Find hotels in Santa Elena from CA $24

Top reasons to visit Santa Elena

• Thrilling Zipline Courses: Experience the adrenaline rush of soaring through the cloud forests on exciting zipline adventures.
• Breathtaking Waterfalls: Discover stunning waterfalls that showcase the natural beauty of the Monteverde region.
• Diverse Flora and Fauna: Explore vibrant flower gardens and lush reserves teeming with unique wildlife.
• Charming Village Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the welcoming community and enjoy the quaint shops and eateries.
• Panoramic Terraces: Take in spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes from scenic viewpoints.

Find great hotels near Santa Elena

Santa Elena, Monteverde offers a delightful selection of accommodations, ranging from charming bed and breakfasts to well-equipped hotels. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, this area provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Costa Rica. Whether you're looking for the best hotels or family-friendly options, you'll find a variety of Santa Elena hotels that cater to your vacation needs and ensure an unforgettable experience.

• Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails: Nestled in a stunning natural setting, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offers a unique adventure-themed experience for nature lovers. Located 19.3km from Santa Elena, this 3-star lodge serves as a perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts. Guests can engage in a variety of adventure sports, including hiking, biking, rafting, and ziplining, all available nearby. For those seeking relaxation, the lodge features a full spa with aromatherapy treatments and body scrubs, alongside a refreshing pool. This property is ideal for travellers eager to immerse themselves in Costa Rica's breathtaking landscapes while enjoying top-notch amenities.
• El Establo Mountain Hotel: Just 966m from Santa Elena, El Establo Mountain Hotel is a 3.5-star property that beautifully combines family-friendly amenities with a spa retreat atmosphere. This hotel is well-suited for business travellers, offering a business centre, meeting rooms, and a conference centre. Families can take advantage of the on-site playground, arcade game room, and dedicated children's pool, ensuring a memorable stay for guests of all ages. The hotel features a full-service spa with outdoor treatment rooms and an inviting outdoor pool, making it a perfect spot for relaxation after a busy day of exploring.
• Hotel Linda Vista: Situated 14.5km from Santa Elena, Hotel Linda Vista is a charming 3-star hotel that focuses on providing a comfortable and convenient stay. Guests can enjoy a complimentary full breakfast and dine at the on-site restaurant or lounge. The hotel also offers entertainment options like satellite TV, ensuring you stay connected and entertained. With scenic views of the nearby river and mountains, this property is perfect for those looking to explore the rural beauty of Costa Rica while enjoying a relaxing atmosphere.

Where to stay in Santa Elena

Santa Elena, nestled in the lush Monteverde region, offers an unforgettable vacation filled with adventure and breathtaking scenery. Explore the charming village and nearby neighborhoods, where you can experience the welcoming atmosphere and family-friendly vibe. Don’t miss the stunning terraces with panoramic views that showcase the region's natural beauty. Whether you seek recreation or relaxation, Santa Elena promises a perfect blend of experiences for every traveller.

• Monteverde: Nestled in the lush mountains of Puntarenas Province, Monteverde is renowned for its breathtaking cloud forests and biodiversity. This vibrant city, home to Santa Elena, offers a year-round adventure for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Visitors flock here to experience exhilarating outdoor activities such as zip-lining through the canopy, hiking in the pristine Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and exploring nearby national parks. The region is also famous for its eco-friendly resorts and spas, providing a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation amidst stunning scenery.
• San Lorenzo: Located 25.7km from Santa Elena, San Lorenzo is a charming city that captivates visitors with its tranquil environment and outdoor activities. The area is perfect for those seeking adventure, offering zipline courses that soar through the treetops and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. San Lorenzo is also a gateway to impressive natural landmarks, including a nearby volcano and national parks. With a steady influx of travellers year-round, the city provides a welcoming atmosphere and numerous resorts and spas for relaxation after a day of exploring.
• Peñas Blancas: Just 14.5km from Santa Elena, Peñas Blancas is an inviting city that boasts a beautiful blend of adventure and scenic beauty. Ideal for outdoor lovers, visitors can embark on hiking trails, visit relaxing spas, or participate in thrilling adventure activities. The city's proximity to majestic mountains and national parks makes it a prime spot for exploring Costa Rica's rich biodiversity. Peñas Blancas experiences a consistent flow of travellers, especially during peak seasons in March and December, ensuring a lively atmosphere filled with opportunities for exploration and leisure.

Things to do in and around Santa Elena

Santa Elena in Monteverde is an outdoor paradise perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy thrilling zipline courses, explore beautiful waterfalls, and embark on quality day trips to unforgettable attractions. Don't miss the chance to experience the vibrant night wildlife, making your vacation truly memorable amidst the stunning scenery of Puntarenas Province.

Shopping

In Santa Elena, you can find local treasures at various shops and markets. If you're up for a drive, the San Ramon Municipal Market, located 46.7km away, offers a vibrant atmosphere with local goods. Another option is El Pilon Station, 48.3km away, featuring diverse shopping experiences for the whole family.

Recreation

Termales Los Laureles, located 25.7km from Santa Elena, offers soothing thermal springs amid lush surroundings, perfect for relaxation. Wellness Park Costa Rica, 20.9km away, features serene landscapes for rejuvenation through yoga and meditation. For sports enthusiasts, Guillermo Vargas Roldan Stadium, 45.1km away, provides an energetic atmosphere for various activities.

Adventure

At Selvatura Adventure Park, soar through the treetops on a thrilling zipline course, immersing yourself in the lush canopy. Nearby, 100% Aventura Adventure Park offers exciting activities, including bungee swinging, perfect for adrenaline seekers. Ficus La Raiz invites you to enjoy the great outdoors in a vibrant natural setting.

Nightlife

Explore the vibrant nightlife in Santa Elena by visiting the Tree House Restaurant & Café for a unique dining experience amid lush surroundings. For a lively atmosphere, check out the Monteverde Beer House, where you can enjoy local brews and live music while mingling with fellow travellers.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Elena

When visiting Santa Elena, Costa Rica, you can save money by taking advantage of free activities such as the Curi-Cancha Reserve and enjoying the town's public spaces. Opt for walking, biking, or taxis for affordable transportation. Consider visiting during the off-peak months of September to November for lower accommodation rates, and book your hotel about a month in advance for the best deals. Look for last-minute hotel bargains on Expedia, especially on Saturdays for the cheapest rates. Combining your hotel with flights and activities can also lead to significant savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Santa Elena are September to November, 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: Booking a hotel in Santa Elena about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange 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.

Best time to go to Santa Elena

The best time to visit Santa Elena is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. April is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. November is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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	Average	Average
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	Slightly Low	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	Slightly Low
December	78.4°F (25.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Santa Elena

To reach Santa Elena in Monteverde, Costa Rica, you can fly into two major airports: San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) located 77.2km away and Liberia (LIR-Daniel Oduber Intl.) situated 83.7km away. Near San José, excellent hotel options include the 5-star InterContinental Costa Rica and the 4.5-star Costa Rica Marriott Hotel, both offering shuttle services. From Liberia, consider the luxurious 5-star Four Seasons Resort, which also provides transportation to the airport. Additionally, La Fortuna (FON-Arenal), just 27.4km from Santa Elena, has top accommodations like The Springs Resort and Spa, with convenient shuttle services available for guests.