Rolling hills, dense greenery, and a prominent red rock formation.

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Check prices for these dates

Tonight
16 Oct - 17 Oct
Tomorrow
17 Oct - 18 Oct
This weekend
16 Oct - 18 Oct
Next weekend
23 Oct - 25 Oct

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Our top choices for Santa Elena hotels

1. Camino Verde Bed & Breakfast

Camino Verde Bed & Breakfast
Monteverde
United States
Caryssa
฿1,709
฿1,931 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Oct - 24 Oct
Camino Verde Bed & Breakfast

2. Monteverde Lodge by Böëna

Monteverde Lodge by Böëna
Monteverde
United States
Elizabeth
฿10,157
฿12,147 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Oct - 23 Oct
Monteverde Lodge by Böëna

3. Hotel con Corazón Monteverde

Hotel con Corazón Monteverde
Monteverde
United Kingdom
Rick
฿1,802
฿2,037 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Oct - 27 Oct
Hotel con Corazón Monteverde

4. Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco

Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Monteverde
Canada
Corey
฿7,938
฿8,970 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Oct - 23 Oct
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco

5. Cala Lodge

Cala Lodge
Monteverde
Canada
Mengyu
฿2,858
฿3,229 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Cala Lodge

6. Monteverde Country Lodge

Monteverde Country Lodge
Monteverde
United States
Ganesh
฿3,797
฿4,291 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Nov - 16 Nov
Monteverde Country Lodge

7. Hotel Claro de Luna

Hotel Claro de Luna
Monteverde
Switzerland
Sonja
฿2,864
฿3,236 total
includes taxes & fees
21 Oct - 22 Oct
Hotel Claro de Luna

8. Casa Jungle Monteverde Bed & Breakfast

Casa Jungle Monteverde Bed & Breakfast
Monteverde
United States
TABATHA
฿1,337
฿1,511 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Oct - 19 Oct
Casa Jungle Monteverde Bed & Breakfast

9. OutBox Inn

OutBox Inn
Monteverde
Canada
Frederik
฿722
฿1,345 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Nov - 15 Nov
OutBox Inn

10. Pensión Santa Elena

Pensión Santa Elena
Monteverde
Canada
Freya
฿485
฿1,192 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Oct - 23 Oct
Pensión Santa Elena

11. VISTA AL GOLFO

VISTA AL GOLFO
Monteverde
United States
Andrea
฿1,564
฿1,768 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 Oct
VISTA AL GOLFO

12. Hotel El Atardecer

Hotel El Atardecer
Monteverde
United States
Sreenivasan
฿2,540
฿2,870 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Oct - 27 Oct
Hotel El Atardecer

13. Cabinas Selva Verde

Cabinas Selva Verde
Monteverde
United States
Arvind
฿1,354
฿1,530 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Oct - 19 Oct
Cabinas Selva Verde

14. Hostel Cattleya

Hostel Cattleya
Monteverde
United States
Divya
฿603
฿682 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Oct - 19 Oct
Hostel Cattleya

15. Hotel la Puesta del Sol

Hotel la Puesta del Sol
Monteverde
Denmark
Marianne
฿1,880
฿2,125 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Oct - 19 Oct
Hotel la Puesta del Sol

16. Hotel El Amanecer

Hotel El Amanecer
Monteverde
Canada
Stephen
฿1,572
฿1,776 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Oct - 23 Oct
Hotel El Amanecer

17. hotel rey

hotel rey
Santa Elena
฿1,203
฿1,360 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Oct - 19 Oct
hotel rey

18. Orquid Lodge Monteverde

Orquid Lodge Monteverde
Monteverde
฿2,858
฿3,229 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Oct - 19 Oct
Orquid Lodge Monteverde

19. Hotel las Orquideas Monteverde

Hotel las Orquideas Monteverde
Santa Elena
฿1,805
฿2,040 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Oct - 19 Oct
Hotel las Orquideas Monteverde

20. Hotel El Rey Monteverde Downtown

Hotel El Rey Monteverde Downtown
Monteverde
฿1,207
฿1,363 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Oct - 19 Oct
Hotel El Rey Monteverde Downtown
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Stay near popular Santa Elena attractions

