Search Hotels in Santa Elena

Top reasons to visit Santa Elena

• Stunning Beaches: Santa Elena boasts breathtaking beaches perfect for relaxation and adventure.
• Rich Biodiversity: Visit Santa Elena Reserve and Cloud Forest Reserve to experience unique flora and fauna.
• Outdoor Activities: Engage in a variety of thrilling outdoor activities and eco-friendly tours.
• Cultural Exploration: Discover charming churches and local customs that reflect the region's heritage.
• Diverse Accommodations: Enjoy a range of lodging options, from cozy hotels to budget-friendly hostels.

Find great hotels in Santa Elena

Explore a variety of hotel accommodations in Santa Elena, Ecuador, ideal for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike. From cozy hotels to budget-friendly hostels, you'll find options that cater to your needs, including pet-friendly stays and vibrant atmospheres. Whether you're looking for a luxurious getaway or a laid-back retreat, Santa Elena offers the perfect lodging for every traveler.

• Hotel Kundalini: Embrace a family-friendly beach getaway at Hotel Kundalini, where relaxation meets adventure. This property is perfectly situated in Santa Elena, providing direct access to the beautiful beach. Families will appreciate the thoughtful amenities designed for children, including an arcade game room, a shared playground, and a first aid kit for peace of mind. For adults seeking rejuvenation, the hotel features an impressive full-service spa offering aromatherapy treatments, sports massages, and couples treatment rooms. Enjoy a refreshing pool service that complements the beachfront experience, making it an ideal choice for a memorable vacation.
• Hotel Colón Salinas: Elevate your beach vacation at Hotel Colón Salinas, a distinguished 4-star hotel nestled in Santa Elena. This property caters to both leisure and business travelers, boasting direct access to the stunning coastline. With its modern amenities and elegant design, guests can seamlessly combine work and relaxation. The hotel’s prime location allows for easy exploration of the local attractions, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a balance of business and pleasure by the beach.
• Blue Bay Hotel: Experience the charm of coastal living at Blue Bay Hotel, a cozy 3-star option located in Santa Elena. Ideal for beach enthusiasts, this property offers direct access to sandy shores, allowing guests to soak up the sun and enjoy water activities. The inviting atmosphere and basic amenities provide a comfortable stay for travelers looking for an affordable beach vacation. With its friendly service and proximity to local attractions, Blue Bay Hotel is perfect for a laid-back retreat.

Where to stay in Santa Elena

Santa Elena, Ecuador, is a paradise for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its stunning coastal views and rustic elegance, you'll find the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. Explore inviting terraces overlooking the ocean, engage in thrilling outdoor activities, and immerse yourself in the friendly atmosphere. Nearby, Costa Rica's lush landscapes await, offering a unique experience that complements the relaxing environment of Santa Elena. It's the ideal destination for an unforgettable vacation.

• Salinas: Situated along the stunning coastline of Santa Elena, Salinas is a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor adventures. Peak tourist seasons occur in January to February and July, drawing visitors eager to indulge in beach activities and explore local shopping centers. The city's attractions include a picturesque national state park and a bustling dock port, making it ideal for those looking to experience both relaxation and adventure. With an inviting atmosphere, Salinas is perfect for sun-seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
• Manglaralto: A charming city located near Santa Elena, Manglaralto is famous for its laid-back vibe and excellent surfing conditions. The peak travel seasons are in January to February and August, attracting those who seek outdoor experiences and beach fun. Visitors can enjoy the local beaches, hike to scenic lookouts, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the nearby national state park. This destination is ideal for travelers looking for a mix of relaxation and thrills, all while enjoying the warm Ecuadorian sun.
• Montanita: Known as a lively village in the Santa Elena region, Montanita offers a unique blend of beach culture and adventure. With peak tourist seasons in January to February and July, this vibrant spot is perfect for those seeking a mix of relaxation and excitement. Popular activities include shopping at local centers and exploring the stunning beachfront. Visitors can also find a place of worship nearby, adding a cultural touch to their journey. Montanita is a must-visit for those looking to experience a lively beach atmosphere with plenty of opportunities for exploration.

