$305 Cheap Flights to Santa Elena

Flights to Santa Elena at a glance

Traveling to Santa Elena is easy, thanks to full-service airlines that provide a variety of flight options. Evaluate journey times and select the choice that best fits your schedule as you plan to explore the city’s renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Santa Elena: Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS)
• Flights per week: 38 flights arriving at Santa Elena airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Santa Elena: around 3 carriers

Popular airport near Santa Elena

Santa Elena is a charming village perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Visitors are drawn to its stunning scenery, rich culture, and nearby beaches. This destination is conveniently accessible through a major airport, making travel easy for adventurers.

• Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS): Situated in Petén, approximately 1 mile from Santa Elena, this airport handles both domestic and international flights, linking to about 1 domestic city and 2 international locations. Travelers can opt to upgrade to business class for enhanced comfort, depending on their chosen routes and airlines. Notable airlines operating here include TAG Airlines, Avianca, and United.

Top routes to Santa Elena

• Guatemala City (GUA) to Santa Elena (FRS), with one-way tickets available from around $65
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Santa Elena (FRS), with one-way flights starting at around $220
• Washington (IAD) to Santa Elena (FRS), with one-way flight options from around $250

Cheapest routes to Santa Elena

• Guatemala City (GUA) to Santa Elena (FRS), with budget one-way fares from around $65
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Santa Elena (FRS), with budget one-way fares from around $220
• Washington (IAD) to Santa Elena (FRS), with budget one-way fares from around $250

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Santa Elena

• TAG Airlines: Operating flights to Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS), TAG Airlines represents about 73% of arrivals in Santa Elena, with one-way fares averaging around $110.
• Avianca: Serving Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS), Avianca is responsible for roughly 27% of Santa Elena's arrivals. The typical one-way fare is about $250, and premium services may include business class based on the route.
• United: With flights to Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS), United accounts for approximately 1% of arrivals in Santa Elena. Travelers can expect average one-way fares of around $280.

Best time to fly to Santa Elena

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Santa Elena are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Santa Elena can reach up to 83.1°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 83.3°F. For better deals, June usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $89, roughly 20% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? May offers an average one-way fare of around $90, making it a good option for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Santa Elena

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Santa Elena is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Santa Elena hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Santa Elena flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Santa Elena

Santa Elena welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Santa Elena efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Mundo Maya International Airport, Flores Seaport, a seaport, is located about 0.8 miles away.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Santa Elena, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Santa Elena is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Santa Elena on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in and around Santa Elena

• Flores: Nestled in the heart of Flores, this captivating city is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Visitors flock to explore the lush landscapes, scenic views, and rich history. Don’t miss the nearby Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with ancient ruins and vibrant wildlife. For a leisurely day, head to Flores Dock, where you can enjoy water activities or simply relax by the lake. The local shopping areas and markets add a touch of urban convenience, making Flores a perfect blend of nature and culture.
• San Benito: Located 8 miles drive away from Santa Elena, San Benito offers a delightful mix of outdoor fun and cultural experiences. This city is perfect for those looking to explore local parks and historic sites. Visit the Santa Barbara Island Museum for a glimpse into the region's past or unwind at Central Park, an ideal spot for families to enjoy a day outdoors. With various shopping centers nearby, San Benito serves as a convenient base for further adventures in the Petén region.
• Jobompiche: Situated 29 miles drive away from Santa Elena, Jobompiche is a charming village that captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty. Outdoor lovers will appreciate the serene Lake Petén Itzá, perfect for romantic getaways or scenic picnics. The historic Church of Our Lady of the Remedies adds a cultural touch to your visit, while the area's archaeological sites offer a glimpse into the rich history of the region. Jobompiche invites travelers to enjoy its laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking scenery.

Tips for short-haul flights to Santa Elena

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—for budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Maximize your space by using mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and planning your outfits wisely. This strategy also helps you avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself engaged. Remember to charge your devices fully before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—for both short and domestic flights, it's advisable to get to the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, accounting for traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Santa Elena

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may provide the option to select seats even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—start aligning your body clock by changing your watch and sleep schedule to reflect your destination's time zone. Try to either sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Santa Elena

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Santa Elena on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

September is the cheapest month to fly to Santa Elena. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Santa Elena. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Santa Elena, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Santa Elena

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Santa Elena in 2026 starts from $390, while one-way tickets start from from $305. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Santa Elena. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Santa Elena

Avianca, United, Alaska Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Santa Elena. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Santa Elena and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Santa Elena, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Santa Elena. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Santa Elena plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Santa Elena

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Santa Elena.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Santa Elena are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Santa Elena. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Santa Elena for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Santa Elena. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Santa Elena flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Santa Elena. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.