Find hotels in Santa Elena from NT$638

Top reasons to visit Santa Elena

• Outdoor Adventures: Experience thrilling activities like ziplining and hiking through lush rainforests and vibrant wildlife.
• Stunning Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking landscapes at Explora Park and surrounding nature reserves.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Discover various excursions suitable for all ages, ensuring fun for the whole family.
• Welcoming Atmosphere: Explore the charming pueblo with friendly locals and a rich cultural vibe.
• Diverse Accommodations: Choose from cozy bed & breakfasts to adventurous hotels tailored to suit your needs.

Find great hotels in and around Santa Elena

Santa Elena offers a diverse selection of accommodations, from cozy bed & breakfasts to adventurous hotels perfect for families and business travelers alike. Whether you're seeking the best hotels with stunning views or convenient access to local attractions, you'll find plenty of options to enhance your Costa Rican vacation experience. Explore the unique charm of Santa Elena and enjoy a memorable stay tailored to your needs.

• Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails: Nestled 19.3km from Santa Elena, this 3-star lodge offers a unique hot spring and spa-themed experience. It’s perfect for families seeking adventure and relaxation, featuring a natural hot spring nearby. The lodge caters to children with amenities such as an arcade game room, a children’s pool with a safety gate, a ping pong table, and a shared playground. The full-service spa enhances your stay, providing couples treatment rooms, facial treatments, and a pool access ramp, ensuring a tranquil environment for relaxation amidst the lush Costa Rican landscape.
• Camino Verde Bed & Breakfast: Located in the heart of Santa Elena, this charming 3-star bed and breakfast is ideal for nature lovers. With its inviting atmosphere and proximity to stunning natural attractions, guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of the region. The property emphasizes a cozy and intimate ambiance, making it a perfect retreat for those looking to explore Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity. Guests appreciate the personalized service and the opportunity to experience local flora and fauna right at their doorstep, making it an ideal lodging choice for an enriching getaway.
• Hotel Belmar: A luxurious 3.5-star hotel situated 3.2km from Santa Elena, Hotel Belmar is a haven for those seeking a spa-themed escape. The property boasts a full-service spa where guests can indulge in massages and a variety of wellness treatments. Its upscale accommodations provide a serene and elegant atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for relaxation after a day of exploring. Renowned for its attentive service and beautiful surroundings, this hotel ensures a sophisticated stay, allowing travelers to unwind in comfort while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Monteverde region.

Where to stay in Santa Elena

Santa Elena, nestled in the lush landscapes of Monteverde, offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. Explore the cozy pueblo, where friendly locals create a welcoming atmosphere. Within walking distance, discover stunning scenery and family-friendly activities. This charming village is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, providing access to lush rainforests and vibrant wildlife, making it an ideal destination for a memorable Costa Rican vacation.

• Monteverde: Nestled in the lush mountains of Puntarenas Province, Monteverde is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Known for its rich biodiversity and stunning cloud forests, this city attracts visitors year-round, with peak seasons from January to March. Adventure seekers can explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, go zip-lining through the treetops, or unwind at one of the local spas. The nearby attractions, including national parks and scenic volcanoes, provide ample opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing, making Monteverde a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure and scenic beauty.
• San Luis: Located a mere 3.2km from Santa Elena, San Luis is a charming village that offers a peaceful escape into nature. With a similarly steady flow of tourists, especially in March and the holiday season, San Luis is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in outdoor activities. Explore the local nature reserves, visit the nearby waterfall, or enjoy hiking trails that showcase the breathtaking landscapes. This village is perfect for nature lovers looking to experience the serene beauty of Costa Rica's countryside.
• La Lindora: Just 4.8km away from Santa Elena, La Lindora is a quaint village that blends adventure with eco-friendly experiences. This vibrant community attracts visitors throughout the year, especially during the peak months of March and the holiday season. Take advantage of the shopping centers and areas that offer local crafts and souvenirs, while also enjoying the proximity to beautiful nature reserves, beaches, and lakes. La Lindora is ideal for travelers who appreciate adventure and want to support sustainable tourism while exploring Costa Rica's stunning landscapes.