Monteverde Orchid Garden

9.2/10 (91 reviews)
Home to over 460 orchid species, including the world's smallest, this garden showcases Costa Rica's cloud forest biodiversity. Take a guided tour to appreciate the intricate details of these delicate blooms.
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Centro Comercial Monteverde

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Centro Comercial Monteverde during your visit to Santa Elena. You can seek out the local tours while in the area.
See properties

Ficus La Raiz

9.6/10 (5 reviews)
This natural wonder showcases a ficus tree's massive roots forming a bridge over a flowing creek. Explore the serene cloud forest setting and capture unique photographs from viewing platforms above and below.
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Mundo de los Insectos

Explore Costa Rica's diverse insect world through captivating guided exhibits at Mundo de los Insectos. Morning visits offer the best chance to observe butterflies, beetles, and arachnids at their most active.
See properties

Learn more about Santa Elena

Cloud forests reveal their secrets on guided night walks where red-eyed tree frogs and sloths emerge. Zip through the forest canopy on thrilling lines, then visit the butterfly gardens in nearby Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

See all hotels in Santa Elena
Rolling hills, dense greenery, and a prominent red rock formation.

Top Santa Elena Hotel Reviews

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

10/10 Excellent
"Have traveled to many different places and this might be the most incredible resort I’ve ever stayed at. Cheers to the team"
Matthew 3-night trip
Posted 1 hour ago
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs Resort

Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs Resort

10/10 Excellent
"Accommodation was clean and tidy. The restaurant and breakfast were fantastic, while the pool and hot springs area was very nicely laid out. Would highly recommend."
neil 2-night trip
Posted 5 hours ago
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs Resort
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort

Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort

10/10 Excellent
"Hermoso nos gustó"
Robin 1-night trip
Posted 9 hours ago
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
Hotel Lomas del Volcán

Hotel Lomas del Volcán

10/10 Excellent
"This place has a breathtaking view of the Arenal Volcano. A hike in the national park doesn’t even get you a close. The location was great, just 10 minutes from the hustle and bustle of La Fortuna. It felt like a jungle retreat more than a resort and the breakfast buffet was delicious."
Lindsay 3-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
Hotel Lomas del Volcán
Camino Verde Bed & Breakfast

Camino Verde Bed & Breakfast

10/10 Excellent
"This place was just lovely. We loved the Monteverde region. A gem and often overlooked for the nearby La Fortuna/Arenal region. The staff here was attentive and incredibly friendly. The place had a grown up hostal vibe. Cannot recommend Camino Verde enough!"
Lindsay 2-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
Camino Verde Bed & Breakfast
Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience

Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience

10/10 Excellent
"It was an amazing stay! Having the thermal pool just a few steps from our room made the experience even more special and relaxing. The staff was consistently welcoming, attentive, and responsive, making us feel well taken care of throughout our visit. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and we would definitely recommend it!"
Alejandro 2-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience
Noah's Forest by Tifakara

Noah's Forest by Tifakara

10/10 Excellent
"An Unforgettable Honeymoon Experience! Our stay at Noah Forest Hotel was absolutely amazing! We came here for our honeymoon, and it was truly one of the best experiences we could have ever asked for. From the moment we arrived, the hospitality was exceptional. The entire team made us feel so welcome and special, and we are incredibly grateful for the wonderful people we had the pleasure of meeting during our stay. The breakfast was amazing, and we loved the attention to detail throughout the hotel. The rooms were beautifully maintained, the housekeeping team did an outstanding job, and every team member we encountered contributed to making our experience even more beautiful and memorable. What truly sets this hotel apart is its incredible staff and the genuine care they show their guests. They went above and beyond to make our honeymoon special, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We left with beautiful memories that we will cherish forever. We highly recommend Noah Forest Hotel to anyone looking for exceptional hospitality and a wonderful place to stay. We would absolutely love to come back! Thank you to the entire team jason, adrian, modesto and Steven for making the beginning of our married life even more special! ❤️🥂"
Josseline 2-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
Noah's Forest by Tifakara
The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal

The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal

10/10 Excellent
"Amazing place"
Caitlin 1-night trip
Posted 4 days ago
The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal
Lost Iguana Resort and Spa

Lost Iguana Resort and Spa

10/10 Excellent
"Loved it"
Raimund 3-night trip
Posted 4 days ago
Lost Iguana Resort and Spa

