Santa Cruz

Travel Guide

An aerial view of a coastal town with a beach, houses, and mountains in the background.
A large wave in the ocean.

Where to stay in Santa Cruz

Find the best Santa Cruz areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Cruz
Learn more about Santa Cruz

Barrio Buenos Aires

Parque Bernabela Ramos is one noteworthy place to stop while you're exploring Barrio Buenos Aires and the surrounding area.

Hotel Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive

Hotel Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive

3.5 out of 5
Sardinal de Carrillo Sardinal Guanacaste
Book a stay at this beach property in Sardinal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (915 reviews)
"Las habitaciones amplias y cómodas.La comida es muy buena y variada"

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2026

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Hotel Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive
The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa

The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
Playa Conchal S/N Cabo Velas Guanacaste
$477 nightly
The price is $539 total per night from Sep 24 to Sep 25
$539 total
Sep 24 - Sep 25
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury property in Cabo Velas. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"Overall, everything was very good, and we had a great stay. One thing I would suggest is providing more information upfront when guests make the booking about the different all-inclusive levels or packages and what each one includes. For example, we later learned that guests staying under the Westin ..."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2026

The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa
Hampton By Hilton Guanacaste Airport

Hampton By Hilton Guanacaste Airport

3 out of 5
Ruta 21 frente Condominio Solarium Liberia Guanacaste
$127 nightly
The price is $144 total per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
$144 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
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! (1,776 reviews)
"It is within site of the airport but you don’t hear the planes. Free breakfast was very good. Love the shuttle service."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2026

Hampton By Hilton Guanacaste Airport
See all 5,936 properties in Santa Cruz
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 aparthotel in Sardinal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
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
Las Catalinas Doorway

Las Catalinas Doorway

4 out of 5
Playa Danta Tempate Guanacaste
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Tempate. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and 9 restaurants. Popular attractions Playa Potrero and Flamingo Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (130 reviews)
"We did not enjoy Las Catalinas at all. It’s very fake. Its a property development from US tech investor applying silicon valley crowd funding model to develop pastureland along the coast into a artificial portofino or Cartagena, which will never actually happen.The road in was terrible and the property ..."

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2026

Las Catalinas Doorway
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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 Cruz attractions

Parque Bernabela Ramos

2.0/10 (1 review)
Explore the great outdoors at Parque Bernabela Ramos, a lovely green space in Santa Cruz. Wander the beaches in this relaxing area.
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Things to do

Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth & Llanos de Cortez Waterfall Tour

Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth & Llanos de Cortez Waterfall Tour

$113
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth & Llanos de Cortez Waterfall Tour
Blue Dolphin Sailing Tour

Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo

$105
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo
Marlin Del Rey Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo

Marlin Del Rey Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo & Playas del Coco

$157
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Marlin Del Rey Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo & Playas del Coco
ATV or Buggy Guided Tour from Tamarindo, Conchal or Riu Hotels

ATV or Buggy Guided Tour from Tamarindo, Conchal or RIU Hotels

$95
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
ATV or Buggy Guided Tour from Tamarindo, Conchal or RIU Hotels
Picture 3 for Activity Tamarindo: Pacific Lounge Catamaran Sunset Public Tour

Tamarindo: Public Sunset Catamaran Pacific Lounge

$105
per adult
Tamarindo: Public Sunset Catamaran Pacific Lounge
5-Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour in Tamarindo Costa Rica

5-Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour in Tamarindo Costa Rica

$95
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
5-Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour in Tamarindo Costa Rica
See all activities in Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?
Santa Cruz is worth visiting for its unique attractions, including Parque Bernabela Ramos, where travelers can explore. The destination also offers a diverse culinary experience, with a variety of Latin American and Asian cuisine options to enjoy.
When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz?
The best time to visit Santa Cruz is from December through February, which is also its peak season for travelers. For fewer crowds and better value, consider visiting during the quieter months of April through June. This period often offers more affordable lodging options before the busiest times.
What is Santa Cruz known for?
Santa Cruz is known for Parque Bernabela Ramos, a central feature of this Costa Rican city. Travelers can enjoy the park's offerings and also discover the destination's strong Latin American food culture, which is a key part of its regional identity.
What is a good itinerary length for Santa Cruz?
A good itinerary length for Santa Cruz is two to three days to explore Parque Bernabela Ramos and experience a local authentic cultural activity. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can also enjoy a Potrero Private Sailing Tour with open bar and snorkeling, or a Rain Forest Canopy Tour from Tamarindo, featuring ziplining and a hanging bridge. See Santa Cruz Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz offers nature, culture, and adventure with activities in the surrounding region:

  • Explore Parque Bernabela Ramos, a natural area of interest
  • Experience a local authentic cultural activity
  • Enjoy a private sailing tour with open bar and snorkeling in Potrero
  • Take a rain forest canopy tour from Tamarindo, featuring ziplining and hanging bridges.

What cuisines can you find in Santa Cruz?
In Santa Cruz, travelers can find Portuguese cuisine, featuring dishes like Bacalhau à Brás, Caldo Verde, and Pastel de Nata. Travelers can also enjoy Latin American flavors such as Mexican tacos and burritos, along with Asian options like Chinese and Japanese, and Italian dishes.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Santa Cruz?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Santa Cruz 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 Cruz with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Santa Cruz 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 Cruz?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Santa Cruz 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 Cruz trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Santa Cruz 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 Cruz trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Santa Cruz 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 Cruz?
If it's your first trip to Santa Cruz, 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 Cruz 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 Cruz 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 Cruz

A beach at sunset with a calm sea, a sandy shore, and distant hills.

Nosara

A coastal landscape with a curved beach, rocky outcrops, and dense vegetation.

Nicoya

A river surrounded by dense forest and hills.

Veintisiete de Abril

A beach with clear blue water, sandy shore, and rocky cliffs.

Belén

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