What to do in Santa Elena

Activities, attractions and tours

Monteverde, Santa Elena and Arenal area in Costa Rica highlands. Panoramic view in sunny day of a vast hills and mountains in this pristine region of Central America
Monteverde, Santa Elena and Arenal area in Costa Rica highlands. Panoramic view in sunny day of a vast hills and mountains in this pristine region of Central America
Canopy Trail, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Nature Reserve, Costa Rica, Central America, America
Hummingbird in Costa Rica near the hanging bridges and cloud forest. #wildlife
Stunning sunset on ride to Santa Elena #GoldenHour
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Most fun & popular experiences in Santa Elena

Tours & day trips

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Monteverde: Cloud Forest Hanging Bridges Guided Tour

Monteverde: Cloud Forest Hanging Bridges Guided Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp588.980 per adult*
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History & culture

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Monteverde: Jungle Zipline & Tarzan Swing with Transfer

Monteverde: Jungle Zipline & Tarzan Swing with Transfer

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp1.766.772 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Wildlife Tour in Curicancha

Wildlife Tour in Curicancha

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp925.540 per adult
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Water activities

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Arenal Jet Ski Guided Experience

Arenal Jet Ski Guided Experience

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp2.170.812 per traveller
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Classes & workshops

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Authentic experience of Coffee, Cane and Caco inside the forest

Authentic experience of Coffee, Cane and Caco inside the forest

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp740.432 per adult
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What to do in Santa Elena

Popular places to visit

Rain forest in Monteverde, Costa Rica, Central America

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

4.5/5(14 reviews)

Enjoy a trip to Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and popular activities such as hiking in Monteverde. Amble around the area's lush forest or seek out the local tours.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde

Explore the lovely green spaces of Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde and enjoy the hiking trails in Monteverde. Wander the lush forest or discover the area's volcano viewpoints.

Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde
Butterfly in Monteverde

Monteverde Butterfly Gardens

Explore the lovely green spaces of Monteverde Butterfly Gardens and also enjoy the hiking trails in Monteverde. While you're in the area, wander around the lush forest.

Monteverde Butterfly Gardens
Female purple-throated mountain hummingbird resting on a perch in Monteverde, Costa Rica

Wildlife Refuge Monteverde

4/5(1 review)

Explore the great outdoors at Wildlife Refuge Monteverde, a lovely green space in Monteverde. Amble around the area's lush forest or seek out the hiking trails.

Wildlife Refuge Monteverde
Orchid species in Monteverde at 1400 meters.

Monteverde Orchid Garden

Explore the great outdoors at Monteverde Orchid Garden, a lovely green space in Santa Elena. Amble around the area's lush forest or seek out the local tours.

Monteverde Orchid Garden

Curi-Cancha Reserve

Enjoy the volcano viewpoints and explore Curi-Cancha Reserve, a lovely green space in Monteverde. Amble around the area's lush forest or seek out the hiking trails.

Curi-Cancha Reserve

Children's Eternal Rain Forest Bajo del Tigre

Explore the great outdoors at Children's Eternal Rain Forest Bajo del Tigre, a lovely green space in Monteverde. Amble around the area's lush forest or seek out the hiking trails.

Children's Eternal Rain Forest Bajo del Tigre

The Bat Jungle

Visit the native and exotic animals who live at The Bat Jungle during your travels in Monteverde. Discover the area's volcano viewpoints or seek out its hiking trails.

The Bat Jungle

Ficus La Raiz

You can take time to visit Ficus La Raiz during your travels to Santa Elena. You can seek out the local tours while in the area.

Ficus La Raiz

Day trip destinations from Santa Elena

Volcan Arenal dominates the landscape during sunset, as seen from the Monteverde area, Costa Rica.

Monteverde

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Elena worth visiting?
Renowned for its nature and hiking, finding awesome things to do in Santa Elena is a cinch. Don't forget to add The Bat Jungle to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Santa Elena?
Once you've checked off top attractions like The Bat Jungle and Ranario, spend the rest of your day discovering the retail and food options in Santa Elena.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Elena?
The top tourist attraction in Santa Elena is The Bat Jungle, so make sure to include it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Elena?
Three days in Santa Elena is enough to enjoy the city's major attractions. Many guests spend two days on average. The Bat Jungle, Ranario and Mundo de los Insectos are top-rated sights. Want to see more? Stick around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots such as La Fortuna.
Is Santa Elena a walkable city?
That comes down to what you'd like to do and see in Santa Elena. Several key attractions, like The Bat Jungle and Ranario, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Santa Elena's best neighbourhoods, La Lindora is 5 kilometers away from downtown, while Valle Bonito is 2 kilometers away from the centre and also within walking distance.
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 taking a trip with toddlers or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Santa Elena for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Santa Elena, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Vista al Golfo.
Are there free things to do in Santa Elena?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Santa Elena is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.