Find hotels in Santa Elena from AED 160

Top reasons to visit Santa Elena

• Thrilling Outdoor Activities: Experience exhilarating ziplining, scenic nature walks, and adventure excursions in Santa Elena's lush landscapes.
• Stunning Natural Beauty: Explore breathtaking beaches, national parks, and nature reserves that showcase Guanacaste's rich biodiversity.
• Cozy Accommodations: Enjoy rustic elegance in hotels and resorts with outdoor seating and stunning views, perfect for relaxation.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Santa Elena offers a variety of activities and accommodations suitable for families, ensuring a memorable vacation.
• Enchanting Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the captivating charm of Santa Elena, making it a must-visit destination.

Find great hotels near Santa Elena

Discover a variety of hotel options in Santa Elena, Guanacaste, where your family adventure awaits. Whether you prefer a cozy hotel or a lavish resort, you'll find accommodations tailored for beach vacations and outdoor experiences. With a range of star-rated hotels, Santa Elena offers the perfect base for exploring Costa Rica's stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity.

• Occidental Papagayo - Adults Only - All Inclusive: A perfect retreat for adults, the Occidental Papagayo is a 4-star all-inclusive resort that caters exclusively to guests seeking a welcoming beach vacation. Located 33.8km from Santa Elena, this resort features unlimited food and drinks, ensuring a carefree stay. Guests can relish a variety of entertainment options, fitness facilities, and a well-stocked minibar. With direct beach access, it's an ideal spot for LGBTQIA travelers and business visitors alike. Enjoy a blend of relaxation and vibrant beach life, all in an inclusive atmosphere.
• Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort: This 4.5-star resort, situated 29.0km from Santa Elena, offers a glamorous beach and spa experience. Planet Hollywood is designed for lovers of romance and relaxation, featuring unlimited food and drinks along with specialized romance packages. Guests can unwind at the full-service spa and pool area, complete with hydrotherapy treatments and massage services. With direct access to the beach, this resort creates a perfect backdrop for romantic getaways, ensuring you indulge in both luxury and tranquility.
• CC Beach Front Papagayo All Inclusive: Family-friendly and inviting, CC Beach Front Papagayo is a 4-star hotel located 33.8km from Santa Elena. This all-inclusive accommodation provides a wealth of amenities tailored for children, including shared playgrounds, child-friendly pools, and engaging games. With direct beach access, families can enjoy sun-soaked days by the ocean while making lasting memories together. The hotel's dedication to family experiences makes it a fantastic choice for those traveling with children, ensuring everyone has a delightful vacation.

Where to stay in and around Santa Elena

Discover the enchanting charm of Santa Elena, Guanacaste, where outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery await. Explore the serene parks and enjoy rustic elegance in cozy accommodations that offer terraces with stunning views. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway or a family-friendly retreat, this region promises a refreshing experience filled with relaxation and recreation. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the captivating atmosphere that makes Santa Elena a must-visit destination in Costa Rica.

• El Jobo: Nestled 16.1km from Santa Elena, El Jobo is a quaint village that offers a delightful blend of family-friendly, romantic, and city-themed experiences. While visitor numbers remain steady year-round, peak seasons from January to April attract travelers seeking relaxation and adventure. El Jobo is home to a variety of popular venues, including resorts and a water park, making it an ideal spot for fun-filled family vacations. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby beach and national parks, providing ample opportunities for exploration and scenic views.
• Cuajiniquil: Located in the heart of Santa Elena, Cuajiniquil is a charming village known for its outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery. Though traveler arrivals are consistent throughout the year, the peak times in March to April and July draw those eager to explore the great outdoors. Visitors can indulge in the local resorts and spas, while the surrounding natural beauty, including beaches and national parks, invites hiking, birdwatching, and relaxation. Cuajiniquil is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and invigorating experiences.
• Puerto Soley: Situated 16.1km from Santa Elena, Puerto Soley is a vibrant village that thrives during the seasonal peak from December to February. It’s a great destination for beach lovers, families, and those looking for a city-themed atmosphere. The area boasts stunning beaches and is close to national parks, providing visitors with a blend of relaxation and adventure. Puerto Soley is perfect for those seeking a lively yet picturesque coastal getaway, where sun-soaked days and family activities await.

