What to do in Santa Elena

Activities, attractions and tours

Santa Elena which includes heritage architecture, religious elements and a church or cathedral
Santa Elena which includes heritage architecture, religious elements and a church or cathedral
Santa Elena which includes religious elements, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Santa Elena featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and religious elements
Santa Elena showing a church or cathedral and religious elements

Santa Elena Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Santa Elena has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Santa Elena is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Santa Elena to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Santa Elena Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Santa Elena.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Santa Elena attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Santa Elena

Tours & day trips

See all 62 activities
Shared Guided Sunset Tour in Yaxhá from Flores

Shared Guided Sunset Tour in Yaxhá from Flores

Activity duration is 7 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $49 per adult
Shared Guided Sunset Tour in Yaxhá from FloresOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 33 activities
Tikal Small Group all Included From Flores

Tikal Small Group all Included From Flores

Activity duration is 7 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 20 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $176 per adult
Tikal Small Group all Included From FloresOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 9 activities
From Flores: Tikal Ruins Guided Tour

From Flores: Tikal Ruins Guided Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours
8.6 out of 10 with 51 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $42 per adult
From Flores: Tikal Ruins Guided TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 4 activities
Tikal Exclusive Group Tour

Tikal Exclusive Group Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $171 per adult
Tikal Exclusive Group TourOpens in new tab

Cruises & boat tours

See all 3 activities
Tikal Exclusive Group Tour

Tikal Exclusive Group Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $171 per adult
Tikal Exclusive Group TourOpens in new tab

What to do in Santa Elena

Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Elena

Tikal which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and a ruin

Tikal National Park

Explore the great outdoors at Tikal National Park, a lovely green space in Flores. Wander the lakeside in this relaxing area.

Tikal National Park
Tikal which includes heritage elements and a ruin

Tikal

5/5(16 reviews)

Take a step back in time as you discover a magnificent collection of Mayan palaces and temples set amid a jungle.

Tikal
Canoeing on beautiful Lake Peten Itza, El Remate, Petén, Guatemala

Flores Dock

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Flores with a trip to Flores Dock. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Flores Dock
Letras Campeche in Mexico.

Maya Mall

4/5(3 reviews)

You can enjoy retail therapy at Maya Mall during your visit to Santa Elena. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Maya Mall
Big Mayan Pyramid at the jungle of Yaxhá, Guatemala

Yaxha Archaeological Site

Find out about the history of Laguna Yaxhá when you take a trip to Yaxha Archaeological Site. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Yaxha Archaeological Site
Cathedral of Flores featuring a church or cathedral

Church of Our Lady of the Remedies

This humble whitewashed cathedral is home to a revered Black Christ and is a great starting point for exploring Flores’ picturesque streets and waterfront.

Church of Our Lady of the Remedies
Elevated View of the Central Acropolis, Tikal, Guatemala

Central Acropolis

5/5(1 review)

You can find out about the history of Flores with a stop at Central Acropolis. Wander the parks or discover the area's sunrises.

Central Acropolis

Las Guacamayas Biological Station

Explore the great outdoors at Las Guacamayas Biological Station, a lovely green space in Flores. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Las Guacamayas Biological Station

Ixpanpajul Nature Park

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Ixpanpajul Nature Park, a lovely green space in Flores. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Ixpanpajul Nature Park

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Santa Elena

Flores featuring general coastal views and fishing as well as a small group of people

Flores

Lake Peten Itza Shoreline at El Pedregal Beach, San Benito, Peten, Guatemala

San Benito

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Elena worth visiting?
Santa Elena has an interesting mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or traditional cuisine, there's plenty to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Santa Elena?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Ixpanpajul Nature Park and Cuevas de Ak'tun Kan. Then, explore different parts of Santa Elena for a quick bite and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Elena?
The top tourist attraction in Santa Elena is Ixpanpajul Nature Park, so be sure to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Elena?
Three days will give you time to check out the leading city sights, like Ixpanpajul Nature Park, Cuevas de Ak'tun Kan and Petencito Zoo. The average stay in Santa Elena is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your vacation, Flores isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Santa Elena with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a fun-filled itinerary sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our ideas for what to do in Santa Elena with kids.

What to do in Santa Elena for adults?
From regional food and cultural highlights to thrilling activities and unique experiences, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Santa Elena for adults.
Are there free things to do in Santa Elena?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Santa Elena is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Cuevas de Ak'tun Kan is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.