4-hour hike in the Amazon rainforest: $150
- Amazon Experience: meet a native village and swim with porpoises: $80
- Amazon Jungle Experience with Overnight: $300
- Amazon Jungle: 3- or 4-Day Tour at Ipanema River Guest House: $200
- Amazon Negro River Half-Day Expedition Tour: $55
- Amazon Private Safari by Tuhiri Eco Tour - Leaving Manaus: $199
- Amazon River Stand Up Paddling Tour: $124
- Amazon and Negro Rivers Experience with Night Exploration Tour: $300
- City Tour Plus Amazon River Tour: $100
- City Tour in Manaus at Teatro Amazonas and Praça da Matriz: $50
- City Tour no Centro Histórico de Manaus com um fotógrafo: $90
- City-tour privado no centro histórico de Manaus: $97
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 dayManaus $2.84Bocas del Toro $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manaus and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro is more expensive. And not only is Manaus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manaus 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 Manaus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manaus 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 Manaus.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manaus Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manaus or Bocas del Toro?
Manaus has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Manaus 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 Manaus or Bocas del Toro?
Manaus 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 Manaus or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manaus and Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Manaus is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the summer. The daily temperature in Manaus averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.
Manaus usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Manaus gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manaus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Manaus usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin July. Manaus gets 264 mm (10.4 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 JulyManaus 27°C (81°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Manaus or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Manaus as well as Bocas del Toro. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In the autumn, Manaus is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manaus in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in October.
In the autumn, Manaus often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toroin October. Manaus gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Manaus receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manaus usually gets more rain in April than Bocas del Toroin October. Manaus gets 311 mm (12.3 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 OctoberManaus 28°C (82°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Manaus or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and Manaus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Manaus is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toroin January. Daily temperatures in Manaus average around 28°C (82°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Manaus. Manaus usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Manaus gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In July, Manaus usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin January. Manaus gets 85 mm (3.4 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 JanuaryManaus 28°C (82°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Manaus or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Manaus during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Manaus is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the spring. The daily temperature in Manaus averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.
In the spring, Manaus often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toroin April. Manaus gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 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 Manaus. Manaus usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toroin April. Manaus gets 113 mm (4.4 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 AprilManaus 29°C (84°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Manaus
| Manaus | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 264 mm (10.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 311 mm (12.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.6 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.