Santa Elena is not a nightlife town — you are here to be up early — but there are a couple of small bars and a thriving cafe scene built around speciality coffee from the surrounding fincas. The Common Cup and Caburé Chocolate are reliable for a morning espresso or an afternoon cake. For evening drinks, Bar Amigos on the main square pulls in both locals and travellers; Tramonti and Stella's also have small bars attached to their restaurants. Things quieten down by 11 pm on most nights.