A Travel Price Comparison for Costa Rica Santa Elena vs. Liberia for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Santa Elena or Liberia?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Santa Elena and Liberia. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Santa Elena

Santa Elena is a scenic, tranquil, and outdoorsy town. Santa Elena is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking and shopping. See Santa Elena travel costs.

Liberia

Liberia is a fascinating, accessible, and colonial city. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Liberia travel costs.

Santa Elena and Liberia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Santa Elena or Liberia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Elena than Liberia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Elena is better known for its museums and attractions, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Liberia is more popular for its hiking. Santa Elena is more touristy than Liberia and is popular for its birdwatching and environmental conservation. Also, Santa Elena is famous for Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve. Liberia is well known for its "cowboy" culture as well as its proximity to some of Costa Rica's best national parks, beaches, and rainforests.

How is Santa Elena different from Liberia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Liberia and Santa Elena. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santa Elena or Liberia?

Santa Elena
Liberia

Santa Elena is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Liberia does not have museums and landmarks.

Santa Elena offers a few options for museum-goers. The area is filled with outdoor gardens, parks, and nature reserves, but there are few museums to visit.

Liberia does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Santa Elena or Liberia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Elena
Liberia

Both Santa Elena and Liberia offer a number of respectable restaurants to choose from.

Santa Elena may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find some basic but good restaurants around town. Many offer pasta, pizza, and typical Costa Rican dishes.

Liberia offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The city has a number of traditional restaurants where you can find the ubiquitous Costa Rican dishes like gallo pinto and casado.

Is Santa Elena or Liberia Better for Nightlife?

Santa Elena
Liberia

The vibe at night is respectable in both Santa Elena and Liberia.

Santa Elena doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There's a couple of bars but not much else for nightlife in town.

Most people don't head to Liberia specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you're in town for the night, you should have no problem finding a bar to hang out at.

Is Santa Elena or Liberia Better for Hiking?

Santa Elena
Liberia

Liberia is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Santa Elena is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Liberia is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Head to the nearby Rincon de la Vieja National Park for some of the country's best hiking. You'll see stunning waterfalls and hopefully catch a glimpse of local wildlife.

Santa Elena is a popular spot for hiking. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has a range of trails including a walk along the Continental Divide. There's also the famous red hanging bridge.


Is the Shopping Better in Santa Elena or Liberia?

Santa Elena
Liberia

Santa Elena is a good destination for shopping. However, Liberia is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Santa Elena is a great destination for shopping. There are some art galleries and artisan shops around town where you can pick up some interesting souvenirs.

Liberia is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Santa Elena or Liberia More Beautiful?

Santa Elena
Liberia

Santa Elena is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Liberia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Santa Elena is a gorgeous place to visit. The cloud forest and canopy walks give you access to breathtaking views and unique wildlife.

Liberia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Santa Elena or Liberia Better for Families?

Santa Elena
Liberia

Santa Elena is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Liberia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Santa Elena is a very family-friendly place to visit. Monteverde has many canopy walks, zipline courses, and animal parks that the kids will love. The nature and wildlife make this a fun and educational destination for everyone.

Liberia is a family-friendly town. This city is often used as a base for exploring the nearby Rincon De La Vieja National Park. Kids love the hikes, waterfalls, and wildlife that you see in the area.


Is Santa Elena or Liberia Better for Couples?

Santa Elena
Liberia

Santa Elena is notable for romance. Also, Liberia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Santa Elena is a very popular place to visit for couples. The cloud forest is filled with romantic views and unique landscapes. Couples who enjoy the outdoors will fall in love with this magical setting.

Liberia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking through rainforests, seeing splendid waterfalls, and checking out the local wildlife will enjoy a visit to Rincon De La Vieja National Park near town.

Is Santa Elena or Liberia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Elena
Liberia

Santa Elena is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Liberia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Santa Elena is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and affordable activities. There are also many hostels with social activities that make this a great backpacker-friendly destination.

Many backpackers visit Liberia. Like much of Costa Rica, this city is an easy backpacker destination with affordable accommodation and unique places to explore.

Is Santa Elena or Liberia Better for Students?

Santa Elena
Liberia

Liberia is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Santa Elena is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Liberia. As the capital of the Guanacaste province, many students use this city as a base to explore the nearby parks. You'll find study abroad groups as well as researchers and Phd students in the area.

