Search Hotels in Santa Elena

Top reasons to visit Santa Elena

• Stunning Beaches: Santa Elena boasts beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxation and water activities.
• Outdoor Adventures: Explore the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve and enjoy thrilling excursions and wildlife experiences.
• Charming Coastal Towns: Discover picturesque towns that blend rustic elegance with adventure and friendly local culture.
• Cultural Immersion: Visit historic churches and parks to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region.
• Variety of Accommodations: Choose from cozy hostels to pet-friendly hotels tailored to every traveler's needs.

Find great hotels in Santa Elena

Discover a range of hotel accommodations in Santa Elena, Ecuador, perfect for your beach getaway or adventure vacation. Whether you're seeking a cozy hostel or a pet-friendly hotel, you'll find excellent options tailored to your needs. Enjoy the vibrant local culture and stunning coastal scenery as you explore the best hotels in Santa Elena that cater to every traveler's desire.

• Hotel Colón Salinas: This 4-star gem is perfect for travelers seeking a blend of business and leisure. Located in Santa Elena, Hotel Colón Salinas boasts direct access to the beach, allowing guests to enjoy the sun and surf at their convenience. The hotel features modern amenities designed for both relaxation and productivity, making it an ideal choice for those on business trips or beach vacations. With a focus on comfort and service, guests can enjoy a seamless experience while soaking up the coastal atmosphere.
• Blue Bay Hotel: Emphasizing a laid-back beach vacation experience, Blue Bay Hotel is a 3-star retreat nestled in Santa Elena. This hotel is a haven for beach lovers, offering direct access to the sandy shores. The inviting ambiance and friendly staff make it a wonderful spot for those looking to relax and escape the hustle of everyday life. Guests can immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings, making it a perfect choice for memorable beach getaways.
• Hosteria la Costanera: Hosteria la Costanera is a charming 3-star accommodation in Santa Elena that caters to both relaxation and entertainment. With complimentary breakfast options including continental meals, guests can start their day right. The property features various entertainment amenities like television, flat-screen TVs, and cable TV, ensuring a cozy stay. This hotel is ideal for travelers seeking comfort and convenience, with easy access to local attractions and the beautiful coastline.

Where to stay in Santa Elena

Santa Elena, Ecuador, is a stunning destination perfect for beach and outdoor enthusiasts. Explore its picturesque coastal towns, where rustic elegance meets adventure. Enjoy breathtaking terraces with views of the ocean, and immerse yourself in a relaxing environment filled with friendly locals. Whether you seek thrilling activities or a peaceful escape, Santa Elena offers the ideal atmosphere to unwind and create unforgettable memories.

• Salinas: Nestled along the Pacific coast, Salinas is a vibrant city known for its stunning beaches and outdoor adventures. With a warm climate year-round, travelers flock to Salinas primarily from January to February and July, seeking beach activities and thrilling outdoor experiences. The city boasts a lively shopping center and a mall, perfect for those looking to indulge in retail therapy after a day at the beach. Notable landmarks include the picturesque national park and the bustling dock port, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and exploration.
• Manglaralto: Located close to Salinas, Manglaralto is a charming city that attracts visitors with its laid-back beach vibe and adventurous spirit. Peak travel months are January to February and August, with fewer visitors in June and September to October. Surfing enthusiasts will find this area particularly appealing, as the waves here are perfect for catching some thrills. The local beaches are complemented by a national state park and scenic lookouts, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and breathtaking views. Whether you’re looking to relax by the shore or engage in exciting water sports, Manglaralto has something for everyone.
• Santa Elena: As the heart of the province, Santa Elena is a bustling city that serves as a gateway to coastal adventures. Visitors are drawn here throughout the year, with peak seasons in January to February and September. The city's beautiful beaches and family-friendly areas offer a variety of outdoor activities for all ages. Popular local attractions include lookouts that provide stunning views of the coastline, making it a perfect spot for photography and relaxation. Santa Elena's vibrant atmosphere and proximity to nature make it an essential stop for anyone looking to experience the best of Ecuador's coastal charm.

