Santa Elena is an outdoorsy town known for its birdwatching and environmental conservation. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Santa Elena?
You should plan to spend around $109 (₡55,519) per day on your vacation in Santa Elena. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $41 (₡20,765) on meals
- $11 (₡5,644) on local transportation
- $109 (₡55,583) on hotels
A one week trip to Santa Elena for two people costs, on average, $1,530 (₡777,266). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$765
₡388,633
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,530
₡777,266
-
One Month
Per person
$3,280
₡1,665,570
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,530
₡777,266
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,061
₡1,554,532
-
One Month
For a couple
$6,559
₡3,331,140
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Santa Elena cost?
A one week trip to Santa Elena usually costs around $765 (₡388,633) for one person and $1,530 (₡777,266) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Santa Elena on average costs around $1,530 (₡777,266) for one person and $3,061 (₡1,554,532) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Santa Elena will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Santa Elena on average costs around $3,280 (₡1,665,570) for one person and $6,559 (₡3,331,140) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Santa Elena expensive to visit?
Santa Elena is a terrific town that captivates many with its charm, appealing to a wide range of travel styles and budgets. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
You can find Santa Elena to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like taking public transit and enjoying the free hiking trails can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $45 (₡22,680) per day, mid-range travelers spend $111 (₡55,519) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $259 (₡129,526) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Santa Elena.
Within Central America, Santa Elena is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to San Jose or Jaco.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Santa Elena Expensive?
Cloud Forest in Costa Rica
How much money do I need for a trip to Santa Elena?
The average Santa Elena trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Santa Elena travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Santa Elena cost?
Santa Elena on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$22
(₡10,985)
|
$55
(₡27,792)
|
$138
(₡70,202)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$5
(₡2,486)
|
$11
(₡5,644)
|
$21
(₡10,548)
|
Food 2
|
$17
(₡8,614)
|
$41
(₡20,765)
|
$92
(₡46,528)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$13
(₡6,739)
|
$30
(₡15,230)
|
$55
(₡27,992)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$1-4
(₡695-2,084)
|
$3-9
(₡1,578-4,733)
|
$6-17
(₡2,950-8,850)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget in Santa Elena is important. While you might think you can save money by cutting expenses, traveling comfortably requires a bit more spending for most people. Think about your favorite vacation activities and ideal travel style. Staying in a resort or comfortable hotel, along with sightseeing and dining out are generally what many people prefer. Your travel preferences will determine how much you'll end up spending on your trip.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $45 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Luckily, Santa Elena has plenty of hostels like Monteverde Backpackers, Sleepers, and Sloth Backpackers Hostel and Bed & Breakfast. At these hostels, you can find affordable dorm beds and a vibrant social scene, but amenities tend to be quite limited.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. A significant number of visitors to Santa Elena will want to tour the main attractions, museums, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $111 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $259. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the town will entail a more premium price tag. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Natural History Walk by Pasión Costa Rica - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Santa Elena
Prices for hotels in Santa Elena vary widely, with luxury hotels charging more due to higher amenities. In the off-season, expect to pay around $0, but during peak winter or spring season, average prices climb to $0. With options ranging from $0 to $0, there's something for every budget. Hostels are usually cheaper, especially dorm rooms. To save, book during the off-season or keep an eye out for special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Santa Elena for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $109 (₡55,583). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $55 (₡27,792) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Santa Elena? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Santa Elena's public transportation allows you to stay further away from the town for cheaper lodging, but commuting might add extra transportation costs and eat up your time.
This family-friendly town makes Santa Elena a great option for traveling with kids, and you'll want to find a larger place to stay.
By avoiding the peak winter or spring season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Santa Elena
Santa Elena has a solid public transit system that covers many major attractions. There are buses through town that travel to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. If you're looking to save time and money, public transit is a great choice as long as it's close to your destination. Taxis and rideshares are also available throughout town.
Certain areas of Santa Elena are fairly walkable, which helps you see more attractions. It's relatively easy to walk around, but you will need to take a bus to Monteverde.
