
Holiday houses in Santa Cruz
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Quick stats about holiday rentals in Santa Cruz

Total holiday rentals
Explore 30 holiday rentals in Santa Cruz

Nightly prices starting at
Santa Cruz holiday rentals start at $34 NZD per night before taxes and fees

Verified guest reviews
Over 180 verified reviews to help you choose

Family-friendly holiday rentals
10 properties offer extra space and kid-friendly amenities

Pet-friendly accommodation
Find 10 rentals that welcome pets

Holiday rentals with a pool
10 properties feature pools

Rentals with dedicated workspaces
10 properties have a dedicated workspace

Wi-Fi availability
20 of Santa Cruz holiday rentals include Wi-Fi access

Popular amenities for guests
Guests love Gym, BBQ grill and Laptop-friendly workspace across Santa Cruz rentals
Top-rated holiday rentals in Santa Cruz
Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness and more.

Casa Mar, 20 minutes from Tamarindo
Casa Mar 🌊 In the middle of the Costa Rican jungle, wake up with monkeys, birds, nature and a good coffee ☕ surrounded by wildlife from your home 🏖️ Tamarindo - 15 min, Avellanas - 20 min and Conchal - 30 min ❄️ A/C in bedrooms and main living room 🏊 Shared swimming pool with only 1 house on the property · ample privacy 🛒 Supermarkets, pharmacies, and restaurants 15 minutes away ✨ This house is perfect for you if you want to escape the noise of the city and relax in nature near the beach

Jungle home Escape private hot tub near beaches
This is not a typical stay. It is a private jungle home for those seeking nature, retreat space and a slower rhythm of life. Wake up with howler monkeys, birdwatching, nature walks, sunsets and beach excursions. Relax in our private hot tub under stars and jungle sounds. A grounding experience! Gated community with 24/7 security and shared infinity pool 5 min away by car. AWD car recommended. Between Las Catalinas and Playas del Coco, 10 min from Matapalo Beach and 30 min from Liberia Airport.

Beautiful 2-bedroom home in Santa Cruz
Discover your home away from home, just 30min from Tamarindo and Junquillal beaches. Our place is ideal for easy going, nature lovers seeking an authentic Costa Rican experience. *Note that it’s common to hear and see wildlife around, including chickens, roosters, iguanas, and dogs. The house has AC, a fully-equipped kitchen, Wifi, a designated workspace, and free parking on the property. 500m to nearest grocery store and bakery. We hope you come enjoy the charm of traditional Guanacaste!

The jungle Luxury -Secure -Villa cimatella l
The peacefulness of this place is the best you can have. It makes the travel definitely worth it. The wild life of monkeys and eagles flying make the landscape picture. In the heart of Costa Rica’s nature with only 10min from the tamarindo beach, 15min from avellanas ,Conchal beaches and 2 golfs (18 holes) located on the Pacific north coast . This fully furnished house for 5 peoples max daily cleaning,laundry service included,and pool caretaking. All in a private and secure area 24h/24

Casa Mélamar | private.jungle beach refuge.pool
Casa Mélamar, a stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath retreat nestled in the serene hills of Marbella, just 1 hour from downtown Santa Cruz. Perfect for couples, small groups, or remote workers. Privacy, comfort, and nature with a touch of Costa Rican luxury. → Private Pool & outdoor plunge tub → Potable water treatment system → Gated community with security → Self check-in → Air conditioning → Free parking → WIFI, Smart TVs → Indoor/Outdoor shower & bathtub → Indoor outdoor living, mosquito net

Villa Colonial-Nicoya Center
Villa Colonial is located in Nicoya, in the renowned Blue Zone of the World, in a central environment and at the same time surrounded by nature, ideal both for resting and working from home. Just 2 kilometers from La Anexión Hospital and 3 kilometers from downtown Nicoya, with easy access to supermarkets, restaurants and services. In addition, we are 600 meters from Amara Plaza, where you will find options such as KFC, McDonald's, Burger King and the renowned Nativo coffee shop.