Things to do in Santa Elena

Santa Elena, Ecuador, is a perfect destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning scenery and various activities. Visitors can enjoy excursions, sustainable tours, and night wildlife experiences, along with vibrant shopping centers and malls. For thrill-seekers, Costa Rica Sky Adventures adds an exciting touch to your vacation. Experience the beauty and adventure that Santa Elena has to offer.

Shopping

In Santa Elena, you can enjoy shopping at El Paseo Shopping La Peninsula, which offers a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. For a local experience, check out Locals Point, where you'll find a variety of shops with a city atmosphere perfect for gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

In Santa Elena, unwind at the serene Hostería La Roca, where holistic wellness packages include yoga, meditation, and natural therapies amidst lush gardens. Nearby, the tranquil Montañita Beach offers surf lessons and beach yoga, perfect for rejuvenating your mind and body while enjoying the stunning coastline.

Adventure

In Santa Elena, explore the stunning landscapes of the Machalilla National Park, where hiking trails lead to breathtaking views and diverse wildlife. Experience thrilling water sports at Montañita Beach, famous for surfing and vibrant beach culture. Don't miss the captivating local culture and delicious seafood in the charming coastal towns.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Santa Elena is vibrant and lively, perfect for those looking to unwind. Enjoy a refreshing drink at La Terraza, or dance the night away at Club La Playa. For a more relaxed vibe, try the local bars along the beach, where you can soak in the coastal atmosphere.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Elena

To save money during your trip to Santa Elena, plan your visit between May to June or September for lower accommodation prices. Tuesdays offer the best hotel rates, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find deals by filtering for eco-certified hotels or sorting by price from lowest to highest. Consider booking a package deal that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Take advantage of free activities and explore the area on foot to reduce transportation costs.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Santa Elena are May to June and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Santa Elena is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Santa Elena is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation in Santa Elena with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions in Santa Elena

Santa Elena, Ecuador, offers a perfect blend of beach, outdoor, and scenic experiences for travelers. With popular attractions including stunning beaches, charming parks, and historic churches, visitors can immerse themselves in both culture and nature. Don't miss exploring the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve and the nearby Santa Elena Reserve for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

• Salinas Beach: Enjoy the vibrant beach vibes at Salinas Beach, where the warm sun and gentle waves create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and fun. With its golden sands and lively atmosphere, it's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and indulging in local seafood.
• Ballenita Park: This eco-friendly park offers a serene escape for families, featuring lush greenery, walking paths, and picnic areas. It's an ideal place to unwind while surrounded by nature, making it perfect for a leisurely day out with loved ones.
• Montanita Church: Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the area at Montanita Church. This charming church showcases beautiful architecture and provides a peaceful space for reflection, allowing visitors to appreciate the local traditions and community spirit.

Best time to go to Santa Elena

The best time to visit Santa Elena is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. March is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. August is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	76.3°F (24.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	77.7°F (25.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly High
March	78.1°F (25.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	76.8°F (24.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	75.2°F (24.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	73.6°F (23.1°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
July	72.0°F (22.200000000000003°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
August	70.7°F (21.5°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	70.9°F (21.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
October	71.2°F (21.8°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	72.1°F (22.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
December	73.9°F (23.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Santa Elena

When planning your visit to Santa Elena, Ecuador, you can fly into two major airports. Guayaquil (GYE-Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Intl.) is 107.8km away, with nearby hotels like the 5-star Sheraton Guayaquil Hotel, located 1.1km from the airport, and offering various transportation services, including a 24-hour airport shuttle. Manta (MEC-Eloy Alfaro Intl.) is 143.2km away, with excellent accommodations such as the 4.5-star Wyndham Manta Sail Plaza Hotel, just 8.0km from the airport, providing transfers and shuttles. Both airports serve as convenient gateways to explore the beautiful region of Santa Elena.