Things to do in Santa Elena

Activities, attractions and tours

Rolling hills, dense greenery, and a prominent red rock formation.
A suspension bridge surrounded by dense forest.
A hummingbird hovering near a red flower.
A sunset over a mountainous landscape with clouds in the sky.
A small, brown rodent-like animal in a natural setting with green foliage and leaf litter.

Things to do

Monteverde Night Tour: Glass Frogs, lateralis, Sloths & Jungle

Monteverde Night Tour: Glass Frogs, lateralis, Sloths & Jungle

S$49
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Monteverde Night Tour: Glass Frogs, lateralis, Sloths & Jungle
Monteverde Night Tour Unique Experience

Monteverde Night Tour Unique Experience

S$45
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Monteverde Night Tour Unique Experience
Keelbilled toucan Curicancha wildlife tour

Monteverde Birdwatching Tour at Curicancha Reserve

S$45
per adult
Monteverde Birdwatching Tour at Curicancha Reserve
Selvatura Park Canopy Tour

Selvatura Park Canopy Tour

S$116
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Selvatura Park Canopy Tour
Night Adventures in Monteverde

Night Adventures in Monteverde

S$45
per adult
Night Adventures in Monteverde
Monteverde: Kinkajou Forest Night Walking Tour

Monteverde: Kinkajou Forest Night Walking Tour

S$41
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Monteverde: Kinkajou Forest Night Walking Tour
Monteverde Birdwatching Experience

Monteverde Birdwatching Experience

S$99
per adult
Monteverde Birdwatching Experience
Selvatura Sloth Habitat

Selvatura Sloth Habitat

S$58
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Selvatura Sloth Habitat
Resplendent Quetzal

Monteverde Cloud Forest Guided Nature Walk with Local Naturalist

S$39
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monteverde Cloud Forest Guided Nature Walk with Local Naturalist
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What to do in Santa Elena

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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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 kilometres away from downtown, while Valle Bonito is 2 kilometres 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.