Things to do in Santa Elena

Santa Elena offers a vibrant mix of beach, outdoor, and adventure activities perfect for vacationers. You can enjoy excursions, explore shopping centers, and experience outdoor seating while indulging in sustainability tours. Don't miss the chance to discover the area’s night wildlife and consider adding Costa Rica Sky Adventures to your itinerary for an unforgettable experience.

Shopping

In Santa Elena, visit El Paseo Shopping La Peninsula, a vibrant shopping mall offering a mix of business and entertainment. Also, check out Locals Point, a family-friendly shopping center that captures the local city vibe, perfect for finding unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

In Santa Elena, the Zen Retreat provides holistic wellness programs, including yoga classes and meditation sessions surrounded by nature. Additionally, Ocean Breeze Wellness Center offers rejuvenating massages and spa treatments, ensuring a refreshing escape while enjoying the tranquil coastal views.

Adventure

In Santa Elena, explore the breathtaking beaches of Punta Carnero, ideal for surfing and sunbathing. Experience thrilling zip-lining at Parque Ecologico Manglares Churute, where you can soar above lush mangroves and spot diverse wildlife. Don't miss the vibrant nightlife and local cuisine in the nearby coastal towns.

Nightlife

Explore the vibrant nightlife in Santa Elena by visiting La Playa Bar for refreshing cocktails and beach vibes. For a lively atmosphere, check out El Faro, where you can enjoy local music and dance the night away with fellow travelers and locals alike.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Elena

To save money on your trip to Santa Elena, visit during the off-peak months of May to June or September, when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays offer the cheapest rates for stays, while Saturdays tend to be the priciest. Use Expedia's search tool to filter options by budget and preferences, and consider booking hotel and flight packages for additional savings. Explore the area on foot to avoid transport costs, and look for free activities to maximize your experience without overspending.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Santa Elena are May to June and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Santa Elena is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Santa Elena is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservations in Santa Elena with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions in Santa Elena

Santa Elena, Ecuador, offers a perfect blend of beach, outdoor, and adventure experiences. Visitors can explore stunning beaches, picturesque parks, and charming churches. The area is rich in culture and provides eco-friendly activities, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts. Don't miss the Santa Elena Reserve and the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, both of which showcase the region's incredible biodiversity and natural beauty.

• Salinas Beach: Experience the vibrant beach vibes at Salinas Beach, where you can relax on golden sands, indulge in water sports, and savor delicious seafood from local vendors. The warm sun and gentle waves create an inviting atmosphere for both relaxation and adventure.
• Ballenita Park: Discover the eco-friendly charm of Ballenita Park, a family-friendly destination featuring lush greenery and outdoor activities. Enjoy picnics, leisurely walks, and playgrounds while soaking in the beauty of nature with your loved ones.
• Montanita Church: Immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Montanita Church, a serene place where you can appreciate local architecture and community spirit. It’s a great spot for reflection and to experience the spiritual side of this vibrant region.

Best time to go to Santa Elena

The best time to visit Santa Elena is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. March is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. August is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	76.3°F (24.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	77.7°F (25.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly High
March	78.1°F (25.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	76.8°F (24.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	75.2°F (24.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	73.6°F (23.1°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
July	72.0°F (22.200000000000003°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
August	70.7°F (21.5°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	70.9°F (21.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
October	71.2°F (21.8°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	72.1°F (22.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
December	73.9°F (23.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Santa Elena

Traveling to Santa Elena, Ecuador, can be conveniently done via two major airports. Guayaquil (GYE-Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Intl.) is located 107.8km from Santa Elena, with great hotel options like the 5-star Sheraton Guayaquil Hotel, just 1.1km away, offering various transportation services to the airport. Manta (MEC-Eloy Alfaro Intl.) is another option, situated 143.2km from Santa Elena. Nearby hotels include the 4.5-star Wyndham Manta Sail Plaza Hotel, located 8.0km from the airport, which provides transfer and shuttle services. Both airports offer accessible access to Santa Elena, ensuring a smooth travel experience.