Santa Elena is not popular with students.


Is Santa Elena or Liberia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santa Elena
Liberia

Liberia is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Santa Elena is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Liberia. There is a comprehensive bus system that travels throughout the city and is used by many people.

Santa Elena has a few public transit options. There are buses through town that travel to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Is Santa Elena or Liberia a more walkable city?

Santa Elena
Liberia

Liberia is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Santa Elena is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Liberia is a very walkable destination.

Santa Elena is somewhat walkable. It's relatively easy to walk around, but you will need to take a bus to Monteverde.

For even more information, also check out Is Santa Elena Worth Visiting? and Is Liberia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Liberia or Santa Elena?

How long in Santa Elena or Liberia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santa Elena and Liberia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Santa Elena than in Liberia. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Santa Elena, and 1-3 days is enough time in Liberia.

Families should spend more time in Santa Elena than Liberia. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Santa Elena, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Santa Elena than Liberia. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Santa Elena that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Elena than Liberia if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Santa Elena.


  • How many days in Santa Elena or Liberia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santa Elena 2-4 
    Liberia 1-3

One day in Santa Elena or Liberia?

In Santa Elena, you'll find shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the accessible city of Liberia. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Santa Elena or Liberia?

In Santa Elena, you'll find shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Elena has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the colonial destination of Liberia. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Santa Elena or Liberia?

Santa Elena is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The fascinating city of Liberia offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Santa Elena or Liberia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Elena. Many people enjoy the shopping when visiting Santa Elena. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Liberia. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Costa Rica, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Costa Rica, The Best 2-Week Tours in Costa Rica, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Liberia or Santa Elena?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Santa Elena is $109, while the average daily cost in Liberia is $128. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Santa Elena and Liberia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santa Elena $55
    Liberia $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santa Elena $110
    Liberia $120
Compare Hotels in Santa Elena and Liberia

Looking for a hotel in Santa Elena or Liberia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Santa Elena


Hotels in Liberia


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Liberia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santa Elena $11
    Liberia $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Elena

Also for Santa Elena, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Peñas Blancas to Liberia Airport (LIR) Departure Private Transfer: $94
  • Direct transfer from Monteverde to San Jose, English Speaking Driver: $173
  • MiniVan Departure Transfer Monteverde to San Jose Airport SJO: $175
  • Private Transfer From Monteverde to San Jose With 2 Stops: $209
  • Private Transfer Lake crossing from Monteverde To Arenal From 1 to 6 passengers: $249
  • One Way Private Transfer from Monteverde to Samara : $269
  • Private Transfer From Monteverde To La Fortuna From 1 to 6 passengers: $270
  • One-Way Private Transfer: Monteverde to Quepos and Manuel Antonio: $276
  • One Way Private Transfer from Monteverde - Liberia: $276

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liberia

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Liberia are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liberia

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liberia:

  • Private Transfer from San Jose Airport to Liberia Guanacaste: $340
  • Transfer Dreams Las Mareas from Airports ROUND TRIP: $300
  • Private transfer from Guanacaste to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $299
  • Private Transfer Liberia Airport to Arenal Hotels : $296
  • Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Dreams Las Mareas Hotel: $295
  • Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Playa Nosara & Guiones Guanacaste: $295
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Dreams Las Mareas: $285
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Dreams Las Mareas: $285
  • Private Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Dreams Las Mareas - Costa Rica: $275
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa: $265
  • Liberia Airport To Nandel Beach Resort, Private Transfer: $265
  • Private Transfer Int. Airport Liberia To La Fortuna From 7 to 10 passengers: $262

Is it cheaper to fly into Santa Elena or Liberia?

Prices for flights to both Liberia and Santa Elena change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Santa Elena $41
    Liberia $36

Typical Food Prices in Liberia

Some typical examples of dining costs in Liberia are as follows:


  • Snacks
    $1.97
  • Lunch at The Shack (for 1)
    $4.94
  • Lunch
    $11
  • Coffee & Tres Leches (for 2)
    $14
  • Ginger Ale
    $1.28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liberia

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Liberia.

  • 2-Hour Cooking Class in Nosara : $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santa Elena $30
    Liberia $25

Tours and Activities in Santa Elena

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santa Elena.

