Santa Elena, Costa Rica
Tours

Our most recommended things to do in Santa Elena, Costa Rica

Monteverde: Kinkajou Forest Night Walking Tour

Monteverde: Kinkajou Forest Night Walking Tour

Explore the magic of Kinkajou forest with a local guide on a night walking tour of the private reserve in Monteverde. Watch as the forest comes alive and active in the night, with over 75% of the wildlife only becoming active in the evening hours. See a combination of a forest with endemic trees and another forest with fruit trees, providing shelter and food for local wild animals. With your guide and flashlight, look for animals like sloths, armadillos, and porcupines, among others, as well as sleeping birds and a wide variety of insects. Leave the tour filled with a new wonder for the night life of Kinkajou forest, marvelling at the exciting discoveries you make.

Monteverde: Coffee, Chocolate, and Sugar Cane Day Trip

Monteverde: Coffee, Chocolate, and Sugar Cane Day Trip

Discover the flavors of Monteverde on this day trip from Monteverde or Santa Elena. Enjoy a day in the countryside and have the opportunity to taste local coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane on this tour to Costa Rican plantations. Enjoy the convenience of being picked up by a comfortable and spacious bus at your hotel in Monteverde or Santa Elena. Soak up the lush countryside on the way to a coffee plantation, which is situated in one of Costa Rica's top 8 coffee-producing regions. Learn about how this area has the ideal weather, required altitude, and volcanic soils to produce a fine cup of gourmet coffee. Sip on some coffee that is grown on site before hopping back on the bus and heading to chocolate farm. Complement your coffee tasting with a visit to the chocolate farm. Find out how to produce high-quality chocolate products. Indulge your sweet tooth as you try some fine Costa Rican chocolate. Continue to the sugar cane plantation to learn about its history, growing conditions, and processing. Have the opportunity to sip on some handcrafted sugar cane juice. Return to your accommodation at the end of your day trip.

Santa Elena or Monteverde: Cloud Forest Night Walking Tour

Santa Elena or Monteverde: Cloud Forest Night Walking Tour

Take a guided walking tour through the rich biodiversity of the Monteverde Forest as nocturnal mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians wake up for the night. Be picked up and dropped off at your doorstep in Santa Elena or Monteverde.  Hop aboard an air-conditioned coach and sit back and relax on the drive into the Forest area. Find out for yourself how busy the forest can be at night as most animals are active in the evening and around 80 percent are nocturnal.  Follow your guide through paths lined with lush vegetation. Spot critters that are not seen during the day on a 2-hour walk. Look for animals like raccoons, sloths, armadillos, olingos, and kinkajous that are active at night.  Follow your guide on a magical journey through a beautiful forest as well as a sustainable coffee, banana, and sugar cane area. Return to your accommodation in Santa Elena or Monteverde by coach at the end of your tour.  We don't promise a specific property, reserve, or park where the activity will take place. Faro Travel hereby reserves the right to change/substitute alternate service providers/operators, change routes and, if necessary, may alter or omit stopping places shown on the description/confirmation, due to no availability or any reasonable circumstance beyond its control.

Monteverde: Horseback Riding Tour

Monteverde: Horseback Riding Tour

Explore the beautiful rural areas of Monteverde on a guided horseback riding tour. Get a sense of local life as you explore the area at a leisurely pace, with fantastic views. Enjoy a tour suitable for all levels of riding ability. Start with a pickup from your hotel in Monteverde or Santa Elena. Experience traditional Cost Rican culture and way of living as you ride along the trail. Observe scenery that is typical of Costa Rican customs and culture. Admire the views, majestic mountains, and grazing cattle. Enjoy the beauty of nature while riding through the forest, taking in the breathtaking views and the majestic mountains. As your tour comes to an end, enjoy a tour of the horse farm. Learn a bit more about the history of the ranch and the area with your guide.

