Things to do in Santa Elena

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Pyramid of the Magician featuring heritage architecture
Uxmal Archaeological Site featuring heritage elements as well as a small group of people
Uxmal Archaeological Site showing heritage elements
Pyramid of the Magician featuring heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Uxmal Archaeological Site featuring heritage architecture

Santa Elena Attractions

It's not hard to find exciting things to see and do in Santa Elena. Delve into some local history and check out the best tourist attractions in this delightful city. Arrange your travel itinerary now so you're ready to go once you arrive.

Discover what makes Santa Elena tick with some of the most popular tours & day trips. Scroll through our {19 fun activities in Santa Elena fun activities in Santa Elena}, and book with ease knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.

What to do in Santa Elena

Things to Do in Santa Elena with Kids

Santa Elena has loads of nearby fun things to do for you and your kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep the gang entertained for days.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Santa Elena? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Elena

Progreso Beach

Progreso Beach

Nothing says vacation like spending a lazy day at Progreso Beach, a popular beach in Mérida. Stroll along the area's seaside or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Progreso Beach
Paseo de Montejo showing a monument and night scenes

Paseo de Montejo

Walk down this beautiful tree-lined avenue for a little taste of all the things that make Mérida such a charming place to visit.

Paseo de Montejo
Merida Cathedral showing heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and a sunset

Mérida Cathedral

Visit chapels and survey impressive works of religious art inside this ancient church, an imposing building in the historical center of Merida.

Mérida Cathedral
Yucatan International Convention Center

Yucatan International Convention Center

Learn about the events happening at Yucatan International Convention Center during your trip to Mérida. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Yucatan International Convention Center
A tour to the Flamingos of Celestún It's a very popular spot and absurdly it's cheaper if you're 6 people or more than if you're alone. So make sure to find other people before

Celestún Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Celestún Beach during your travels in Mérida?

Celestún Beach
Uxmal Archaeological Site featuring heritage elements

Uxmal Archaeological Site

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.

Uxmal Archaeological Site
Cenotes Cuzama

Cenotes Cuzama

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Cenotes Cuzama during your travels in Cuzama. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Cenotes Cuzama
Plaza Grande

Plaza Grande

Locals stop for friendly chats and large shady trees line the paved walkways. This main square is truly the heart of downtown Merida.

Plaza Grande
Mayapan Mayan Ruins showing heritage architecture

Mayapan Mayan Ruins

Crumbling pyramids and lonely towers stand guard over a tranquil site that was once one of the most important Mayan cities on the Yucatán Peninsula.

Mayapan Mayan Ruins

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Santa Elena

Uxmal Archaeological Site showing heritage elements as well as a couple

Uxmal

Atmospheric ruins emerge from the jungle at this UNESCO site, where markets hummed with activity and Mayan priests once gazed up toward glittering constellations.

Uxmal
S i t i M a y a A n c o r a N a s c o s t i.

Sayil

Travelers like the museums in Sayil, and Eco Museum of Cacao is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Sayil
See our Where To Stay guide

 

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.

 

 

Popular day trips from Santa Elena

Calcehtok Caves which includes tranquil scenes

Maxcanu

Paseo de Montejo showing a monument and night scenes

Mérida

Hopelchen

Hopelchen

Photo by Vanessa Sgaravizzi

Muna

Calkini

Calkini

Photo by Rolando Gomez

Oxkutzcab

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Elena worth visiting?
Famous for its culture and history, discovering awesome things to do in Santa Elena is easy. Be sure to add Grutas de Loltún to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Santa Elena?
When you've checked off popular attractions like Grutas de Loltún and Palacio del Gobernador, spend the rest of your day discovering Santa Elena's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Elena?
Grutas de Loltún is one of the top tourist attractions in Santa Elena and should feature high on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Elena?
Book an escape in Santa Elena for three days and you'll have enough time to explore its most popular sights and get a feel for the local vibe. For the chance to enjoy attractions in the surrounding areas and venture away from the tourist trail, consider hanging around for a week or longer.
What are some activities to do in Santa Elena with kids?
Deciding what to do in Santa Elena with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or little ones, there are many family-friendly activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Santa Elena for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Santa Elena, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Museo de Cacao.
Are there free things to do in Santa Elena?
You don't need to spend a fortune to have a great vacation here. There are plenty of cheap things to do in Santa Elena for the budget-conscious visitor. Unwind in the parks, soak up the vibes at free events and festivals or ask a local tour guide for tips.