Santa Elena

Travel Guide

A boat on calm water near a sandy beach with a large rock formation in the background.
A person standing on a grassy hill overlooking a calm sea with a clear sky.
A sunset over a beach with silhouettes of rocks and a distant boat.
Condovac la Costa

Condovac la Costa

3.5 out of 5
400 metros norte de la Iglesia Catolica Sardinal
$141 nightly
The price is $160 total per night from Nov 7 to Nov 8
$160 total
Nov 7 - Nov 8
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Sardinal. Enjoy free parking, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.4/10 (1,003 reviews)
"Resort is extremely ran down. And we had large cockroaches and fire aunts in our villa. Pool bar NEVER opened and very limited food options. Even the one bar had limited drinks when they were actually open. The views were the best part. If you do decide to stay here is best you rent a car to get ..."

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2026

Condovac la Costa
Hampton By Hilton Guanacaste Airport

Hampton By Hilton Guanacaste Airport

3 out of 5
Ruta 21 frente Condominio Solarium Liberia Guanacaste
$140 nightly
The price is $158 total per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
$158 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Liberia. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,818 reviews)
"Clean rooms and the breakfast was really good with a lot of variety"

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2026

Hampton By Hilton Guanacaste Airport
Occidental Papagayo - Adults Only - All inclusive

Occidental Papagayo - Adults Only - All inclusive

4 out of 5
Playa Hermosa Sardinal Guanacaste
$338 nightly
The price is $382 total per night from Dec 7 to Dec 8
$382 total
Dec 7 - Dec 8
Total with taxes and fees
Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions Coco Beach ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Everything was great!. Except for being harassed on the beach since it was public to everyone it seemed. But it was a Great relaxing paradise with animals (monkeys ) all over. not much todo at night tho. (Lacked entertainment and night life or shows). But it Definitely worth the price, the staff ..."

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2026

Occidental Papagayo - Adults Only - All inclusive
See all 1,522 properties in Santa Elena
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Toro Blanco Resort

Toro Blanco Resort

2.5 out of 5
25 Metros Sur de la Iglesia Catolica Sardinal Guanacaste
Book a stay at this beach condo in Sardinal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (182 reviews)
"Friendly staff, great location, great value for price. Would certainly stay here again"

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2026

Toro Blanco Resort
Bahia Pez Vela Resort

Bahia Pez Vela Resort

3.5 out of 5
Playa del Coco Sardinal Guanacaste
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Sardinal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Coco Beach and Ocotal Beach are located ...
Bahia Pez Vela Resort
Hermosa Paradise

Hermosa Paradise

2 out of 5
Highway 159 behind Super Luperon Sardinal Guanacaste Province
Stay at this apartment in Sardinal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 14 beach bars. Popular attractions Coco Beach and Playa Hermosa are located nearby.
Hermosa Paradise
See all properties in Santa Elena
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Santa Elena attractions

Junquillal Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Junquillal Beach during your trip to Santa Elena?
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Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Elena worth visiting?
Santa Elena is worth visiting for its standout attractions, including the beautiful Playa Blanca and the fascinating Maritza Biological Station. Travelers can also enjoy a diverse food and dining scene, with options showcasing both Latin American and Italian cuisine.
When is the best time to visit Santa Elena?
The best time to visit Santa Elena is from September through January. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and good value, the warmer, quieter months of March through June are a good option for a pleasant trip.
What is Santa Elena known for?
Santa Elena is known for its beautiful Playa Blanca and the Maritza Biological Station. Travelers can also explore Sector Murciélago, a key natural area. This city in Costa Rica offers a blend of natural attractions and a rich Latin American food culture for travelers to enjoy.
What is a good itinerary length for Santa Elena?
A good itinerary length for Santa Elena is two to three days to explore key highlights like Playa Blanca, Maritza Biological Station, and Sector Murciélago. An extended stay of four to five days allows for a more relaxed pace, deeper exploration of these areas, and enjoying the local Latin American, Italian, and Asian dining options.
What are the top things to do in and around Santa Elena?
Santa Elena offers natural beauty, with pristine beaches, a biological station, and a significant landmark:

  • Visit Playa Blanca, a beautiful natural beach.
  • Explore Maritza Biological Station to experience local nature.
  • Relax at Sector Murciélago, another pristine natural beach.
  • Discover Junquillal Beach, known for its serene natural setting.
  • See La Casona, a significant local landmark.

How do I plan a trip to Santa Elena?
When planning your Santa Elena trip, book flights and hotels early. You can enjoy nature at Playa Blanca, Maritza Biological Station, and Sector Murciélago. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon to make the most of your day. Consider booking a rental car to explore the area at your own pace.
What cuisines can you find in Santa Elena?
In Santa Elena you can find Mexican cuisine, offering dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. Travelers can also enjoy a variety of Italian, Asian, and fresh seafood options, alongside other European flavors. Coffee shops are also available for a quick stop.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Santa Elena?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Santa Elena by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Santa Elena with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Santa Elena trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Santa Elena?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Santa Elena can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Santa Elena trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Santa Elena trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Santa Elena trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Santa Elena trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Santa Elena?
If it's your first trip to Santa Elena, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Santa Elena hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Santa Elena hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Santa Elena

A river winding through a hilly landscape with a mountain in the background and a partly cloudy sky.

La Cruz