La Fortuna de Arenal: Lake Crossing to Monteverde

La Fortuna de Arenal: Lake Crossing to Monteverde

Travel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. On the fastest route between the two towns, you'll experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Enjoy transportation from your hotel door in La Fortuna to your location in Monteverde or Santa Elena. Your transfer lasts approximately three hours, including one hour of sailing over Lake Arenal. Take in the route's spectacular views of the lake, Arenal Volcano National Park, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. There's also time for a pit stop to stretch your legs, use the bathroom, take photos of the scenery, and buy food. Make use of the free wifi on board the vans. The non-private transfer operates on a pre-set daily schedule, and the private option can be scheduled at any time. Both options include door-to-door pickup and drop-off from within the designated zones.

Monteverde: Zip Line, Bridges, and Butterfly Garden Tour

Monteverde: Zip Line, Bridges, and Butterfly Garden Tour

Treat yourself to a day of fun in Monteverde Park. Zip through the Monteverde Cloud Forest tree canopy, take a self-guided walk on suspension bridges, and wander around extensive butterfly gardens with a guide. Experience the Monteverde Cloud Forest by zip line. Then head to the tree-top walkway, the ideal experience for those who want to explore the beauty of the canopy at their own pace and appreciate the region's incredible array of vegetation and exotic bird life. Explore the walkway made up of 8 suspension bridges linked by 1.9 miles of trails, the widest and strongest bridge system in Costa Rica. The bridges range in length from 150 feet to 500 feet and are suspended at heights ranging from 36 feet to 180 feet. Next, discover a giant butterfly garden that is 300 feet long and 90 feet wide, one of the largest on the continent. See the massive 50-foot dome ceiling and get up close to 50 species of butterflies. Take a guided tour of a live exhibit to learn about the life cycle, special behaviors, and evolution of these butterflies. Learn how precise and sensitive temperature control allows species to survive across a wide range of altitudes and climate conditions in Costa Rica.

From San José: Monteverde Hanging Bridges & Santa Elena Tour

From San José: Monteverde Hanging Bridges & Santa Elena Tour

Start your adventure with a hotel pickup and begin a scenic drive to the beautiful Monteverde forest with stops at impressive viewpoints to take in the landscapes. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the lush vegetation by walking at canopy height across the hanging bridges. Follow your guide on an exciting hike and allow them to point out local wildlife along the way. Finally, climb back aboard the van for a return trip to your San José accommodation. Nature of costa Rica awaits for you Take your tour now

Monteverde: Night Walk in the Magical Forest

Monteverde: Night Walk in the Magical Forest

On the Monteverde: Night Walk in the Magical Forest, your journey begins as the sun sets, and the forest transforms into a realm of shadows and sounds. With a flashlight in hand and a local guide by your side, you’ll navigate narrow trails surrounded by towering trees, illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the canopy. The air is cooler, and the sounds of crickets, frogs, and rustling leaves create a natural symphony. As your guide leads you deeper, you’ll discover nocturnal creatures emerging from their hiding spots. Look out for tiny frogs, busy insects, and possibly even a tarantula peeking from its burrow. You might spot sleeping birds tucked into the branches or catch a glimpse of mammals like armadillos, kinkajous, or even a sloth moving slowly through the trees searching for food. If lucky, you could see an owl perched silently, watching over the darkened forest. As you walk, your guide will share fascinating insights about the ecosystem, explaining how plants and animals have adapted to thrive at night. The journey is an opportunity to see Monteverde’s cloud forest from a different perspective, discovering the hidden world that only comes alive after dark. It’s an immersive, sensory experience that brings you closer to nature, leaving you with a sense of wonder and connection to this enchanting place.

Santa Elena: Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Tour

Santa Elena: Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Tour

Experience the beauty of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve on an immersive guided tour. Wander through enchanting trails surrounded by lush greenery, and witness the incredible diversity of wildlife that thrives in this pristine environment. The misty atmosphere, majestic trees, and vibrant flora create a truly magical setting, transporting you to some of Costa Rica's last remaining cloud forests. Our knowledgeable guides will help you spot unique species, from colorful birds to fascinating insects and curious mammals. Keep your eyes open for playful monkeys, delicate orchids, and elusive frogs that call this cloud forest home. As you explore the trails, learn about the unique ecosystem of the Santa Elena Reserve, its connection to the greater Monteverde region, and the important conservation efforts that protect this beautiful area. Along the way, guides will share stories and insights into the complex relationships between the plants, animals, and climate of the cloud forest. Gain an appreciation for the delicate balance that allows this lush environment to flourish and the ways in which the local community works to preserve it for future generations.