More cheap stays in Santa Elena

Viajero La Fortuna Hostel

Viajero La Fortuna Hostel

Av. 325 La Fortuna Provincia de Alajuela
฿1,210
฿1,367 total
18 Oct - 19 Oct
includes taxes & fees
9.4/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
Viajero La Fortuna Hostel
Arenal Xilopalo

Arenal Xilopalo

Calle 478 La Fortuna Alajuela
฿1,900
฿2,147 total
18 Oct - 19 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Arenal Xilopalo
Tityra Lodge

Tityra Lodge

Ruta Nacional Treciaria 606 Monteverde Puntarenas
฿3,195
฿3,610 total
14 Nov - 15 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Tityra Lodge
Hotel Villas Vilma

Hotel Villas Vilma

3 Km West From Fortuna Central Park La Fortuna Alajuela
฿3,461
฿3,911 total
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (126 reviews)
Hotel Villas Vilma
BAUMA

BAUMA

Zeta Trece La Fortuna Provincia de Alajuela
฿6,213
฿7,021 total
25 Oct - 26 Oct
includes taxes & fees
BAUMA
Hostel La Choza Inn

Hostel La Choza Inn

Avenue 331 La Fortuna Alajuela
Get rates
7.8/10 Good! (232 reviews)
Hostel La Choza Inn

Find out more about Santa Elena

Top reasons to visit Santa Elena

  • Adventure Activities: Santa Elena is perfect for thrill-seekers, featuring zipline courses and skywalk tours amidst stunning landscapes.
  • Natural Beauty: Explore lush cloud forests and vibrant flower gardens, offering breathtaking scenery and eco-friendly experiences.
  • Cultural Immersion: Engage with friendly locals in the charming downtown, embracing the essence of 'pura vida'.
  • Family-Friendly Fun: The region offers numerous activities suitable for families, ensuring a memorable experience for all ages.
  • Diverse Accommodations: Enjoy a range of lodging options, from cosy bed and breakfasts to comfortable hotels, tailored to all preferences.

Find great hotels in and around Santa Elena

Experience the enchanting charm of Santa Elena, Monteverde, where a variety of accommodations await to fulfil your every desire. Whether you prefer a cosy bed and breakfast or a comfortable hotel, you'll find options tailored for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Discover popular establishments such as Hotel Claro and Casa Tranquilo Hostel, perfect for creating unforgettable memories in this breathtaking Costa Rican paradise.

  • El Establo Mountain Hotel: Nestled 966m from Santa Elena, El Establo Mountain Hotel is a 3.5-star accommodation that excels in providing a family-friendly and spa-themed experience. This hotel features a variety of amenities tailored for children, including a dedicated children's pool, an arcade game room, and a playground, ensuring younger guests have an enjoyable stay. For adults, the full-service spa offers a range of relaxation options including body treatments and couples’ treatment rooms. Guests will appreciate the stunning mountain views and tranquil atmosphere that encourages relaxation and rejuvenation.
  • Hotel Linda Vista: Located 14km from Santa Elena, Hotel Linda Vista boasts a 3-star rating and has been well received by guests, achieving a rating of 9.0 out of 10. This hotel offers a delightful dining experience with complimentary breakfast options and an on-site restaurant. Entertainment is readily available with multiple televisions and satellite TV for guests to unwind after a day of exploration. Set against a backdrop of rivers, rural landscapes, and mountains, Hotel Linda Vista provides a serene getaway for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
  • Camino Verde Bed & Breakfast: Situated in the heart of Santa Elena, Camino Verde Bed & Breakfast is a 3-star establishment known for its nature-themed accommodation and wellness focus, earning an impressive guest rating of 9.4 out of 10. Here, guests can savour the tranquillity of nature with amenities such as a terrace, perfect for enjoying the surrounding landscapes. The property champions a harmonious blend of comfort and natural beauty, making it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts looking to unwind in a serene environment.

Where to stay in Santa Elena

Santa Elena, nestled in the heart of Monteverde, offers an exhilarating blend of adventure and natural beauty. Discover the vibrant downtown, where friendly locals share the essence of 'pura vida'. Explore lush trails through cloud forests, or unwind in tranquil surroundings perfect for families. Just a stone's throw away, the scenic landscapes invite you to immerse yourself in the region's captivating atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for recreation and relaxation.

