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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Adventure & Adrenaline
Central American Journey: Rainforests & Ruins
4.6 (40 reviews) award winner
"Visiting and getting to know a vibrant and beautiful part of the world alongside the new friends you make is something I'd recommend to anyone!"
Charlotte, traveled in March
Duration
32 days
Destinations
Mexico Belize Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Physical Rating
Active
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From $2,949
US$2,654per person
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1 May, 2027
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8 May, 2027
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Adventure & Adrenaline
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$4,437per person
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Price based on Shared Room
1 May, 2027
10 spaces left
2 May, 2027
10 spaces left
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Adventure & Adrenaline
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
10% Off
From
US$5,007per person
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Price based on Shared Room
1 May, 2027
10 spaces left
2 May, 2027
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City & Culture
The Grand Southern Experience: Andes, Patagonia & Rio 20-Day Tour
Duration
20 days
Destinations
Bolivia Chile Argentina Brazil
Age Range
Ages 10+
Mountain
Andes Mountains
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
GUIDEcuador Travel
10% Off
From
US$5,825per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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City & Culture
Central American Adventure
4.3 (17 reviews)
"Great guides right through. Its long days of travelling, but the destination and new friends made it so worth it."
Belinda-Jane, traveled in November
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
10% Off
From
US$5,260per person
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Price based on Shared Room
1 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
15 May, 2027
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City & Culture
Best of Central America
3.5 (6 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
10% Off
From
US$7,630per person
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1 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
15 May, 2027
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City & Culture
Central America Explorer
4.3 (13 reviews)
"A phenomenal experience."
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
15% Off
From $8,060
US$6,851per person
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1 May, 2027
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12 May, 2027
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City & Culture
Ultimate Central America
2.0 (1 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
15% Off
From
US$11,160per person
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1 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Amazing Central America
2.0 (2 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
15% Off
From $4,395
US$3,736per person
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12 May, 2027
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19 May, 2027
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City & Culture
18 to 35s Epic South America
Duration
39 days
Destinations
Peru Bolivia Chile Argentina Uruguay Brazil
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuBolivian AltiplanoAmazonian Basin+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From
US$7,390per person
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Price based on Shared Room
12 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
19 May, 2027
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City & Culture
Central American Journey
4.1 (49 reviews)
"Everything went good, smooth and without incidents."
Posta, traveled in November
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $2,320
US$1,856per person
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2 May, 2027
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8 May, 2027
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City & Culture
18 to 35s Epic Mexico to Costa Rica
4.3 (2 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
15% Off
From $3,095
US$2,631per person
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Price based on Shared Room
4 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
25 May, 2027
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City & Culture
Volcano Trail: Waves & Local Ways
4.7 (45 reviews)
"This tour was honestly the best I've been on so far! In a relatively short amount of time, we managed to see and do so many things in Central America."
Heti-Maria, traveled in April
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
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Price based on Shared Room
2 May, 2027
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7 May, 2027
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Adventure & Adrenaline
Central America Adventure
5.0 (4 reviews)
"Great tour. So well organised so didn't have to think about anything and could just relax and see the beautiful sites."
Orla, traveled in June
Duration
30 days
Destinations
Mexico Belize Guatemala Costa Rica
Age Range
Ages 18-49
Operated in
English
Operator
INTRO Travel
10% Off
From
US$5,724per person
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18 May, 2027
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Adventure & Adrenaline
Central America Intro
5.0 (47 reviews)
"making the whole trip feel relaxed and fun. Andrea's calm, positive energy and quick thinking made all the difference."
Robert, traveled in July
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Mexico Belize Guatemala
Age Range
Ages 18-49
Operated in
English
Operator
INTRO Travel
10% Off
From
US$3,124per person
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Price based on Shared Room
18 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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