Casa Gungun - Villa Isabela
Casa Gungun is located at Villa Isabela, a 15.000 square meter ocean view property facing the pacific ocean at Playa Negra, Guanacaste. This 1 bedroom house has a spacious bathroom with a bathtub with a view. You can find everything you need to prepare a nice meal at our kitchen- living area, and after a surf session, hiking or mtb ride, you can chill at our jacuzzi appreciating the panoramic view. The house has a nice sofa with a 50"tv for a movie night. House for 2 people.

Lower Casita Catalina in Tamarindo w Private Pool
From this hilltop location above Tamarindo Bay, you will enjoy a panoramic view that is unbelievable. You’ll see what we mean when you get here! The Casita offers a king bed and a pull-down Queen bed, fully equipped with a private bathroom, kitchen, and a small balcony with ocean views and perfect for watching monkeys in the surrounding trees! You will also have access to the property's social space including a breezy covered terrace by the ocean-view pool and rooftop lounge!

Ocean View Jungle Villa w/ Private Pool
Casa Piñuela is a private villa with ocean views, a wraparound deck, and a pool located 20 minutes from Tamarindo and Avellanas beaches. This charming home has a king-size bed, cozy living room, fully equipped kitchen, designated workspace, and a beautiful outdoor shower with a bathtub. Designed for comfort and privacy, it’s perfect for couples or digital nomads. Thoughtful touches include 100% cotton linens, stainless-steel cookware, and non-toxic bath and cleaning products.

Happy House – Nature Retreat, 20 min Tamarindo
Fully equipped villa with views in Finca Panama, 20 minutes from a several beaches with personalities as different as their landscapes. Its infinity pool, perched on the mountainside, will allow you to appreciate the canopy while listening to the howler monkeys! An open and equipped kitchen that overlooks a large living room, 2 closed bedrooms, 2 extra beds, 2 toilets, outdoor shower and a patio to enjoy the sunrises and sunsets and biodiversity that Costa Rica offers.

Wind Residence, Location, Family & Teleworking
✨strategic location in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste 📍 💎 35 min 🚗 from Tamarindo beach and 45 min from Avellanas beach 🏖️, Flamingo approx. 1 hour. Close to supermarkets, pharmacies and restaurants, with a fully paved entrance to the property and an electric gate for your convenience. 💻 Teleworking: Guaranteed high-speed Wi-Fi for video calls. 🏠 Space: Versatile, comfortable and perfect for families or professionals. Comfort and convenience in one place!

Casa A.D Luxury beach house
Immerse yourself in nature, enjoy an infinity pool, or relax under the canopy of trees in a floating hammock. Located in Marbella, Guanacaste and minutes from the beaches; Casa AD will allow you to enjoy the wonders of Costa Rica. Opening the sliding doors integrates the social area with a large terrace, a floating deck and the dry tropical forest, transforming it into the perfect place to share and rest. Relax in a gated and secure residential complex.
Popular amenities for Santa Cruz holiday rentals
Other great holiday rentals in Santa Cruz

Luxury villa few minutes away from Tamarindo

Villa, Ocean View, Private pool

Luxurious Couples Retreat for Nature Lovers

Casa Nara is just 20 minutes away from Samara beach

Don Jacinto Lodge, nature and security.

