Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Punta del Este?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Punta del Este or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este or Bocas del Toro, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Punta del Este or Bocas del Toro?
Punta del Este
Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, 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 dayPunta del Este $98Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, 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 Punta del Este and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $55Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $110Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este 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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $22Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
- Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $55
- Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $30
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 Punta del Este or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Punta del Este 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 dayPunta del Este $31Bocas 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.Punta del Este $11Bocas del Toro $22
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
- Colonia Wine Experience for Food & Wine Lovers: $180
- Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
- East Coast of Uruguay – Private Multi Day Tour: $2,600
- From Cabo Polonio - Full Day Private Tour: $1,000
- Full Day Private Shore Tour Montevideo from Punta Del Este Port: $292
- Full Experience Tasting Menu Viña Edén: $157
- Gourmet Food & Wine Experience from Punta del Este: $205
- Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
- Half Day Tour in Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio: $170
- La Vista 360 ticket de admisión: $11
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 dayPunta del Este $7.70Bocas del Toro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:
- Wine Tasting: $42
- Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $158
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Punta del Este is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Punta del Este 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 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 Punta del Este would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Bocas del Toro?
Bocas del Toro has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Bocas del Toro?
Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Punta del Este 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.
In January, Punta del Este is generally cooler than Bocas del Toroin July. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 23°C (73°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Punta del Este. Punta del Este usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Punta del Este gets 296 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. In January, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin July. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 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 JulyPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Punta del Este during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Punta del Este is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in October.
In the autumn, Punta del Este often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toroin October. Punta del Este gets 171 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. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toroin October. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 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 OctoberPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Punta del Este is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Punta del Este in July average around 10°C (50°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
Punta del Este usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Punta del Este gets 135 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, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin January. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 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 JanuaryPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Bocas del Toro. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In October, Punta del Este is generally much colder than Bocas del Toroin April. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 16°C (61°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Punta del Este this time of the year. In the spring, Punta del Este often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toroin April. Punta del Este gets 248 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. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toroin April. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 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 AprilPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | Bocas del Toro | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 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.