Top reasons to visit Santa Maria
- Stunning Natural Landscapes: Santa Maria boasts breathtaking scenery, including picturesque waterfalls and lush national parks perfect for exploration.
- Diverse Outdoor Adventures: Engage in thrilling activities like diving excursions and various outdoor sports tailored for adventure enthusiasts.
- Relaxing Beach Experience: Praia de Santa Maria offers a beautiful beach setting, ideal for basking in the sun or enjoying a tranquil retreat.
- Charming Local Culture: Stroll through the friendly streets, visit charming churches, and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
- Variety of Accommodations: Choose from a range of options, including family-friendly guesthouses and luxurious hotels, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Find great hotels near Santa Maria
Discover a variety of accommodation options in Santa Maria, San José Province, where you can find the perfect place to unwind. Choose from charming guesthouses to well-appointed hotels, including the renowned Hotel Mirabela and Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria. With pet-friendly options and a focus on family-friendly experiences, your stay promises adventure and comfort amidst Costa Rica's stunning landscapes. Explore hotel reviews to find the ideal spot for your holiday.
- Hyatt Place San José/Pinares: This 3.5-star hotel is tailored for families and business travellers alike, boasting a guest rating of 9.2 out of 10. Located 31km from Santa Maria, Hyatt Place San José/Pinares offers a welcoming atmosphere with amenities for children, including complimentary cribs. Pet-friendly options are also available, making it a great choice for those travelling with furry companions. Guests appreciate the spacious rooms and modern conveniences, providing a comfortable base for both leisure and work.
- Gaia Hotel And Reserve - Adults Only: With a stellar guest rating of 9.6 out of 10, this 4.5-star hotel is situated 32km from Santa Maria and caters exclusively to adults seeking adventure and relaxation. The hotel features an array of exciting activities such as surfing, horseback riding, and parasailing nearby. Additionally, the on-site full spa offers indulgent treatments including aromatherapy and body wraps. The pet-friendly policy allows for some furry guests, ensuring a home-like feel while enjoying a tranquil escape.
- Tulemar Resort: Rated 9.6 out of 10, this 4-star resort is located 34km from Santa Maria and excels in providing a beachside getaway. With direct access to the beach, guests can partake in various water sports like kayaking and surfing, or enjoy nearby horseback riding. The full-service spa offers a range of treatments for ultimate relaxation, complemented by a poolside bar for leisure. This resort strikes a perfect balance between adventure and unwind, making it an appealing choice for those seeking both excitement and serenity.
Where to stay near Santa Maria
Santa Maria, nestled in the picturesque San José Province, offers a delightful blend of adventure and relaxation. Explore its charming streets and embrace the friendly atmosphere, ideal for families and romantic getaways. Venture to nearby beaches for sun-soaked days on golden sands, or unwind at beach resorts that promise rejuvenation amidst stunning scenery. Whether seeking thrilling outdoor activities or peaceful retreats, Santa Maria is the perfect destination for an unforgettable vacation.
- Copey: Nestled 13km from Santa Maria, Copey is a charming city renowned for its breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures. The town attracts visitors year-round, with peak arrivals from January to March. Adventurers will find a wealth of activities, including hiking trails and resorts that cater to those seeking thrills amidst stunning natural landscapes. Notable landmarks nearby include a national state park and a striking volcano, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts eager to explore Costa Rica's rich biodiversity.
- Tres de Junio: Also located 13km from Santa Maria, Tres de Junio is a quaint village that draws visitors for its outdoor experiences and scenic beauty. With a steady flow of travellers throughout the year, peak times occur from February to March and December. Here, you can revel in the surrounding mountains, enjoy the proximity to a magnificent volcano, and even take a trip to nearby beaches. The village offers a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the tranquillity of rural Costa Rica.
- San Gerardo de Dota: Situated 19km from Santa Maria, San Gerardo de Dota is a picturesque village famed for its outdoor activities and stunning landscapes. Visitors flock here primarily from January to March and during April, making it a fantastic destination for adventure lovers. The village boasts access to numerous hiking trails, resorts, and recreational areas, all set against a backdrop of lush forests and dramatic mountains. Nearby, you'll find a national park and a national state park, providing ample opportunities to explore the rich flora and fauna of this incredible region.
Things to do near Santa Maria
Shopping
In Santa Maria, explore local markets where you can find handmade crafts and souvenirs that reflect Costa Rican culture. If you’re up for a drive, head to Plaza Santa Maria, about 16km away, for a wider selection of shops and a lively atmosphere.
Recreation
In Santa Maria, the tranquil La Ensenada Wellness Retreat offers yoga sessions amidst lush gardens and rejuvenating massages using local ingredients. Nearby, the Santa Maria Nature Reserve provides guided hikes where you can immerse yourself in Costa Rica's rich biodiversity while enjoying the serene surroundings.
Adventure
At Hacienda Baru, located 45km from Santa Maria, experience the thrill of soaring through the treetops on an exhilarating zipline. Engage in the ropes course, surrounded by lush landscapes that enhance the sense of adventure and outdoor connection.
Nightlife
In Santa Maria, the vibrant nightlife features local bars like La Esquina, where you can enjoy live music and dance. Café del Parque offers a relaxed atmosphere for cocktails and conversation, while La Terraza is known for its lively gatherings and weekend events, creating a welcoming social scene.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Maria
To save money on your visit to Santa Maria, plan your trip between September and November for lower accommodation rates. Use public transport like buses or bicycles to explore, and take advantage of free attractions such as Parque Nacional Tapantí-Macizo Cerro de la Muerte and Rio Savegre Waterfall. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best deals, particularly on Fridays, the cheapest day to stay. Consider using Expedia’s package deals to combine flights and activities for greater savings, and apply filters to find eco-friendly options that suit your budget.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Santa Maria are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel in Santa Maria about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Santa Maria is Friday. The most expensive day to stay in Santa Maria is Thursday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you wish to stay in. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation in Santa Maria with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions near Santa Maria
Santa Maria, located in San José Province, Costa Rica, is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and stunning scenery. Visitors can explore local attractions such as national parks, charming churches, and picturesque waterfalls. For a relaxing experience, consider visiting Praia de Santa Maria, which offers a beautiful beach setting. This destination promises an unforgettable blend of nature and exploration for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the region's vibrant landscapes.
- Parque Nacional Los Quetzales: Located 13km from Santa Maria, this national park is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. Adventurers can explore lush trails while keeping an eye out for the elusive quetzal bird, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
- Marina Pez Vela: Situated 32km away, this vibrant marina offers thrilling water activities and stunning ocean views. Enjoy the adventurous spirit of sailing, sport fishing, or simply relaxing by the beach, surrounded by the beautiful coastal landscape.
- Don Manuel Lake: Just 6km from Santa Maria, this serene lake is perfect for a romantic getaway. Its picturesque surroundings invite leisurely strolls, picnics, or quiet moments by the water’s edge, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle.
Best time to go to Santa Maria
The best time to visit Santa Maria is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. April is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with frequent rain. November is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with frequent rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Santa Maria
Reaching Santa Maria in the San José Province of Costa Rica is convenient from its major airports. Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is situated 48km away, with excellent nearby accommodations such as the 5-star InterContinental Costa Rica, located 8km from the airport, and the 4.5-star Costa Rica Marriott Hotel, just 3km away. Quepos Airport (XQP), located 29km from Santa Maria, features luxurious hotels like the 5-star Makanda by the Sea, 5km from XQP. Cóbano Airport (ACO) is 124km away, with options like the 5-star LALOON Luxury Suites, just 8km distant. Transportation services, including airport shuttles and transfers, are generally available at these hotels.