Public Transit: 



(good)
Walkability: 



(good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $11 (₡5,644) per person, per day, on local transportation in Santa Elena. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Santa Elena is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$11
₡5,644
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Private Transfer From Monteverde To La Fortuna From 1 to 6 passengers for $270 details
- Private Transfer Lake crossing from Monteverde To Arenal From 1 to 6 passengers for $249 details
- One Way Private Transfer from Monteverde - Liberia for $276 details
How much does it cost to go to Santa Elena? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Santa Elena will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Santa Elena
Dining options in Santa Elena are quite limited and of mediocre quality. It's better not to waste too much money on meals when there are more valuable experiences to invest in. You'll find some basic but good restaurants around town. Many offer pasta, pizza, and typical Costa Rican dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Santa Elena can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Santa Elena is $41 (₡20,765) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$41
₡20,765
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Santa Elena is around $41 (₡20765) per person, with previous travelers spending from $17 to $93. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Santa Elena are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $12
- Lunch: $6 to $17
- Dinner: $12 to $29
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
Although Santa Elena is small, there are a few decent restaurants in town. There are also a handful of entertainment options in Santa Elena including a discotheque in the middle of town.
For pizza, Kako's pizza is a good option. They have pizza, Italian food, and casados. The restaurant is found behind the bank and up a driveway. Service can be very slow, but friendly. M&F burgers has the usual Costa Rican food, and a special burger that's served on a tortilla with a few unique toppings such as ham. Chimera has latin based dishes for a good price. They are located across from the El Establo Hotel.
If you're dining out with children, try to find restaurants that include a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since those meals tend to be cheaper. Remember, some places may not highlight their kids' options, so don't forget to ask your waiter first.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying drinks everywhere you go. It's good for the earth, too.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Santa Elena
It's not a shock that Santa Elena draws crowds, as it is known for its budget-friendly accommodations, hiking, family-friendly activities, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Santa Elena typically cost an average of $30 (₡15,230) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$30
₡15,230
Allow yourself at least a couple of days in the Monteverde area. You'll want time to explore and hike around the cloud forest, and if you're interested in doing a canopy or zip line tour, you'll need time to book that as well. These are generally regarded as some of the best things to do in the Guanacaste area. There are a few sights in the area including the Orchid Garden, the Butterfly and Insect Garden, and Ranario (which is a frog pond).
There are many natural areas, including the Monteverde Cloud Forest, that you can explore near Santa Elena. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is where you'll find the majority of the cloud forest. There is also Bosque Eterno de los Ninos conservation area, which is to the west. To the north is the Reserva Santa Elena, which is less popular than the Monteverde Reserve but has a rustic station and good views of Arenal Volcano.
Santa Elena and the surrounding area has no shortage of activities. The area is well known for its zip line tours, with the most famous being the Cloud Forest Canopy. Other activities in the area include horseback riding and special exhibits about the area's flora and fauna. Activities in Santa Elena are all centered around the area's natural beauty. The area has a strong focus on sustainability and eco-tourism.
Tours to Monteverde cloud forest are easy to organize. Most people recommend a guided tour, as the guides are usually quite good and do know their information. As always, it is best to ask for recommendations. Santa Elena cloud forest is cheaper and smaller, but still worth a visit.
Hiking:
Discovering the hiking trails around Santa Elena is a delight. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has a range of trails including a walk along the Continental Divide. There's also the famous red hanging bridge.
A nice way to explore destinations in Santa Elena is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Birdwatching tour at the Cloud Forest -Monteverde Wild- for $80 details
- Morning Birdwatching Experience for $120 details
- The Quetzal Tour In Monteverde for $35 details
Nightlife Budget in Santa Elena
In Santa Elena, the nightlife is characterized by a serene and relaxed atmosphere. There's a couple of bars but not much else for nightlife in town.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $6.21 (₡3,155) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Santa Elena per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$6.21
₡3,155
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 22, 2024
Traveling in Santa Elena
Tree Frog, Costa Rica
Santa Elena is a cute town, and the closest to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. It's one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, and is a great place to experience the cloud forest and see some of country's unique wildlife.
In the Monteverde Cloud Forest you have a good chance of seeing rare quetzals which are the national bird of Costa Rica. Other common animals include white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, orange-kneed tarantulas, any of 8-9 species of hummingbirds, and sloth.
Santa Elena is about 1,400 meters above sea level and has a humid and damp environment. The average yearly temperature is 64 degrees Fahrenheit and the average rainfall is 3,000 millimetres. Humidity can be anywhere between 74% and 97%.
Neighborhoods & Around
Santa Elena is a very small town. The main area is at the intersection of three roads that form a triangular block. The block is the town center and where you'll find some of the restaurants and entertainment in the town.
Both Monteverde Cloud Forest and Santa Elena Cloud forest are located outside of town and require transportation or an organized tour to reach.
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Eat at the quick restaurants that have lower prices, the food is still good. Also, we realized that budget hotels are mixed in with a lot of the more expensive ones, so we were able to find something cheap but still good.