Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Colonia del Sacramento?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Colonia del Sacramento and Bocas del Toro can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Bocas del Toro?
Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento is in the Rio de la Plata region of Uruguay. It is filled with old colonial buildings and cobbled streets, and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Colonia del Sacramento was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, sandwiched in between the Portuguese colony of Brazil and the Spanish Viceroyalty of the River Plate, later Argentina, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. Its strategic position and use as a smuggling port meant that its sovereignty was constantly contested and the city changed hands several times between Spain and Portugal. The irresistibly picturesque town's charm and its proximity to Buenos Aires draw thousands of Argentine and other visitors on weekends and in summer. Prices rise in these periods and it can be difficult to find a room so make sure to book your trip well in advance.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Colonia del Sacramento Prices
Uruguay PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayColonia del Sacramento $79Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Colonia del Sacramento is $79, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is $96. 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 Colonia del Sacramento and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColonia del Sacramento $33Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColonia del Sacramento $66Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento 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: Colonia del Sacramento Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $17Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colonia del Sacramento
Also for Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Colonia to Carmelo (or vice - versa): $290
- Wine Tour to Cerros de San Juan Winery + Lunch & Transfer: $225
- Colonia Port Terminal Private Transfer : $15
- Colonia Bus Terminal Private Transfer : $15
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$3.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bocas del Toro
Also for Bocas del Toro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Colonia del Sacramento or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Colonia del Sacramento 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 dayColonia del Sacramento $31Bocas del Toro $47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colonia del Sacramento
For Colonia del Sacramento, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sensory Experience - Blind dinner in Colonia Del Sacramento: $95
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.Colonia del Sacramento $23Bocas del Toro $21
Tours and Activities in Colonia del Sacramento
For Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Barrio Sur Tour: Explore Colonia del Sacramento at Sunset: $35
- Bus Ticket from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo: $27
- Candombe in Colonia: an immersive experience with the local community: $75
- City Tour Colonia del Sacramento - Uruguay: $90
- City tour by vehicle throughout the city and visit to the Plaza de Toros.: $80
- Colonia : Tour Barrio Sur UNESCO World Heritage Site with a local guide: $25
- Colonia del Sacramento City Tour : $68
- City Tour Walking and Van Tour: $50
- Guided City Tour: $59
- Historical Walking Tour: $27
- Small Group City Tour: $60
- Top-Rated Shared Walking Tour: $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:
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Island Boat Tour$25
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Starfish Island Boat Trip$20
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Yoga Class$4.99
Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.
- Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro: $50
- Bioluminescence Tour - Bocas del Toro: $49
- Bocas Biodiversity: A Birds & Wildlife EcoTour Experience: $76
- Bocas del Toro Island Hopping Day Tour in Zapatilla Beach: $51
- From Isla Colon: Bocas del Toro Archipelago Boat Tour: $56
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Isla Colon Tour to Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach: $50
- 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
- Zapatilla Island Hopping Day Tour: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayColonia del Sacramento $5.64Bocas del Toro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Colonia del Sacramento
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Colonia del Sacramento:
- Cheese and Wine Tasting - Roots of Colonia del Sacramento: $28
- Colonia del Sacramento Private Walking Tour with Cheese and Wine Tasting: $97
- Private Guided Colonia Wine Tour: $190
- Indulge in a Scenic Wine Tour from Colonia to Carmelo : $250
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colonia del Sacramento and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro is more expensive. And not only is Colonia del Sacramento much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Colonia del Sacramento 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 Bocas del Toro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bocas del Toro than you might in Colonia del Sacramento.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Colonia del Sacramento Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Bocas del Toro?
Colonia del Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento or Bocas del Toro?
Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Colonia del Sacramento is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.
In Colonia del Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Colonia del Sacramento gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 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 JulyColonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Bocas del Toro. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In April, Colonia del Sacramento is generally cooler than Bocas del Toroin October. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 18°C (65°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In the autumn, Colonia del Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toroin October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 183 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. Colonia del Sacramento receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toroin October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 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 OctoberColonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and Colonia del Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the winter. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Colonia del Sacramento gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In July, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 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 JanuaryColonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Colonia del Sacramento during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
In the spring, Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Colonia del Sacramento. In the spring, Colonia del Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toroin April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 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 Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toroin April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 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 AprilColonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Colonia del Sacramento
| Colonia del Sacramento | Bocas del Toro | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 89 mm (3.5 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.