Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Santa Elena?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santa Elena or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Santa Elena and Bocas del Toro. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Santa Elena or Bocas del Toro?
Santa Elena
Santa Elena is a cute town, and the closest to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. It's one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, and is a great place to experience the cloud forest and see some of country's unique wildlife.
In the Monteverde Cloud Forest you have a good chance of seeing rare quetzals which are the national bird of Costa Rica. Other common animals include white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, orange-kneed tarantulas, any of 8-9 species of hummingbirds, and sloth.
Santa Elena is about 1,400 meters above sea level and has a humid and damp environment. The average yearly temperature is 64 degrees Fahrenheit and the average rainfall is 3,000 millimetres. Humidity can be anywhere between 74% and 97%.
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 G Adventures Tours to Costa Rica, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Costa Rica, 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 daySanta Elena $92Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Santa Elena is $92, 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 Santa Elena and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSanta Elena $55Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSanta Elena $110Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Santa Elena and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Santa Elena 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: Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santa Elena $11Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Elena
Also for Santa Elena, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One Way Private Transfer from Monteverde - Liberia: $276
- Private Transfer From Monteverde To La Fortuna From 1 to 6 passengers: $270
- Private Transfer From Monteverde to San Jose With 2 Stops: $211
- Direct transfer from Monteverde to San Jose, English Speaking Driver: $179
- Peñas Blancas to Liberia Airport (LIR) Departure Private Transfer: $38
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 Santa Elena or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Santa Elena 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 daySanta Elena $24Bocas del Toro $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Elena
For Santa Elena, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Night Walk in Monteverde with Dinner Included: $55
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.Santa Elena $30Bocas del Toro $22
Tours and Activities in Santa Elena
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santa Elena.
- Cloud Forest hanging bridges with a local naturalist tour guide: $70
- Curi-cancha Bird-Watching tour semi private : $50
- Day & Night Nature Tour in Monteverde Combo tour : $190
- Wildlife Tour in Curicancha : $25
- 100% Adventure Park Combo: Zipline, Superman, and Mega Tarzan Tour in Monteverde: $57
- 3 hours of the Longest and Highest Extreme Zip line Experience in Monteverde: $80
- 5-in-1 Monteverde Cloud Forest Experience with Ziplining and Hanging Bridges: $232
- Adventure Day - Outdoor activities for Family and Friends Special Package.: $29
- Adventure Park High Ropes Course : $69
- Authentic experience of Coffee, Cane and Caco inside the forest: $37
- Bird Watching Experience in Monteverde: $90
- Bird-Watching private tour : $100
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 daySanta Elena $6.22Bocas del Toro $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santa Elena and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Santa Elena is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Santa Elena would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Elena 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 Santa Elena Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Santa Elena or Bocas del Toro?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Santa Elena or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Santa Elena are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Santa Elena 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. It's quite rainy in Santa Elena. In July, Santa Elena usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Santa Elena gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Santa Elena usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Santa Elena gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Santa Elena is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Santa Elena average around 28°C (82°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySanta Elena 28°C (82°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Santa Elena or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Santa Elena during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Santa Elena 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Santa Elena. Santa Elena usually gets more rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Santa Elena gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Santa Elena often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toro. Santa Elena gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.
Santa Elena is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santa Elena averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSanta Elena 27°C (81°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Santa Elena or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Elena and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Santa Elena 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 winter. In January, Santa Elena usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Santa Elena gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In Santa Elena, it's very sunny this time of the year. Santa Elena usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Santa Elena gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Santa Elena is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santa Elena in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySanta Elena 27°C (81°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Santa Elena or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Santa Elena as well as Bocas del Toro. Santa Elena 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. Santa Elena usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Santa Elena gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santa Elena this time of the year. In the spring, Santa Elena often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Santa Elena gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun.
In April, Santa Elena is generally a little warmer than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Santa Elena average around 29°C (85°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSanta Elena 29°C (85°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Santa Elena
| Santa Elena | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.