Monteverde Cloud Forest: Curicancha Reserve Nature Tour

Monteverde Cloud Forest: Curicancha Reserve Nature Tour

Discover the wonders of the Curicancha Reserve on an exclusive guided nature tour. This private reserve is known for its beautiful trails that lead you deep into thriving forest landscapes teeming with biodiversity. Enjoy the serene beauty of Curicancha as you walk along its well-maintained paths, surrounded by vibrant flora and the rich sounds of the forest. Meet your experienced guide and set off on a walk through the reserve. Learn about the delicate balance of this thriving ecosystem and the conservation efforts that help protect its unique flora and fauna. As you explore, have the chance to spot colorful hummingbirds, majestic quetzals, curious monkeys, and playful coatis. The Curicancha Reserve offers a tranquil escape into nature, allowing you to immerse yourself in the magic of Costa Rica's cloud forests without the crowds. Whether you're interested in birdwatching, photography, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, this experience will leave you with a deep appreciation for one of Costa Rica's hidden gems.

All activities

21 activities found
Sort by:
Recommended

Go beyond Santa Elena, Costa Rica

Explore all

Our most recommended things to do in Santa Elena, Costa Rica

Monteverde: Kinkajou Forest Night Walking Tour

Monteverde: Kinkajou Forest Night Walking Tour

Explore the magic of Kinkajou forest with a local guide on a night walking tour of the private reserve in Monteverde. Watch as the forest comes alive and active in the night, with over 75% of the wildlife only becoming active in the evening hours. See a combination of a forest with endemic trees and another forest with fruit trees, providing shelter and food for local wild animals. With your guide and flashlight, look for animals like sloths, armadillos, and porcupines, among others, as well as sleeping birds and a wide variety of insects. Leave the tour filled with a new wonder for the night life of Kinkajou forest, marvelling at the exciting discoveries you make.

Monteverde: Coffee, Chocolate, and Sugar Cane Day Trip

Monteverde: Coffee, Chocolate, and Sugar Cane Day Trip

Discover the flavors of Monteverde on this day trip from Monteverde or Santa Elena. Enjoy a day in the countryside and have the opportunity to taste local coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane on this tour to Costa Rican plantations. Enjoy the convenience of being picked up by a comfortable and spacious bus at your hotel in Monteverde or Santa Elena. Soak up the lush countryside on the way to a coffee plantation, which is situated in one of Costa Rica's top 8 coffee-producing regions. Learn about how this area has the ideal weather, required altitude, and volcanic soils to produce a fine cup of gourmet coffee. Sip on some coffee that is grown on site before hopping back on the bus and heading to chocolate farm. Complement your coffee tasting with a visit to the chocolate farm. Find out how to produce high-quality chocolate products. Indulge your sweet tooth as you try some fine Costa Rican chocolate. Continue to the sugar cane plantation to learn about its history, growing conditions, and processing. Have the opportunity to sip on some handcrafted sugar cane juice. Return to your accommodation at the end of your day trip.

Santa Elena or Monteverde: Cloud Forest Night Walking Tour

Santa Elena or Monteverde: Cloud Forest Night Walking Tour

Take a guided walking tour through the rich biodiversity of the Monteverde Forest as nocturnal mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians wake up for the night. Be picked up and dropped off at your doorstep in Santa Elena or Monteverde.  Hop aboard an air-conditioned coach and sit back and relax on the drive into the Forest area. Find out for yourself how busy the forest can be at night as most animals are active in the evening and around 80 percent are nocturnal.  Follow your guide through paths lined with lush vegetation. Spot critters that are not seen during the day on a 2-hour walk. Look for animals like raccoons, sloths, armadillos, olingos, and kinkajous that are active at night.  Follow your guide on a magical journey through a beautiful forest as well as a sustainable coffee, banana, and sugar cane area. Return to your accommodation in Santa Elena or Monteverde by coach at the end of your tour.  We don't promise a specific property, reserve, or park where the activity will take place. Faro Travel hereby reserves the right to change/substitute alternate service providers/operators, change routes and, if necessary, may alter or omit stopping places shown on the description/confirmation, due to no availability or any reasonable circumstance beyond its control.

