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 2027

10 best Latin America trips in May 2027

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Nature & Wildlife
Panama City to Antigua Travel Pass
Duration
36 days
Destinations
Panama Costa Rica Nicaragua El Salvador Honduras Guatemala+1 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
From
US$3,752per person
Price based on Shared Room
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1 May, 2027
10 spaces left
2 May, 2027
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Ancient Wonders
Premium Highlights of South America
Duration
24 days
Destinations
Peru Chile Argentina Brazil
Age Range
Ages 15+
River
Amazonian Basin
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
From
US$19,335per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
10 spaces left
22 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Cusco to Rio
Duration
34 days
Destinations
Peru Bolivia Chile Argentina Uruguay Brazil
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
From
US$4,545per person
+$450 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
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2 May, 2027
7 spaces left
9 May, 2027
7 spaces left
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City & Culture
South America: Lima to Rio (With Train To Machu Picchu)
Duration
46 days
Destinations
Peru Bolivia Chile Argentina Uruguay Brazil
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
From
US$6,255per person
+$510 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
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4 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
11 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Ancient Wonders
Central America Explorer
4.3 (13 traveler reviews)
"Great locations, people and activities. Would recommend it to anyone who wants a fun, educational, adventurous yet relaxing trip."
Duration
48 days
Destinations
Mexico Belize Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica+1 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
From $8,060
US$7,254per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
12 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Ancient Wonders
Ultimate Central America
2.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
59 days
Destinations
Mexico Belize Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica Panama+2 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
From
US$10,160per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Amazing Central America
2.0 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
27 days
Destinations
Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica Panama+1 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $4,395
US$3,516per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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12 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
19 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Ancient Wonders
Epic Central America
Duration
45 days
Destinations
Mexico Belize Guatemala El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $4,790
US$3,832per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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12 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
26 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
The Great South American Journey: Quito to Rio Adventure
4.5 (10 traveler reviews)
"You cover a lot in a short space of time and are thorough in making sure we see the highlights of every destination."
Stephanie, traveled in August
Duration
65 days
Destinations
Ecuador Peru Bolivia Chile Argentina Uruguay Brazil
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Regions
Amazonian BasinAndes Mountains+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From
US$10,499per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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2 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
9 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Central American Journey
4.1 (49 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
25% Off
From $2,320
US$1,740per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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2 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
9 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Epic Mexico to Costa Rica
4.3 (2 traveler reviews)
"The guide made inappropriate comments of a sexual nature to every woman in the group; about 10/12 on the tour were women."
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
20% Off
From $3,095
US$2,476per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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4 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
25 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Central American Journey: Rainforests & Ruins
4.6 (40 traveler reviews) award winner
"One of the best G Tours I have done!!"
Emma, traveled in July
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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1 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
8 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Volcano Trail: Waves & Local Ways
4.7 (44 traveler reviews)
"The price of this tour is worth it. The border crossings are quite difficult."
Brandon, traveled in December
Duration
17 days
Destinations
Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From $1,499
US$1,349per person
Price based on Shared Room
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2 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
7 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
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$3,281per person
Price based on Shared Room
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1 May, 2027
6 spaces left
2 May, 2027
6 spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
21-day Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, & Chile Tour with Inca Trail & Bolivia Salt Flats Tour
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"It has been my dream for a long time to do this trip. I had the best time of my life in all aspects."
Thi-Ngoc-Diem, traveled in November
Duration
21 days
Destinations
Colombia Peru Bolivia Chile
Age Range
Ages 18-55
Mountain
Andes Mountains
Operated in
English
Operator
The Dragon Trip
10% Off
From $4,410
US$3,969per person
Price based on Shared Room
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23 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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