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

Should you visit Salto 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 Salto 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: Salto or Bocas del Toro?

Salto

Salto is in the citrus growing region of Northern Interior Uruguay, on the east bank of the Rio Uruguay. It is closely connected to the neighboring Argentinian city of Concordia that lies across the river on the western bank. Salto is Uruguay's second-largest city and the most northerly crossing point to Argentina. Salto is a very picturesque city that has a relaxing feel the entire year. However, people mostly come here for the nearby hot springs and the recreation area above the enormous Salto Grande hydroelectric dam.

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 Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Adventure Tours to Panama.


Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Salto?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Salto is $71, 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 Salto and Bocas del Toro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salto $30
    Bocas del Toro $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salto $60
    Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Salto and Bocas del Toro

Looking for a hotel in Salto 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 Salto


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: Salto Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salto $22
    Bocas del Toro $10

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
    $3.01

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 Salto or Bocas del Toro?

Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Salto 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
    Salto $25
    Bocas 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:


  • Lunch
    $15
  • Breakfast
    $14

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salto $18
    Bocas del Toro $22

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
    $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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salto $13
    Bocas del Toro $12


When comparing the travel costs between Salto 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 Salto 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 Salto Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Salto or Bocas del Toro?

Salto has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Salto 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 Salto or Bocas del Toro?

Salto 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 Salto or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?

Both Bocas del Toro and Salto during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.

In January, Salto is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toroin July. Daily temperatures in Salto average around 25°C (77°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Salto. In the summer, Salto often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toroin July. Salto gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 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 Salto. Salto usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toroin July. Salto gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Salto 25°C (77°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Salto and Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Salto is cooler than Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salto averages around 19°C (65°F) in April, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in October.

Salto usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Salto gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Salto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Salto usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin October. Salto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Salto 19°C (65°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Salto as well as Bocas del Toro. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.

In the winter, Salto is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salto in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

In the winter, Salto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toroin January. Salto gets 158 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. Salto usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toroin January. Salto gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Salto 12°C (54°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)

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

Both Bocas del Toro and Salto 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.

In October, Salto is generally cooler than Bocas del Toroin April. Daily temperatures in Salto average around 18°C (64°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salto. Salto usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during spring. Salto gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. It's quite rainy in Salto. In October, Salto usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin April. Salto gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Salto 18°C (64°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Salto

Salto Bocas del Toro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 319 mm (12.6 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in) 25°C (77°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)
Apr 19°C (65°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 281 mm (11.1 in)
Jun 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 20°C (69°F) 127 mm (5 in) 26°C (78°F) 367 mm (14.4 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 402 mm (15.8 in)