Things to Do in South America in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in South America

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Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather - clear skies and cool temperatures (8-18°C/46-64°F) at altitude make multi-day treks comfortable without extreme heat
Harvest season means fresh quinoa, potatoes, and fruits at markets with 30-40% lower prices than imported off-season produce
Dry season's end provides crystal-clear mountain views for photography - visibility extends 50-80km (31-50 miles) on most days
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 20-35% less than June-August peak season while weather remains excellent

Considerations

Nights get genuinely cold at altitude - temperatures drop to 0°C (32°F) in places like La Paz and Cusco, requiring warm layers most tourists don't pack
Some high-altitude attractions like Salar de Uyuni salt flats lose their mirror effect as dry season ends, though stargazing improves dramatically
Patagonia enters winter with daylight reducing to 8-9 hours and temperatures dropping to -5°C (23°F), making southern regions less accessible

Best Activities in May

Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley Multi-Day Treks

May offers the last month of perfect trekking conditions before winter. Temperatures range 15-22°C (59-72°F) during the day with minimal rainfall. The Inca Trail requires permits booked 4-6 months ahead, but alternative routes like Salkantay or Choquequirao have better availability. Morning fog clears by 8am revealing dramatic mountain vistas.

Booking Tip: Book classic Inca Trail permits by January for May dates - they sell out completely. Alternative treks like Salkantay cost 40-60% less (typically $200-400 vs $600-800) and offer equally spectacular scenery. Look for operators including all camping gear rated for 0°C (32°F) temperatures.

Patagonia Wildlife and Glacier Viewing

Early autumn brings elephant seals to Peninsula Valdés and penguins are still active before winter migration. Temperatures range 8-15°C (46-59°F) making wildlife viewing comfortable. Glaciers like Perito Moreno are most active as summer melt ends, creating spectacular calving displays every 15-20 minutes during peak afternoon hours.

Booking Tip: Last chance for boat excursions before winter weather - book glacier tours 7-10 days ahead as operators reduce schedules after May. Full-day tours typically cost $80-120 including transfers. Choose tours departing 10am-2pm for best glacier activity and lighting.

Amazon Rainforest Lodge Stays

May marks the end of high water season when wildlife concentrates around remaining water sources, improving spotting chances by 40-50% compared to flood months. Temperatures hold steady at 26-32°C (79-90°F) with humidity dropping to comfortable 70%. Rivers remain navigable while forest floors become more accessible for hiking.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 week minimum advance for quality ecolodges - May is popular as it offers the best wildlife viewing before dry season fully sets in. Multi-day packages range $150-300 per person per day. Choose lodges 90+ minutes from nearest town for authentic wildlife experiences.

Atacama Desert Stargazing and Salt Flat Tours

Autumn brings the year's clearest skies with humidity dropping below 10% and zero light pollution. Temperatures range 20°C (68°F) during day to -5°C (23°F) at night - perfect for comfortable day hiking and world-class astronomy. The Milky Way is visible 95% of nights with naked-eye galaxy viewing.

Booking Tip: Book astronomical tours 5-7 days ahead through ALMA-certified guides for access to professional telescopes. Day tours to salt flats cost $40-80, night astronomy tours $60-100. Accommodation books up fastest around new moon dates when stargazing is optimal.

Colombian Coffee Region Harvest Tours

May coincides with the main coffee harvest when farms welcome visitors to participate in picking and processing. Temperatures stay mild at 18-24°C (64-75°F) with minimal rainfall. You'll taste coffee from bean to cup and learn traditional processing methods still used on family farms dating back 150+ years.

Booking Tip: Book harvest experience tours 2-3 weeks ahead directly through coffee farm cooperatives for authentic experiences. Full-day farm visits including meals cost $35-60. Choose tours including both arabica picking and traditional washing/drying processes for complete experience.

Iguazu Falls Adventure Activities

Autumn water levels provide spectacular falls viewing without summer's overwhelming mist that obscures photography. Temperatures cool to perfect 20-25°C (68-77°F) for hiking all trail circuits. Boat tours can approach closer to falls as water levels stabilize, offering better wildlife spotting along river systems.

Booking Tip: Book boat tours and helicopter flights 3-5 days ahead as May weather provides consistent clear conditions operators prefer. Helicopter tours cost $100-150 for 10-minute flights. Choose morning tours (8-10am) for best lighting and fewer crowds on walking circuits.

May Events & Festivals

Early May

Fiesta de la Cruz celebrations

May 3rd religious festivals throughout Peru and Bolivia feature elaborate cross decorations, traditional music, and community feasts. Local families prepare special dishes like pachamanca (earth oven cooking) and chicha de jora corn beer. Join processions that wind through mountain villages with colorful textiles and pre-Columbian instruments.

Mid to Late May

Grape Harvest Festival

Argentina's Mendoza wine region celebrates the end of harvest season with traditional grape stomping, folklore shows, and wine tastings featuring the year's first vintages. Small family wineries open their doors for exclusive tastings of wines that won't be available commercially for 12-18 months.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Synthetic insulation jacket rated to -10°C (14°F) - altitude locations like La Paz and Cusco reach freezing at night while guidebooks undersell how cold it gets

Merino wool base layers for temperature regulation - cotton kills in mountain weather when temperatures swing 20°C (36°F) between day and night

SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm with SPF - UV radiation increases 4% per 300m (980ft) of altitude, reaching dangerous levels above 3,500m (11,480ft)

Headlamp with red light setting - essential for stargazing in Atacama and early morning Machu Picchu hikes when sunrise isn't until 6:30am

Waterproof hiking boots rated for rocky terrain - Patagonian trails and high-altitude treks require ankle support on loose scree and wet granite

Portable altitude sickness medication (acetazolamide) - available over-counter in South American pharmacies but requires 24-48 hours to take effect

Quick-dry pants and long sleeves - protect against insects in Amazon regions where temperatures stay warm but vegetation requires coverage

Waterproof phone case for boat excursions - glacier tours and Amazon river trips involve significant spray that ruins electronics

Compression socks for long-distance bus travel - South American bus journeys commonly run 8-12 hours between major destinations

Portable battery pack rated for cold weather - lithium batteries lose 20-30% capacity below 5°C (41°F) affecting GPS and camera equipment

Insider Knowledge

Locals wear multiple thin layers rather than heavy jackets - temperatures can swing from 8°C to 25°C (46°F to 77°F) in a single day, making adaptable clothing essential

May marks the beginning of 'sopa season' when hearty soups like sancocho and locro appear on menus using fresh harvest vegetables - these provide better nutrition for altitude adjustment than tourist restaurant food

Book domestic flights for early morning departures - afternoon mountain weather can delay or cancel flights, while 6-8am departures have 95% on-time rates

ATMs in smaller mountain towns often run out of cash during weekends and holidays - withdraw money in major cities before heading to remote areas like Sacred Valley or Atacama