Monteverde: Horseback Riding Tour

Monteverde: Horseback Riding Tour

Explore the beautiful rural areas of Monteverde on a guided horseback riding tour. Get a sense of local life as you explore the area at a leisurely pace, with fantastic views. Enjoy a tour suitable for all levels of riding ability. Start with a pickup from your hotel in Monteverde or Santa Elena. Experience traditional Cost Rican culture and way of living as you ride along the trail. Observe scenery that is typical of Costa Rican customs and culture. Admire the views, majestic mountains, and grazing cattle. Enjoy the beauty of nature while riding through the forest, taking in the breathtaking views and the majestic mountains. As your tour comes to an end, enjoy a tour of the horse farm. Learn a bit more about the history of the ranch and the area with your guide.

La Fortuna de Arenal: Lake Crossing to Monteverde

La Fortuna de Arenal: Lake Crossing to Monteverde

Travel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. On the fastest route between the two towns, you'll experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Enjoy transportation from your hotel door in La Fortuna to your location in Monteverde or Santa Elena. Your transfer lasts approximately three hours, including one hour of sailing over Lake Arenal. Take in the route's spectacular views of the lake, Arenal Volcano National Park, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. There's also time for a pit stop to stretch your legs, use the bathroom, take photos of the scenery, and buy food. Make use of the free wifi on board the vans. The non-private transfer operates on a pre-set daily schedule, and the private option can be scheduled at any time. Both options include door-to-door pickup and drop-off from within the designated zones.

Monteverde: Zip Line, Bridges, and Butterfly Garden Tour

Monteverde: Zip Line, Bridges, and Butterfly Garden Tour

Treat yourself to a day of fun in Monteverde Park. Zip through the Monteverde Cloud Forest tree canopy, take a self-guided walk on suspension bridges, and wander around extensive butterfly gardens with a guide. Experience the Monteverde Cloud Forest by zip line. Then head to the tree-top walkway, the ideal experience for those who want to explore the beauty of the canopy at their own pace and appreciate the region's incredible array of vegetation and exotic bird life. Explore the walkway made up of 8 suspension bridges linked by 1.9 miles of trails, the widest and strongest bridge system in Costa Rica. The bridges range in length from 150 feet to 500 feet and are suspended at heights ranging from 36 feet to 180 feet. Next, discover a giant butterfly garden that is 300 feet long and 90 feet wide, one of the largest on the continent. See the massive 50-foot dome ceiling and get up close to 50 species of butterflies. Take a guided tour of a live exhibit to learn about the life cycle, special behaviors, and evolution of these butterflies. Learn how precise and sensitive temperature control allows species to survive across a wide range of altitudes and climate conditions in Costa Rica.

From San José: Monteverde Hanging Bridges & Santa Elena Tour

From San José: Monteverde Hanging Bridges & Santa Elena Tour

Start your adventure with a hotel pickup and begin a scenic drive to the beautiful Monteverde forest with stops at impressive viewpoints to take in the landscapes. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the lush vegetation by walking at canopy height across the hanging bridges. Follow your guide on an exciting hike and allow them to point out local wildlife along the way. Finally, climb back aboard the van for a return trip to your San José accommodation. Nature of costa Rica awaits for you Take your tour now

Monteverde: Night Walk in the Magical Forest

Monteverde: Night Walk in the Magical Forest

On the Monteverde: Night Walk in the Magical Forest, your journey begins as the sun sets, and the forest transforms into a realm of shadows and sounds. With a flashlight in hand and a local guide by your side, you’ll navigate narrow trails surrounded by towering trees, illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the canopy. The air is cooler, and the sounds of crickets, frogs, and rustling leaves create a natural symphony. As your guide leads you deeper, you’ll discover nocturnal creatures emerging from their hiding spots. Look out for tiny frogs, busy insects, and possibly even a tarantula peeking from its burrow. You might spot sleeping birds tucked into the branches or catch a glimpse of mammals like armadillos, kinkajous, or even a sloth moving slowly through the trees searching for food. If lucky, you could see an owl perched silently, watching over the darkened forest. As you walk, your guide will share fascinating insights about the ecosystem, explaining how plants and animals have adapted to thrive at night. The journey is an opportunity to see Monteverde’s cloud forest from a different perspective, discovering the hidden world that only comes alive after dark. It’s an immersive, sensory experience that brings you closer to nature, leaving you with a sense of wonder and connection to this enchanting place.

