Santa Elena

Santa Elena has the bus terminal, airport, and markets - useful for transport and shopping during the day. Stay on Flores island for sleeping and evenings.

Santa Elena is the mainland town where locals live, connected to Flores by a causeway. This is where the bus terminal, airport, supermarkets, and markets are - the practical stuff. It's grittier than the island, with fewer tourists and more working families doing daily life. Fine for walking around during the day to shop at markets or eat cheap at comedores. After 10pm the streets empty fast and you shouldn't walk around alone. The bus terminal area has pushy vendors and some sketchy people hanging around, though actual crime against tourists is uncommon. English doesn't work as well here - you'll need basic Spanish. Most people staying on Flores only come to Santa Elena for the bus terminal or to buy things at the supermarket. Not much reason to be here in the evening. Tuk-tuks run between Santa Elena and Flores constantly for Q20, so you can shop then get back to the island quickly.