Is Boquete expensive to visit?
In Boquete, budget travelers spend $27 (B/.27) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $67 (B/.67) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $161 (B/.161) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Boquete.
Boquete is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you're not cautious, Boquete can become costly, but you can save with strategies like looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Central America, Boquete is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Central America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as David, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Puerto Viejo.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Boquete Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Boquete?
The average Boquete trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Boquete travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Boquete cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Boquete. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $27 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Luckily, Boquete has plenty of hostels, including Bambuda Castle, Blasina Beer Hostel , and La Casa de Doña Cata. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Visitors to Boquete typically prioritize the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks during their stay. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $67 per person, per day.
Boquete offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. The Riverside Inn Boquete is an excellent option for kids, and Boquete Garden Inn is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Boquete here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $161 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the destination, prepare for a pricier experience.
Accommodation Budget in Boquete
Boquete has a wide range of hotel prices. Luxury hotels come with higher price tags and better amenities, and prices are much steeper during peak season. On average, a room costs $122 in the off-season and averages $228 during peak season. Overall, you can expect prices from $56 to $608. Hostels, especially dorms, are cheaper alternatives. You can save by traveling in the low season, booking in advance, or looking for special offers.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Boquete for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $45 (B/.45). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $22 (B/.22) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Boquete? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Boquete include:
- Valle Escondido Resort Golf & Spa starting at $226
- Hotel Panamonte starting at $233
- The Riverside Inn Boquete starting at $94
- Boquete Garden Inn starting at $109
- The Inn at Palo Alto starting at $110
By avoiding the peak season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Boquete
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $5.21 (B/.5.22) per person, per day, on local transportation in Boquete. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Boquete is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$5.21
B/.5.22
There are many buses that can transport you to Boquete from other large cities around Panama and Costa Rica. This is an affordable option that allows you to see the beautiful Central American countryside while you travel. If you are traveling to Boquete internationally, there is an airport in David, which is about an hour from Boquete by bus.
Once in the town, you will be able to explore the city by foot. The bus terminal is in the main part of the city so once you step off the bus you can start exploring right away. If you wish to venture further outside the town center, there are buses that can take you to most places you would want to visit. There is also the option of hiring a tour company to take you to surrounding areas.
How much does it cost to go to Boquete? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Boquete will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Boquete
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Boquete can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Boquete is $32 (B/.32) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$32
B/.32
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Boquete is around $32 (B/.32) per person, with previous travelers spending from $13 to $72. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Boquete are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $10
- Lunch: $5 to $13
- Dinner: $10 to $22
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
This area of Panama is known as the "breadbasket" of the country. The food in this area is very fresh and you can find various types of cuisine all over. The Rock is a great place to get some the famous fresh produce in Boquete. They have many international dishes and main entrees start from $9.00. Big Daddy's Grill is known for having the freshest fish tacos in the whole town. It is a minute from the main plaza in town and is very popular among locals. They have also been known to make a delicious margarita. For the best bread, head to Morton's Bakehouse, where you can get any type of bread you could dream of!
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
Use a water bottle instead of splurging on drinks everywhere you go. It's a smart choice for the environment, too.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Boquete
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Boquete typically cost an average of $17 (B/.17) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$17
B/.17
The most beautiful sight in Boquete is much of is relatively untouched nature. This town is known as the "Valley of Flowers", and because it only became a destination for travelers recently, the scenery is a lot less commercialized than some of the neighboring countries.
Panama's highest point is located in Boquete, Volcan Baru, and if you climb it you have a perfect view of the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean on either side. There are also jeep tours that can take you to the top if you do not wish to hike.
The Chiriqui Viejo River in Boquete is a popular destination for white water rafters as it has some of the best Class 3 rapids in the world. Boquete Outdoor Adventures and Boquete Mountain Safari are great companies that offer year-round rafting trips. The trips are full day events with lunch and drinks included at the river.
Boquete is well known for the coffee that is grown there. A great activity is going to visit a coffee plantation to learn more about the coffee culture and why Boquete is one of the best places in the world for growing. For a larger scale coffee growing tour, Cafe Ruiz and Kotowa are the best places to visit. If you want more of a small-scale, intimate tour then Finca Dos Jefes is the best option. With this tour, you visit a coffee farm and are even able to roast and taste the coffee at the end.
The Quetzal Trail is a great activity for avid hikers. It is the trail between Boquete and Cerro Punta and takes about four hours one way. Many people do this hike in hopes of spotting a rare Quetzal Bird along the way. It is recommended that you hire a guide to take you along the trail, as it can be hard to navigate after its recent repairs.
Zip lining is a one of a kind activity in Boquete. Boquete Tree Trek can take you on a canopy tour through the Cloud Forest. The zip lines span over five kilometers and from the treetops you can see views like you've never seen before while gliding through the air. If you wish to do something a bit more relaxing, visit the Hot Springs Caldera. You will need to take a bus to Caldera and from there, take a taxi to the actual entrance to the springs. When you arrive, there are springs to the left of the entrance that are less likely to be crowded with tourists.
If you are visiting Boquete in March, be sure to check out the Jazz and Blues Festival. You can hear some of the best Blues and Latin Jazz music at a beautiful open-air amphitheater.
A nice way to explore destinations in Boquete is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Hiking Experience in Caldera Transportation Included for $85 details
- Dirtbike adventure in Boquete (half day) for $165 details
- Private E-Bike Coffee Tour in Boquete for $75 details
Boquete
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.