What to do in Santa Elena

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic church with a large arched entrance and two bell towers.
A large stone wall with intricate carvings and a rough, uneven ground.
A large ancient Mayan pyramid complex with multiple structures, surrounded by dense vegetation.
A large pyramid structure with a staircase leading to the top, surrounded by a grassy area and a clear blue sky.
A large, historic brick building with arched windows and a prominent tower.

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.

Things to do

4 Cenotes Tour in Homún all inclusive from Merida

4 Cenotes Tour in Homún all inclusive from Merida

CA $105
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
4 Cenotes Tour in Homún all inclusive from Merida
Chichen Pueblos Magicos, Izamal + Valladolid Day Trip

Chichen Itza, Izamal & Noolha Cenote Day Trip - Traditional Lunch Included

CA $140
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Chichen Itza, Izamal & Noolha Cenote Day Trip - Traditional Lunch Included
Mérida: Panoramic Sightseeing Tour Bus Ticket with 2 Routes

Mérida México: Panoramic Sightseeing City Tour with 2 Routes

CA $14
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Mérida México: Panoramic Sightseeing City Tour with 2 Routes
Isla Columpios & Progreso Day Trip

Isla Columpios, Corchito & Progreso Day Tour

CA $93
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Isla Columpios, Corchito & Progreso Day Tour
Tour Hacienda and Cenotes Mucuyché with Guided Tour in Oxkintok

Tour Hacienda and Cenotes Mucuyché with Guided Tour in Oxkintok

CA $142
per adult
Tour Hacienda and Cenotes Mucuyché with Guided Tour in Oxkintok
Tour to Uxmal Kabah and Chocolate Museum from Mérida

Tour to Uxmal Kabah and Chocolate Museum from Mérida

CA $102
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Tour to Uxmal Kabah and Chocolate Museum from Mérida
Las Coloradas, Río Lagartos and Playa Cancunito Tour from Mérida

Las Coloradas, Río Lagartos and Playa Cancunito Tour from Mérida

CA $163
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Las Coloradas, Río Lagartos and Playa Cancunito Tour from Mérida
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Recommended things to do in Santa Elena

Number of things to do
29
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Uxmal Guided Walking Tour with Entry | Certified Local Guide: CA $81
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Santa Elena

Stay near popular Santa Elena attractions

A stone staircase leading up to a pyramid-like structure with intricate carvings.

Uxmal Archaeological Site

9.8/10 (195 reviews)
Learn about the local history of Santa Elena when you take a trip to Uxmal Archaeological Site. While in this relaxing area, you can savor the local chocolate shops and restaurants.
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Where to stay in Santa Elena

Find the best Santa Elena areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Elena
Learn more about Santa Elena
A stone building with intricate carvings and three doorways.

Uxmal

Historic sites, archaeological sites, and restaurants are some highlights of Uxmal. Make a stop by Pyramid of the Magician or Uxmal Archaeological Site while you're exploring.
A dense forest with a small, dilapidated structure on a hill.
Photo by Vanessa Sgaravizzi
Open Photo by Vanessa Sgaravizzi

Sayil

Sayil is well-liked for its museums. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in and around the larger Santa Elena area, you might plan a trip to Eco Museum of Cacao.

 

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

A monument at dusk with light trails from vehicles on the road.

Mérida

A street with colorful buildings, a church, and a clear blue sky.

Hopelchen

A large stone structure with intricate carvings and a stepped platform.

Muna

A building with a pink facade and white arches, a bicycle with a cargo rack, and palm trees in the background.

Calkini

A cave with stalactites and stalagmites, a water stream, and people exploring.

Oxkutzcab

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Elena worth visiting?
With a blend of culture and history, there's no shortage of things to do in Santa Elena. When you're here, visit Grutas de Loltún, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Santa Elena?
Kick your day off with a visit to Grutas de Loltún and Palacio del Gobernador. Then, check out different parts of Santa Elena for local dining and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Elena?
The top tourist attraction in Santa Elena is Grutas de Loltún, so be sure to include it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Elena?
If you just want to see the most popular sights, three days will be a good amount of time for a break in Santa Elena. Book for seven to ten days for the chance to truly appreciate the local vibe, visit nearby hotspots and explore some hidden gems.
What are some activities to do in Santa Elena with kids?
If you're searching for activities and attractions for all ages, here are some fabulous ideas for what to do in Santa Elena with kids.

What to do in Santa Elena for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or adventure seeker, there are loads of things to do in Santa Elena for adults including Museo de Cacao.
Are there free things to do in Santa Elena?
You don't need to spend big to enjoy a memorable getaway here. There are loads of fun things to do in Santa Elena for the traveller on a budget. Roam the parks, soak up the vibes at free events and festivals or ask a local tour guide for tips.