What are the best things to do in Latin America in May?

Latin America offers diverse activities in May before peak tourist season begins. Visitors can explore Guatemala's Tikal ruins in comfortable temperatures or spend time snorkeling at Belize's Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica welcomes travelers for zip-line adventures while volcano treks near Antigua remain accessible. The Bamba Hotel in San Jose serves as a convenient starting point for Costa Rica explorations. A TourRadar traveler shares: "May was fantastic for both cultural activities and outdoor adventures - we could do everything from visiting ruins to beach activities without the peak season crowds."

What is the weather like in Latin America during May?

The weather in May creates good conditions for outdoor activities across Latin America. Peru's Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu see temperatures of 20-22°C (68-72°F) with little rain. Bolivia's Salt Flats offer clear skies that photographers appreciate. Mexican destinations like San Cristobal maintain comfortable temperatures around 24°C (75°F). A TourRadar traveler reports: "The weather in May was perfect for hiking the Inca Trail - not too hot or cold and barely any rain."

Which tour itineraries are recommended for May travel in Latin America?

Many travelers choose routes like the "Lima to Rio: Coast to Coast" tour through Peru Bolivia and Brazil. The "Mayan Discovery" route connects key sites in Mexico and Guatemala. These options take advantage of May's favorable weather patterns. Hotels like Casa Andina in Sacred Valley provide comfortable bases. A TourRadar reviewer confirms their May trip "had perfect weather for both Machu Picchu and the Salt Flats."

What are the accommodation options like in Latin America during May?

May brings good value across Latin American hotels and resorts. The Casa Santo Domingo in Antigua Guatemala combines historic architecture with modern comforts. Beachfront options include Ramon's Village Resort on Caye Caulker Belize. Costa Rica's Arenal Springs Resort provides views of the nearby volcano. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The mix of accommodation from luxury resorts to authentic homestays gave us a true taste of Latin America."

Are there any special festivals or events in Latin America during May?

Cultural celebrations fill the May calendar across Latin America. Nicaragua's Granada hosts its Poetry Festival with performances throughout the city. Mexican destinations like Playa del Carmen come alive during Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Traditional Corpus Christi events take place at venues like Hotel Plaza Central in Antigua. As one TourRadar traveler notes: "The local festivals in May added an amazing cultural dimension to our trip that we hadn't expected."

What are the best destinations to visit in Latin America during May?

Key sites like Machu Picchu the Bolivian Salt Flats and Mexico's colonial towns work well for May visits. The Inca Trail offers good hiking conditions while Guatemala's Tikal presents opportunities for wildlife viewing. The Atacama Desert and Lake Titicaca draw positive reviews from TourRadar travelers during this period. One visitor notes: "Casa Andina in Sacred Valley and Tierra Viva in Cusco offered perfect bases for May exploration."

Latin America Tours in May 2026

10 best Latin America trips in May 2026

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Explorer
Basic Central America: Mexico to Costa Rica
Duration
32 days
Destinations
Mexico Belize Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From $3,299
US$2,639per person
Price based on Shared Room
28 May, 2026
6 spaces left
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Explorer
Panama City to Cancun Travel Pass
Duration
43 days
Destinations
Panama Costa Rica Nicaragua El Salvador Honduras Guatemala Belize Mexico+3 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
20% Off
From
US$4,086per person
Price based on Shared Room
26 May, 2026
10 spaces left
27 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Mexico City to Panama City Travel Pass
Duration
57 days
Destinations
Mexico Belize Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica Panama+2 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
20% Off
From
US$5,007per person
Price based on Shared Room
26 May, 2026
10 spaces left
27 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
San Jose to Cancun Travel Pass
Duration
33 days
Destinations
Costa Rica Nicaragua El Salvador Honduras Guatemala Belize Mexico+2 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
20% Off
From
US$2,560per person
Price based on Shared Room
26 May, 2026
10 spaces left
27 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Mexico City to San Jose Travel Pass
Duration
51 days
Destinations
Mexico Belize Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica+1 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
20% Off
From
US$4,437per person
Price based on Shared Room
26 May, 2026
10 spaces left
27 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Antigua to Panama City Travel Pass
Duration
35 days
Destinations
Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica Panama+1 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
20% Off
From
US$3,645per person
Price based on Shared Room
26 May, 2026
10 spaces left
27 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
San Jose to Mexico City Travel Pass
Duration
43 days
Destinations
Costa Rica Nicaragua El Salvador Honduras Guatemala Belize Mexico+2 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
20% Off
From
US$3,342per person
Price based on Shared Room
26 May, 2026
10 spaces left
27 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Lima to Rio: Coast to Coast
4.6 (10 traveler reviews)
"The group makes a trip I couldn't of asked for a better group of people."
Connor, traveled in June
Duration
51 days
Destinations
Peru Bolivia Chile Argentina Uruguay Brazil
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Mountain
Andes Mountains
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From $9,149
US$7,777per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Epic Central America: Seven Countries & the Softest Sand Ever
5.0 (9 traveler reviews)
"I really enjoy the experience, even tho I was traveling my own country (Mexico)."
Ricardo, traveled in December
Duration
45 days
Destinations
Mexico Belize Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From $4,549
US$3,639per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Central American Adventure
4.3 (17 traveler reviews)
"We covered a lot of area. His knowledge energy and passion for central America made the journey all so much better."
david, traveled in January
Duration
34 days
Destinations
Mexico Belize Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica+1 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Monteverde
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From $5,260
US$4,471per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Central American Journey: Rainforests & Ruins
4.6 (39 traveler reviews) award winner
"I truly feel like I was immersed in the local cultures especially through the homestays. This trip had it all."
Samuel, traveled in May
Duration
32 days
Destinations
Mexico Belize Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From $2,949
US$2,654per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Cancun to San Jose Travel Pass
Duration
39 days
Destinations
Mexico Belize Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Ecuador Costa Rica+1 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
10% Off
From
US$2,879per person
Price based on Shared Room
26 May, 2026
10 spaces left
27 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Cancun to Panama City Travel Pass
Duration
48 days
Destinations
Mexico Belize Guatemala El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica Panama+2 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
10% Off
From
US$4,454per person
Price based on Shared Room
26 May, 2026
10 spaces left
27 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
5 Countries: Rio de Janeiro to La Paz (30 Days)
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"Excellent variety of experiences. All accommodation, bus and excursion reservations worked perfectly."
Heather, traveled in March
Duration
30 days
Destinations
Brazil Argentina Uruguay Chile Bolivia
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
HI Travel South America
10% Off
From
US$2,950per person
Price based on Shared Room
26 May, 2026
10 spaces left
27 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Central America Experience
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"What started as a bad experience turned out to be brilliant! Thanks Marvelus Travel!"
Tori, traveled in January
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Guatemala El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Marvelus Travel
10% Off
From
US$1,900per person
Price based on Private Single Room
26 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
27 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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