  • Monteverde: Nestled in the lush highlands of Costa Rica, Monteverde is renowned for its stunning cloud forests and rich biodiversity. As the home of Santa Elena, this city draws visitors year-round, with peak periods from January to March. Outdoor enthusiasts flock here for thrilling adventures, from zip-lining through the treetops to hiking scenic trails. Key attractions include the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, abundant with unique flora and fauna, along with various resorts and spas for relaxation. The region’s picturesque landscapes, including nearby volcanoes and beaches, create an unforgettable travel experience.
  • Valle Bonito: Just 1km from Santa Elena, Valle Bonito is a charming neighbourhood that offers an idyllic escape into nature. Visitors can enjoy a mix of outdoor activities, such as zip-lining and exploring local nature reserves. With a consistent influx of tourists throughout the year, Valle Bonito is particularly vibrant in March and during the December-January festive period. The area features stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes and is an excellent base for adventure seekers looking to immerse themselves in Costa Rica's lush scenery.
  • San Luis: Situated 3km from Santa Elena, San Luis is a quaint village that captivates travellers with its serene atmosphere and breathtaking landscapes. Known for its outdoor adventures, visitors can explore nearby national parks and volcanoes, all while soaking in the stunning scenery. The village experiences steady tourist visits year-round, with a surge during peak months in March and December-January. San Luis is perfect for those seeking a more tranquil and authentic Costa Rican experience, rich in natural beauty and adventure.

Things to do near Santa Elena

Shopping

In Santa Elena, you'll find charming local shops offering handmade crafts and souvenirs, perfect for gifts. If you're up for a drive, check out the Monteverde Artisan Market, about 16km away, where you can explore a variety of artisanal products and local delicacies.

Recreation

Serenity Wellness Retreat offers rejuvenating yoga sessions amidst stunning natural scenery, complemented by organic meals and holistic therapies. For a tranquil experience, visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where guided walks reveal rich biodiversity and lush flora, creating a peaceful connection with nature.

Adventure

At Selvatura Adventure Park, located 5km from Santa Elena, experience exhilarating ziplining and a thrilling ropes course amidst lush scenery. Costa Rica Sky Adventures, 16km away, offers exciting ziplining through the treetops. Sky Adventures Monteverde Park, only 3km from Santa Elena, features similar adventurous experiences in a stunning natural setting.

Nightlife

In Santa Elena, the Night Club Monteverde offers vibrant dance music and a lively atmosphere, while the Tree House Restaurant & Café provides a unique setting with refreshing cocktails and local cuisine. For a more laid-back vibe, visit the Morpho Café, known for its cosy ambience and delightful drinks.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in and around Santa Elena

Santa Elena offers an ideal setting for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts, featuring attractions such as the Santa Elena Reserve, thrilling zipline courses, and beautiful flower gardens. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature while enjoying eco-friendly experiences that showcase the region's stunning scenery. Whether you're seeking adventure or a peaceful retreat, Santa Elena is a fantastic destination for a memorable holiday in Costa Rica.

  • Monteverde Orchid Garden: Nestled within Santa Elena, this enchanting garden showcases a diverse collection of orchids, offering a family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through vibrant displays while learning about the unique characteristics and conservation efforts of these delicate flowers.
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve: Located 3km from Santa Elena, this remarkable reserve is renowned for its rich biodiversity and lush cloud-covered landscapes. Nature enthusiasts can explore well-marked trails, offering a chance to witness exotic wildlife, including rare birds and mammals in their natural habitat.
  • Monteverde Butterfly Gardens: Just 805m from Santa Elena, this private garden invites visitors to marvel at a variety of butterflies in a serene environment. With informative exhibits, it provides insights into the life cycle of these captivating creatures and their role in the ecosystem.

