What to do in Santa Elena

Activities, attractions and tours

Church in Santa Elena, Yucatan, Mexico
Church in Santa Elena, Yucatan, Mexico
San Mateo Catholic Church - Santa Elena, Mexico
San Mateo Catholic Church - Santa Elena, Mexico
Go early so you can have the place to yourself.

Santa Elena Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Santa Elena has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Santa Elena, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Santa Elena with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Santa Elena

Santa Elena is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Santa Elena, and make it a breeze to explore Santa Elena and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Santa Elena to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Santa Elena, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Santa Elena.

Santa Elena attractions

Santa Elena has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Santa Elena to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Santa Elena.

Looking for things to do in Santa Elena can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Santa Elena or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Santa Elena attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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What to do in Santa Elena

Popular places to visit

Sunrise on the town of Progreso, on a Yucatan Peninsula Beach

Progreso Beach

4/5(7 reviews)

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Progreso Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Mérida. Stroll along the area's seaside or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Progreso Beach
Paseo de Montejo which includes night scenes and a monument

Paseo de Montejo

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Walk down this beautiful tree-lined avenue for a little taste of all the things that make Mérida such a charming place to visit.

Paseo de Montejo
Close-up of palm tree on beach, Yucatan, Mexico

Yucatan International Convention Center

Learn about the events happening in Yucatan International Convention Center during your trip to Mérida. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Yucatan International Convention Center
Merida Cathedral showing heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and a sunset

Mérida Cathedral

4.5/5(10 reviews)

Visit chapels and survey impressive works of religious art inside this ancient church, an imposing building in the historical center of Merida.

Mérida Cathedral
Plaza Grande

Plaza Grande

4.5/5(8 reviews)

Locals stop for friendly chats and large shady trees line the paved walkways. This main square is truly the heart of downtown Merida.

Plaza Grande
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Cenotes Cuzama

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Cenotes Cuzama during your travels in Cuzama. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Cenotes Cuzama
Uxmal Archaeological Site which includes heritage elements

Uxmal Archaeological Site

5/5(1 review)

Learn about the local history of Santa Elena with a stop at Uxmal Archaeological Site. While in this relaxing area, you can savour the local chocolate shops and restaurants.

Uxmal Archaeological Site
Mayapan Mayan Ruins which includes heritage architecture

Mayapan Mayan Ruins

5/5(2 reviews)

Crumbling pyramids and lonely towers stand guard over a tranquil site that was once one of the most important Mayan cities on the Yucatán Peninsula.

Mayapan Mayan Ruins

Plaza Altabrisa

4.5/5(2 reviews)

During your trip to Mérida, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Plaza Altabrisa. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Plaza Altabrisa

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Santa Elena

Paseo de Montejo which includes night scenes and a monument

Mérida

Hopelchen

Hopelchen

Governors Palace, Mayan Culture, Uxmal, Yucatan, Mexico

Muna

Grutas de Loltún, Yucatan.

Oxkutzcab

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Elena worth visiting?
With a blend of culture and history, there's no shortage of things to do in Santa Elena. When you're here, visit Grutas de Loltún, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Santa Elena?
Kick your day off with a visit to Grutas de Loltún and Palacio del Gobernador. Then, check out different parts of Santa Elena for local dining and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Elena?
The top tourist attraction in Santa Elena is Grutas de Loltún, so be sure to include it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Elena?
If you just want to see the most popular sights, three days will be a good amount of time for a break in Santa Elena. Book for seven to ten days for the chance to truly appreciate the local vibe, visit nearby hotspots and explore some hidden gems.
What are some activities to do in Santa Elena with kids?
If you're searching for activities and attractions for all ages, here are some fabulous ideas for what to do in Santa Elena with kids.

What to do in Santa Elena for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or adventure seeker, there are loads of things to do in Santa Elena for adults including Museo de Cacao.
Are there free things to do in Santa Elena?
You don't need to spend big to enjoy a memorable getaway here. There are loads of fun things to do in Santa Elena for the traveller on a budget. Roam the parks, soak up the vibes at free events and festivals or ask a local tour guide for tips.