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
Grand South American Journey
Duration
34 days
Destinations
Argentina Brazil Uruguay Peru Bolivia Chile
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsAmazonian Basin+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Unu Raymi Expeditions
10% Off
From $10,999
US$9,899per person
Price based on Shared Room
1 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
33-day South America Tour: Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina & Brazil with Inca Trail & Patagonia
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"It's definitely not for the faint of hearted as it is extremely high paced and definitely the best way to experience as much of South America in the shortest time possible."
Declan, traveled in December
Duration
33 days
Destinations
Colombia Peru Bolivia Chile Argentina Brazil
Age Range
Ages 18-55
Mountain
Andes Mountains
Operated in
English
Operator
The Dragon Trip
10% Off
From
US$7,526per person
Price based on Shared Room
23 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
10% Off
From
US$4,209per person
Price based on Shared Room
1 May, 2026
10 spaces left
2 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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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
1 May, 2026
10 spaces left
2 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
52-day Central & South America Tour: Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina & Brazil
Duration
52 days
Destinations
Mexico Guatemala Costa Rica Colombia Peru Bolivia Chile Argentina Brazil+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18-55
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
The Dragon Trip
10% Off
From
US$12,008per person
Price based on Shared Room
4 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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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
25% Off
From $3,299
US$2,474per person
Price based on Shared Room
21 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
28 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Epic Central America: Seven Countries & the Softest Sand Ever
5.0 (9 traveler reviews)
"The CEOs and drivers were great, food was great, accomodation was great, and group members were great!"
Ellen, traveled in February
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
25% Off
From $4,549
US$3,412per person
Price based on Shared Room
10 May, 2026
3 spaces left
24 May, 2026
1 space left
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Explorer
Best of Central America
3.5 (6 traveler reviews)
"Amazing tour! Every guide was great."
Xiaofeng, traveled in January
Duration
45 days
Destinations
Mexico Belize Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica Panama+2 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Monteverde
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From $7,395
US$6,286per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 May, 2026
1 space 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
15% Off
From
US$4,454per person
Price based on Shared Room
1 May, 2026
10 spaces left
2 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Epic Mexico to Costa Rica
4.3 (2 traveler reviews)
"First three week section of the tour was brilliant; great places, very knowledgeable guide, great activities."
Aoife, traveled in July
Duration
32 days
Destinations
Mexico Belize Guatemala El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
From $3,060
US$2,754per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 May, 2026
2 spaces left
26 May, 2026
8 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Volcano Trail: Waves & Local Ways
4.7 (43 traveler reviews)
"Absolutely loved exploring the different countries and various cities. The family we stayed with were so welcoming."
Elizabeth, traveled in July
Duration
17 days
Destinations
Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From $1,499
US$1,274per person
Price based on Shared Room
6 May, 2026
1 space left
10 May, 2026
1 space left
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In-depth Cultural
Central American Journey: Rainforests & Ruins
4.6 (39 traveler reviews) award winner
"Brilliant places and activities. Wonderful memories."
Christine, traveled in September
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
23 May, 2026
5 spaces left
30 May, 2026
3 spaces left
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Explorer
Central American Journey
4.1 (47 traveler reviews)
"Seeing the different cultures and their histories. These countries are each very unique."
Joseph, traveled in December
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $2,135
US$1,708per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 May, 2026
2 spaces left
20 May, 2026
2 spaces left
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Explorer
Overland Latin America
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"They were incredibly responsive and took the time to structure the perfect tour for me."
Amir, traveled in October
Duration
45 days
Destinations
Chile Bolivia Peru Ecuador Argentina Uruguay Brazil
Age Range
Ages 12+
River
Amazonian Basin
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Unu Raymi Expeditions
10% Off
From $19,449
US$17,504per person
Price based on Shared Room
1 May, 2026
8 spaces left
2 May, 2026
8 spaces left
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Explorer
Real Guatemala to Costa Rica
4.5 (18 traveler reviews)
"The experience was excellent."
Dorothy, traveled in December
Duration
17 days
Destinations
Guatemala El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
From $1,510
US$1,359per person
Price based on Private Double Room
6 May, 2026
9 spaces left
20 May, 2026
4 spaces left
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