Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Petra?
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 Petra or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Petra and Bocas del Toro can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Bocas del Toro?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Petra Prices
Jordan PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, 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 Petra and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Petra and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Petra 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: Petra Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
- Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $140
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
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 Petra or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Petra 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 dayPetra $66Bocas del Toro $47
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$12
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Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $50
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150
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.Petra $47Bocas del Toro $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
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Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- 2-Day Amman to Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea Adventure Tour: $220
- 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
- 3-Hour Private Petra Tour: Exclusive Classical Guided Experience: $55
- 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
- 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
- Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
- From Petra Wadi Rum Private 8 hours roundtrip tour : $140
- Hike Tour of Petra: $10
- Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour | Guide Sami Nawafleh: $225
- Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
- Petra Secret Backdoor Tour: Hidden Gems & Exclusive Experience: $240
- Private Full Day Tour to Aqaba Red Sea from Petra Hotels: $200
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$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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Bocas del Toro $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East 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 Bocas del Toro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bocas del Toro 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra than you might in Bocas del Toro.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Petra Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Bocas del Toro?
Petra has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra 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 Petra or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Petra as well as Bocas del Toro. Petra 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. Petra usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the summer, Petra often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun.
Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally a little warmer than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Petra or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra 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 October, Petra usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Petra is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Petra or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and Petra during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra 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. Petra usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Petra. In the winter, Petra often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Petra is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Petra or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra 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 spring. In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during spring. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Petra is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Petra
| Petra | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°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 | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.