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

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.


Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Tulum?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Tulum Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Bocas del Toro Prices
    Panama Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tulum $133
    Bocas del Toro $96

The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $133, 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 Tulum and Bocas del Toro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tulum $54
    Bocas del Toro $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tulum $108
    Bocas 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.

Hotels in Tulum


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: Tulum Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tulum $25
    Bocas del Toro $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:

  • Roundtrip Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $269
  • Luxury SUV Private Transfer from Riviera Maya to Cancun Airport: $261
  • Private Transfer Tulum-Bacalar with optional 2h in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: $261
  • Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $250
  • Luxury Tulum Transfer from Tulum Airport: $220
  • Private Luxury Transfer Tulum to Cancun Airport: $220
  • Tulum Hotels to Merida Rejon Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $215
  • Tulum to Mahahual - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $206
  • Private Luxury SUV Transfers from Tulum Airport : $195
  • Tulum Archaeological Zone: Cenote, Lunch & Transfer: $191
  • Tulum to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $190
  • One Way Private Transfer Tulum Zone - Cancun Int Airport: $170

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
    $3.00

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 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tulum $54
    Bocas del Toro $47
Typical Food Prices in Tulum

Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:


  • Lunch
    $2.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.

  • Salsa Class with Mezcalita Workshop & Mexican Dinner in Tulum: $83
  • Mexican Cooking from Scratch in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
  • Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $88
  • Temazcal Mayan Ritual Tour and Cenote Swim with Yucatecan Dinner: $120
  • 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:


  • Lunch
    $15
  • Breakfast
    $14

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tulum $29
    Bocas del Toro $21

Tours and Activities in Tulum

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:

  • Chichen Itza & Cenote Chichikan Bus Tour Experience from Tulum: $71
  • Full Day Tour from Tulum to Rio Lagartos: $229
  • Private Tour - The best Cenotes in Yucatan - Suytun & Oxman: $195
  • Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Guided Tour: $220
  • Tulum Extreme Mayan Adventure with ATV, Zipline and Cenote: $38
  • 2 Cenotes Private Tour – VIP Adventure with Expert Guide: $154
  • 2 tanks Cenote Diving Adventure in Tulum for Certified Divers: $200
  • 3 in 1 Experience in Tulum: $111
  • 5 Hours Mayan Snorkeling Experience in Tulum: $94
  • 5x1 Deluxe Tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote Transportation from Tulum: $88
  • ATV Adventure and Horseback Ride with Ziplines, Cenote from Tulum: $82
  • ATV Cenote and Ziplines Adventure in Tulum from Riviera Maya: $30

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
    $4.99

Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.

  • Zapatilla Island Hopping Day Tour: $49
  • Bioluminescence Tour - Bocas del Toro: $49
  • Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro: $50
  • Isla Colon Tour to Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach: $50
  • Bocas del Toro Island Hopping Day Tour in Zapatilla Beach: $51
  • From Isla Colon: Bocas del Toro Archipelago Boat Tour: $56
  • 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
  • Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
  • Bocas Biodiversity: A Birds & Wildlife EcoTour Experience: $76

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tulum $23
    Bocas 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
  • 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tulum 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tulum 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tulum 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tulum 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)