  • Admission Ticket to Las Pumas Rescue Center : $20
  • Explore and Learn on a tour of the Magic Monteverde Cloud Forest: $25
  • Guided Butterfly Conservatory Tour in Costa Rica: $26
  • Monteverde Butterfly Gardens Tour: $26
  • Adventure Day - Outdoor Fun for Family & Friends Package: $29
  • Selvatura Park: Herpetarium Tour in Monteverde: $29
  • Monteverde: Oktari Monteverde Night Walk Tour: $30
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Nature Tour: $30
  • Monteverde: Kinkajou Forest Night Walking Tour: $30
  • Kinkajou Night Walk Tour: $30
  • Cloud Forest Small Group Tour: $30
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Tour: $30

Tours and Activities in Liberia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Liberia are as follows:

  • ATV Tour Guanacaste the Beach Excursion & Trail: $111
  • 2 Hour ATV Experience From Guanacaste: $189
  • 2 Hour ATV Private Tour in Costa Rica: $81
  • 3 Hour ATV Adventure Tour in El Jobo: $106
  • 3 In 1 Volcano Hot Springs & Mud Baths And River Floating Tour: $235
  • 4 Tours in 1 Action Package - Playa del Coco area: $189
  • 4-Hour Private Guided ATV Tour in Costa Rica: $122
  • 7 Hour Private Tour in Palo Verde National Park with Pickup: $120
  • ATV Tour 2hrs - La Cruz, Guanacaste: $110
  • ATV Tour In Guanacaste - Costa Rica: $120
  • ATV Tour and Buggy Driving from Nuevo Colon: $120
  • ATV Tour and Local History in Guanacaste: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santa Elena $6.21
    Liberia $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santa Elena and Liberia, we can see that Liberia is more expensive. And not only is Santa Elena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Elena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Elena and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Liberia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liberia than you might in Santa Elena.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santa Elena Expensive? and Is Liberia Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Santa Elena or Liberia?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Santa Elena or Liberia in the Summer?

Both Liberia and Santa Elena during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Santa Elena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Liberia year-round.

Liberia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Santa Elena. Santa Elena usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Liberia. Santa Elena gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Santa Elena often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Liberia. Santa Elena gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liberia receives 164 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Santa Elena is around the same temperature as Liberia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santa Elena in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Liberia averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santa Elena 28°C (82°F) 
    Liberia 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Santa Elena or Liberia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Elena and Liberia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Santa Elena year-round. Liberia attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

June to October is the hurricane season in Santa Elena. December to April in Liberia is the dry season. Also, April to December is the rainy season in Liberia. Liberia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santa Elena gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Santa Elena usually receives around the same amount of rain as Liberia. Santa Elena gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Santa Elena usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Liberia during autumn. Santa Elena gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Liberia receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Santa Elena is generally around the same temperature as Liberia. Daily temperatures in Santa Elena average around 27°C (81°F), and Liberia fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santa Elena 27°C (81°F) 
    Liberia 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Santa Elena or Liberia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Santa Elena as well as Liberia. Santa Elena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Liberia throughout the year.

Also, February to May in Santa Elena is the dry season. Santa Elena usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Liberia. Santa Elena gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Liberia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santa Elena this time of the year. In the winter, Santa Elena often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Liberia. Santa Elena gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liberia receives 264 hours of full sun.

Santa Elena is around the same temperature as Liberia in the winter. The daily temperature in Santa Elena averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Liberia fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santa Elena 27°C (81°F) 
    Liberia 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Santa Elena or Liberia in the Spring?

Both Liberia and Santa Elena are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Santa Elena throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Liberia because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Santa Elena is February to May. June to October in Santa Elena is the hurricane season. The dry season in Liberia is December to April. The rainy season in Liberia is April to December. In April, Santa Elena usually receives around the same amount of rain as Liberia. Santa Elena gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Liberia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santa Elena. Santa Elena usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Liberia during spring. Santa Elena gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Liberia receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Santa Elena is around the same temperature as Liberia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santa Elena in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Liberia averages at about 29°C (85°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santa Elena 29°C (85°F) 
    Liberia 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Liberia and Santa Elena

Santa Elena Liberia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in) 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)