Things to do in and around Santa Elena

Santa Elena offers an exciting blend of outdoor adventures and stunning scenery perfect for vacationers. Visitors can enjoy exhilarating activities like ziplining and exploring the beautiful landscapes at Explora Park. There are also family-friendly excursions available, along with options for outdoor seating to relax and soak in the natural beauty. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, Santa Elena has something for everyone.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience, visit the San Ramon Municipal Market, located 46.7km from Santa Elena, where you can find local crafts and fresh produce. If you're up for a drive, El Pilon Station, 48.3km away, offers a variety of shops in a vibrant atmosphere perfect for families.

Recreation

At Termales Los Laureles, indulge in soothing hot springs and enjoy nature trails that promote relaxation. Wellness Park Costa Rica offers serene landscapes for yoga and meditation, perfect for rejuvenation. For sports enthusiasts, Guillermo Vargas Roldan Stadium provides an exciting atmosphere for various athletic events and activities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of ziplining at Selvatura Adventure Park, located 4.8km from Santa Elena, where you can soar through the treetops. Enjoy the outdoor vibes at Ficus La Raiz, a perfect spot for nature lovers. For more excitement, visit 100% Aventura Adventure Park, situated 3.2km away, offering various adventure activities.

Nightlife

In Santa Elena, the nightlife is vibrant, with venues like the Tree House Restaurant and Café, where you can enjoy live music and a lively atmosphere. The Monteverde Night Market offers a unique blend of local crafts and food, making it a perfect spot for evening exploration.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Elena

To save money on your trip to Santa Elena, visit during the low season months of May and September to October for lower accommodation rates. Utilize walking or biking to explore the area for free, and consider booking your hotel about a month in advance or taking advantage of last-minute deals on Expedia. Saturdays are the least expensive days to stay, while Thursdays are the priciest. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities into a package for extra savings. Don't forget to look for breakfast offers and beverage discounts to cut down on meal costs.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Santa Elena are May and September to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and July, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel in Santa Elena about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Santa Elena is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Santa Elena is Thursday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can narrow down your choices by hotel type—if you check the Eco-certified filter, you'll discover sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Santa Elena with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around Santa Elena

Santa Elena offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and stunning scenery for tourists. Visitors can explore local highlights such as nature reserves, flower gardens, and private gardens. The area's attractions cater to families and culture enthusiasts alike, ensuring a memorable experience for all travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and rich culture of Costa Rica.

• Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve: Explore this lush, biodiverse sanctuary located 3.2km from Santa Elena, where you can hike through misty trails, observe unique wildlife, and marvel at the impressive canopy of ancient trees.
• Monteverde Butterfly Gardens: Just 805m away from Santa Elena, this enchanting garden is home to a variety of colorful butterfly species. Experience guided tours that offer insights into their life cycle and habitat.
• Monteverde Orchid Garden: Situated within Santa Elena, this outdoor garden showcases a stunning collection of orchids, providing a family-friendly atmosphere where visitors can learn about these delicate flowers while enjoying the vibrant surroundings.

Best time to go to Santa Elena

The best time to visit Santa Elena can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Santa Elena falls in April, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Santa Elena falls in November, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	79.2°F (26.2°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
February	80.6°F (27.0°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
March	81.9°F (27.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
April	82.2°F (27.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	81.3°F (27.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	79.9°F (26.6°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	79.5°F (26.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
August	79.5°F (26.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
September	79.3°F (26.3°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
October	78.6°F (25.9°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
November	78.3°F (25.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	78.4°F (25.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Santa Elena

Traveling to Santa Elena, Monteverde, is convenient with access to three major airports. San José's Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is located 77.2km away, with nearby hotels like the 5-star InterContinental Costa Rica and the 4.5-star Costa Rica Marriott, both offering shuttle services. Liberia's Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) is 83.7km from Santa Elena, featuring luxury accommodations such as the Four Seasons Resort. Lastly, Cóbano Airport (ACO) is 75.6km away, with options like the 5-star Hotel Nantipa. Each airport provides various transportation services to ensure a smooth journey to your destination in Costa Rica.