Santa Elena: Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Tour

Santa Elena: Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Tour

Experience the beauty of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve on an immersive guided tour. Wander through enchanting trails surrounded by lush greenery, and witness the incredible diversity of wildlife that thrives in this pristine environment. The misty atmosphere, majestic trees, and vibrant flora create a truly magical setting, transporting you to some of Costa Rica's last remaining cloud forests. Our knowledgeable guides will help you spot unique species, from colorful birds to fascinating insects and curious mammals. Keep your eyes open for playful monkeys, delicate orchids, and elusive frogs that call this cloud forest home. As you explore the trails, learn about the unique ecosystem of the Santa Elena Reserve, its connection to the greater Monteverde region, and the important conservation efforts that protect this beautiful area. Along the way, guides will share stories and insights into the complex relationships between the plants, animals, and climate of the cloud forest. Gain an appreciation for the delicate balance that allows this lush environment to flourish and the ways in which the local community works to preserve it for future generations.

Monteverde Cloud Forest: Curicancha Reserve Nature Tour

Monteverde Cloud Forest: Curicancha Reserve Nature Tour

Discover the wonders of the Curicancha Reserve on an exclusive guided nature tour. This private reserve is known for its beautiful trails that lead you deep into thriving forest landscapes teeming with biodiversity. Enjoy the serene beauty of Curicancha as you walk along its well-maintained paths, surrounded by vibrant flora and the rich sounds of the forest. Meet your experienced guide and set off on a walk through the reserve. Learn about the delicate balance of this thriving ecosystem and the conservation efforts that help protect its unique flora and fauna. As you explore, have the chance to spot colorful hummingbirds, majestic quetzals, curious monkeys, and playful coatis. The Curicancha Reserve offers a tranquil escape into nature, allowing you to immerse yourself in the magic of Costa Rica's cloud forests without the crowds. Whether you're interested in birdwatching, photography, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, this experience will leave you with a deep appreciation for one of Costa Rica's hidden gems.

Frequently asked questions about Santa Elena, Costa Rica

What are the best indoor activities in Santa Elena, Costa Rica for rainy days?

The best indoor activities in Santa Elena, Costa Rica for rainy days are:

See all best indoor activities in Santa Elena, Costa Rica on GetYourGuide

What are the best deals and discounts on activities and attractions in Santa Elena, Costa Rica?

These are the best deals and discounts on activities and attractions in Santa Elena, Costa Rica:

See all deals and discounts in Santa Elena, Costa Rica on GetYourGuide

Experiences in Santa Elena, Costa Rica

Tours in Costa Rica

Things to do in Costa Rica

Other Sightseeing Options in Santa Elena, Costa Rica

Want to discover all there is to do in Santa Elena, Costa Rica? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Santa Elena, Costa Rica

Overall rating

4.7
(10 reviews)

Our great guide Gustavo made animal sounds to attract and get animals to reveal their location. We saw a number of animals. Medium to small size and of cause birds. We were extremely lucky to spot whales on the way to Corcovado. As well we spotted an unusual bird, the King Vulture. Not many left. Don't expect to see big cat animals. they are seen extremely rarely spoted (and it may be better not to become pray).

Highly recommended! Authentic, family run experience that went super smoothly and safely. The views are breathtaking, and the horses were very docile and well mannered. It’s not just a ride - we finished off with a sugar cane candy demonstration and experience, which was fantastic! Must-do!

This tour was excellent, Joaquin the guide was very informative, he definitely put in the extra effort to see as much as possible and help with getting excellent pictures. Would recommend this tour.

Perfect guide in French, enriching visit, more than 2 hours between the explanations, the visit of the site, and the coffees served, the sugar cane juice and the chocolate. Really recommended.

We had a great guide, David, thank you for all the explanations you gave us!!