Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tulum or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Bocas del Toro can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Tulum or Bocas del Toro?
Tulum
When you think of ancient ruins you probably picture dusty archaeological digs surrounded by sand and professors in khaki shorts. What if I told you there is a way to see ancient ruins and visit a tropical beach? That's exactly what you find in Tulum, Mexico.
Built near the end of Mayan era, the ruins of Tulum served as a port before the arrival of the Spanish. It may have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, given that these ruins face the sunrise. Because of Tulum's access to both land and sea routes, this spot was an important hub for the trade industry. It may have had another claim to fame, too. According to some murals and other works around the site, it seems this spot was an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending God. Today, the area is the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico with daily tour buses dropping off visitors.
This area is usually packed with people looking to get a glimpse of the seaside ruins. To avoid crowds and capture the best view of the day, try to arrive as early as possible.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, 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 dayTulum $122Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, 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 Tulum and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $60Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $120Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Tulum 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: Tulum Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $28Bocas del Toro $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
- Round-trip Private Transfer Cancun Airport to TULUM - up to 9 pax: $299
- Roundtrip Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $269
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $254
- Transfer from Tulum airport to Bacalar: $233
- Private Luxury Transfer Tulum to Cancun Airport: $220
- Private Transfer Tulum-Bacalar with optional 2h in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: $210
- Private Transfer From Cancun Airport - Tulum: $208
- Cancun Airport Departure transfer from Akumal, Tulum: $191
- Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $182
- Private Transfer Tulum Zone - Cancun International Airport: $160
- One Way Private Tulum Transfers to or from Cancun Airport: $160
- Tulum to Mahahual - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $160
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:
- Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $42
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
- Transfer Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Tulum 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 dayTulum $34Bocas del Toro $27
Typical Food Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Lunch$3.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.
- Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $86
- Vegan Walking Food Tour with Tasting: $87
- Mexican Cooking from Scratch and Mezcal Tasting in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
- Mayan Night Guided Tour, Cenote Swim and Mayan Dinner: $209
- Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299
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.Tulum $32Bocas del Toro $22
Tours and Activities in Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- Private Tour - The best Cenotes in Yucatan - Suytun & Oxman: $195
- Romantic tour in Tulum: $169
- 4-Hour Cenotes Tour with Hotel Pickup in Riviera Maya: $109
- 5 Hours Mayan Snorkeling Experience in Tulum: $90
- 5x1 Deluxe Tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote Transportation from Tulum: $88
- 5x1: Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Mayan Village Full Day Tour: $99
- ATV Cenote and Zipline Adventure from Tulum: $119
- ATV Extreme Adventure Single with Ziplines and Cenote Swim: $137
- ATV Jungle Adventure with Ziplines, Cenote & Tulum Pickup: $75
- ATV Tour with Ziplines and Cenote Swim Experience in Quintana Roo: $59
- Adventure Tulum: $105
- Adventure in the Mayan Jungle with ATV and Zip Line in Tulum: $90
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.
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $25Bocas del Toro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Tulum
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:
- 30 Minutes Brewery Tour in Tulum: $39
- Wine Tasting at Pan y Vino Tulum: $58
- Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour: $69
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum is in North 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 Tulum would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tulum 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 Tulum Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or Bocas del Toro?
Bocas del Toro has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum or Bocas del Toro?
Tulum 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 Tulum or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Bocas del Toro. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In the summer, Tulum is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tulum in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the summer, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Tulum receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTulum 28°C (83°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Tulum because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. It's quite rainy in Tulum. In October, Tulum usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and Tulum during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Tulum is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the winter. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Tulum gets 213 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. Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTulum 23°C (74°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Bocas del Toro. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Tulum is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tulum in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Tulum
| Tulum | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 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.