Things to do near Santa Elena

Santa Elena offers an exhilarating outdoor experience perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Enjoy activities such as ziplining through lush canopies, exploring scenic nature walks, and staying at cozy resorts with outdoor seating. You'll find excellent campsites for a memorable stay and various excursion options to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Guanacaste. Whether you're seeking thrills or tranquility, Santa Elena has something for everyone.

Shopping

In Santa Elena, you can enjoy shopping at local markets featuring hand-crafted souvenirs and Costa Rican art. If you're up for a drive, visit Plaza San Carlos, about 19.3km away, offering a mix of shops and restaurants for a broader shopping experience.

Recreation

Experience the Papagayo Golf and Country Club, located 45.1km from Santa Elena, where you can enjoy a round of golf in a stunning outdoor setting. The club offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for relaxation and socializing after a day on the course.

Adventure

In Santa Elena, explore the breathtaking Monteverde Cloud Forest with thrilling zip-lining tours that soar above the treetops. Experience the vibrant wildlife on guided night hikes, or embark on a canopy walk that offers stunning views of the lush rainforest below.

Nightlife

In Santa Elena, the nightlife is vibrant and diverse. Venues like Tree House offer an open-air setting with live music, while local bars serve delicious cocktails and showcase Costa Rican culture. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and mingle with friendly locals as you dance the night away.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Elena

To save money during your trip to Santa Elena, consider visiting during the off-peak months of May and September to October when prices are lower. Take advantage of free activities like Playa Copal and Playa Puerto Soley. For transportation, renting a bicycle can be an economical choice. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and check Expedia for last-minute deals. Saturdays are generally the cheapest days to stay, while Mondays are the most expensive. Lastly, consider package deals for hotel and flight combinations to maximize savings.

• 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 December, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Santa Elena is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
• 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 Monday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to tailor your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• 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 deal.

Find the best attractions in and around Santa Elena

Santa Elena, Guanacaste, is perfect for outdoor and adventure seekers, offering breathtaking scenery and various activities. Visitors can explore stunning beaches, national parks, and nature reserves, ensuring a memorable experience filled with outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking for relaxation by the sea or thrilling excursions in nature, Santa Elena has something for everyone to enjoy during their vacation.

• Santa Rosa National Park: Located 4.8km from Santa Elena, this stunning national park offers breathtaking scenery and adventure opportunities. Explore diverse ecosystems, hike scenic trails, and spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Maritza Biological Station: Nestled within Santa Elena, this secluded reserve provides a unique recreational experience. Enjoy peaceful walks amidst rich biodiversity, and engage in research or educational programs that highlight conservation efforts.
• La Casona: Situated in Santa Elena, this historic monument reflects the region's rich cultural heritage. Explore its architecture and learn about its significance in Costa Rica's history, offering a glimpse into the past.

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 sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in Santa Elena falls in October and November. November has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	78.6°F (25.9°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
February	80.1°F (26.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
March	81.7°F (27.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	83.3°F (28.5°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	81.9°F (27.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	79.2°F (26.2°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	78.8°F (26.0°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	78.8°F (26.0°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	78.3°F (25.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
October	77.2°F (25.1°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
November	77.2°F (25.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	77.7°F (25.4°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Santa Elena

To reach Santa Elena, Guanacaste, you can fly into two major airports. Liberia (LIR-Daniel Oduber Intl.) is situated 35.4km away, with excellent hotel options like the 5-star Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, located 16.1km from the airport, and the 4.5-star Secrets Papagayo, just 11.3km away. Transportation services from these hotels include various airport shuttles and transfers. Alternatively, Tamarindo (TNO) is 67.6km from Santa Elena, featuring luxury accommodations such as the 5-star JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa, 8.0km from the airport, and the 4.5-star Westin Reserva Conchal, also 9.7km away, with transportation services available for guests.