Best time to go to Santa Elena

The best time to visit Santa Elena can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Santa Elena falls in April, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Santa Elena falls in November, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January79.2°F (26.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
February80.6°F (27.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
March81.9°F (27.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May81.3°F (27.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
June79.9°F (26.6°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July79.5°F (26.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August79.5°F (26.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
September79.3°F (26.3°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
October78.6°F (25.9°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
November78.3°F (25.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December78.4°F (25.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

The nearest major airports for your trip to Santa Elena

Accessing Santa Elena in Monteverde, Costa Rica, is convenient via several major airports. San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.), situated 77km away, offers hotel options such as the 5-star InterContinental Costa Rica and the 4.5-star Costa Rica Marriott Hotel, both providing shuttle services to the airport. Liberia (LIR-Daniel Oduber Intl.) is 84km from Santa Elena, with luxurious stays like the 5-star Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, which also offers airport shuttles. Quepos (XQP), located 124km away, features hotels such as the 5-star Makanda by the Sea, providing shuttle services to the airport as well. Each location ensures easy transportation to Santa Elena.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best place for a stay in Santa Elena?
Based on our traveller data, Camino Verde Bed & Breakfast is one of the top choices for your stay. This B&B offers free breakfast and free parking. Other good options for your trip include Monteverde Lodge by Böëna and Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco. See all available top hotels, or vacation rentals in Santa Elena.
What are some of the best holiday rentals that Santa Elena has to offer?
Green Forest Vacations Homes: This holiday home rental outside of Santa Elena offers an indoor pool, a balcony and free WiFi to help you feel perfectly comfortable in your new surroundings. Kitchen amenities include a stovetop, a microwave and a coffee maker. Make the most of garden in this rental home to help you unwind. See all vacation rentals in Santa Elena.
If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Santa Elena, will I receive a refund?
Yes! Most hotel room reservations are fully refundable if you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before your arrival date. If you have a non-refundable reservation, you might be able to cancel it and receive a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Filter your search by fully refundable to find flexible hotel deals in Santa Elena.
What's the best budget-friendly hotel in Santa Elena?
Based on our traveller reviews, Pensión Santa Elena is a top choice for a less expensive stay. Other choices to stay on the cheap include Hostel Cattleya and Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel. View all budget hotels in Santa Elena.
What's the best family accommodation in Santa Elena?
Monteverde Lodge by Böëna is a hotel with an outdoor pool and a restaurant, and it's a top choice on Expedia for families. Other options for your child-friendly holiday include Cala Lodge and Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco. Also, attractions in the area such as Kalambu Hot Springs and The Bat Jungle are fun for children of all ages. Find more child-friendly accommodations in Santa Elena.
What's the best LGBTQ-friendly hotel in Santa Elena?
Cala Lodge is a top LGBTQ-friendly hotel that features free Wi-Fi and free parking. Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel and Monteverde Eco Love are two other good options for your holiday. See all available hotels listed as LGBTQ-friendly in Santa Elena.
What's the best dog-friendly accommodation option in Santa Elena?
Monteverde Eco Love is a top dog-friendly guest house, and offers a restaurant and laundry facilities for its human guests. Other good options for you and your pet's trip include Pensión Santa Elena and Hostel Cattleya. See more pet-friendly hotel accommodations in Santa Elena.
What are some accommodation options with pools in Santa Elena?
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco is a top hotel with a children's pool, an indoor pool and 2 restaurants. View all hotels with pools in Santa Elena.
What is the best spa hotel in Santa Elena?
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco is a top spa hotel featuring a health club and an indoor pool. Enjoy a facial, body scrub or detox wrap at the on-site spa. See all spa hotels in Santa Elena.
What is staying in Santa Elena like?
Visitors give high marks for the local tours in Santa Elena, which is also known for its gardens and cafes. This city also attracts tourists with its scenic landscape. A top sight in the area is Arenal Volcano National Park. In Santa Elena, there are 48 hotels and other accommodation options to choose from. Find out more about Santa Elena.
What should I see while I'm in Santa Elena?
Landmarks like Mundo de los Insectos and Jardín de Orquídeas might be worth a visit. The gardens and forests provide a picturesque setting and places to visit include Monteverde Orchid Garden. Bird watching is a great activity, and Ficus La Raiz is one place to visit. Take a look at what more there is to see and do in Expedia's Santa Elena guide.
What's the weather like in Santa Elena?
The hottest months are usually March and February, with an average temperature of 27°C, while the coldest months are January and December, with an average of 26°C. The rainiest months in Santa Elena are October, August, June and September, with each month seeing an average of 482 mm of rainfall.