Luxury Jungle Villa •Infinity Pool •Ocean Sunsets

Naboo House

Discover 506 | Modern Tropical Oasis in Guanacaste
When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. price | $194 NZD | $184 NZD | $191 NZD | $194 NZD | $197 NZD | $187 NZD | $151 NZD | $160 NZD | $116 NZD | $122 NZD | $139 NZD | $172 NZD |
| Avg. temp | 26°C | 27°C | 27°C | 28°C | 29°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 27°C | 26°C | 26°C |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to stay in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz has inviting stays in its welcoming downtown area, as well as near local beaches and traditional villages around the region. Many travelers seek out family homes, guesthouses, and rural retreats that immerse guests in the area's natural and cultural surroundings.
What are the best things to do in Santa Cruz with kids?
Families often explore local beaches for swimming or sand play, visit cultural parks with folk art and music, and discover wildlife at nearby nature reserves. Joining a cooking class or craft workshop is a hands-on way for kids to connect with local traditions.
What are some of the best things to do in Santa Cruz?
You can explore artisan markets, relax on Pacific beaches, and sample traditional Costa Rican cuisine in Santa Cruz. Many visitors participate in folkloric festivals or enjoy guided tours of wildlife areas and scenic countryside.
How is the weather in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz has hot, dry weather from late fall through early spring, typically ranging 61–99°F (16–37°C). The wettest months are September and October, bringing frequent showers and lush, green landscapes.
When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz?
Late fall through spring is often recommended for sunny skies and minimal rainfall, while summer and early fall bring greener scenery and fewer crowds. Traditional festivals and local events add vibrant energy throughout the year.
What are the best places to visit in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz is known for its lively central plaza, artisan markets, and proximity to scenic beaches such as Playa Tamarindo and Playa Conchal. Cultural parks and small museums around town provide insight into local traditions and history.
What are some hiking trails in Santa Cruz?
Explore trails in nearby wildlife reserves and national parks, where you might walk through dry tropical forests and spot native birds or monkeys. Village paths and scenic countryside routes are also popular among local hikers and visitors.
What are some family activities we can do in Santa Cruz?
Families enjoy beach days, visiting cultural parks, joining craft workshops, or touring local farms to learn about regional agriculture. Outdoor adventures such as light hikes or wildlife watching are frequently suggested for all ages.
What are some of the best day trip ideas from Santa Cruz?
Consider exploring neighboring beaches, visiting traditional villages known for pottery or woodcarving, or spending a day at a national park with volcanic views and wildlife. Waterfalls and hot springs in the wider region also draw day visitors.
Are there any pet friendly accommodations available in Santa Cruz?
Pet-friendly accommodations can be found in Santa Cruz, especially in guesthouses and rural stays with outdoor space. Many hosts are open to discussing arrangements for travelers with pets.
What are some local tips for visiting Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz has a warm, welcoming community rooted in local traditions. Wearing light clothing, carrying sun protection, and trying traditional foods at markets or festivals are frequently suggested for a richer experience.
What is Santa Cruz known for?
Santa Cruz is known for its folkloric traditions, vibrant festivals, artisan crafts, and close-knit communities. Its proximity to beaches and strong rural heritage also shape its distinct local identity.
What are the best hidden gems to explore in Santa Cruz?
Visiting local pottery studios, woodcarving workshops, or lesser-known village markets can connect you with Santa Cruz's artisan heritage. Quiet beaches and rural trails nearby provide peaceful retreats away from busier areas.
What are the best foods to try in Santa Cruz?
Gallo pinto, corn-based tamales, and arroz de maíz are frequently suggested local dishes. Try cheese made by local producers and sweet treats such as rosquillas, all shaped by generations of Guanacaste culinary tradition.
What should I bring for a trip to Santa Cruz?
Pack lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection such as hats and sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. Rain gear may be useful if visiting during the wetter months of summer and early fall.
What is the nightlife in Santa Cruz like?
Nightlife in Santa Cruz centers around casual local bars, music venues with live marimba, and gathering spots where traditional dancing is celebrated. Some evenings feature folkloric performances and local food stalls.
What are the most popular events or festivals in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz is known for vibrant traditional festivals with folkloric music, dancing, ox-cart parades, and regional cuisine, especially celebrated in early and mid-year. Rodeos and religious celebrations often anchor the community’s event calendar.
Are there family friendly vacation rentals in Santa Cruz?
Family-friendly vacation rentals are available throughout Santa Cruz, including spacious homes and countryside retreats with amenities for children. Many listings feature outdoor areas for play and gathering spaces for groups.
Destinations to explore
- Playa Conchal
- Playa Grande
- Tamarindo Beach Costa Rica
- Playa Panama
- Ponderosa Adventure Park
- Parque Nacional Rincón de La Vieja
- Brasilito Beach
- Playa Negra
- Playa Ventanas
- Playa Real
- Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
- Palo Verde National Park
- Playa Lagarto
- Flamingo
- Cerro Pelado
- Playa Hermosa
- Hacienda Pinilla Beach Club Dining
- Barra Honda National Park
- Playa Avellanas
- Playa Tamarindo
- Santa Rosa National Park
- Playa Nacascolito
- Playa Potrero
- Las Baulas National Marine Park





