May is one of the most rewarding months to travel, offering warm, stable weather across South America, the Caribbean and North Africa. From Andean peaks and tropical beaches to vibrant cities and untouched wilderness, it’s an ideal time for adventure, culture and relaxation. Whether you’re seeking epic wildlife encounters, colonial charm, or island escapes, these destinations shine in May. Here’s where to go and why they’re perfect for a luxury escape this month.
Peru
May marks the beginning of the dry season across the Andes, making it one of the most comfortable months to explore Peru. The landscape is still lush from the tail end of the rains, Machu Picchu enjoys clear skies, and the Sacred Valley is alive with vibrant colours, all while avoiding the peak summer crowds. The Amazon is also excellent at this time, with wildlife active and accessible for jungle lodges and river cruises.
Top Things to Do
- Explore Machu Picchu under bright, crisp skies
- Wander Inca sites and villages in the Sacred Valley
- Take scenic train journeys between Cusco and Machu Picchu
- Spot condors soaring above Colca Canyon
- Discover Amazon wildlife on guided jungle excursions
Luxury Hotels & Itineraries
Peru’s luxury accommodations are incredibly varied: boutique haciendas in the Sacred Valley, contemporary hotels in Lima and eco-lodges deep in the Amazon rainforest. Humboldt Travel can create a tailored itinerary combining cultural immersion, private guided treks and exclusive dining experiences, from a dawn visit to Machu Picchu to a night in a riverside lodge surrounded by tropical wildlife.
Bolivia
May is a prime month to experience Bolivia as the rainy season finishes, leaving clear skies, colourful landscapes and accessible roads. The Uyuni Salt Flats are starting to dry, creating dramatic reflective surfaces, while highland lakes, markets and colonial cities are all at their best.
Top Things to Do
- Explore the mirror-like Uyuni Salt Flats
- Wander La Paz’s markets and take the cable cars for aerial city views
- Visit Lake Titicaca and its floating islands
- Hike the Altiplano’s multicoloured lagoons and volcanic landscapes
- Discover Sucre’s colonial streets and architecture
Luxury Hotels & Itineraries
Luxury in Bolivia usually combines breath-taking settings with intimate boutique properties. Humboldt Travel can arrange stays in salt hotels overlooking the flats, high-altitude lodges with panoramic views, and colonial retreats in Sucre. Guided experiences include private photography tours, tailored treks and culturally immersive encounters with local communities.
Brazil
May is the perfect time to explore Brazil’s diverse regions, with dry weather in many areas, pleasant temperatures in the Amazon and calmer crowds in Rio and coastal regions. Nature, culture and city experiences all shine at this time.
Top Things to Do
- Take in Rio de Janeiro’s iconic sights like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain
- Explore the Pantanal for jaguar and wildlife spotting
- Cruise along the Amazon River to spot pink dolphins and macaws
- Enjoy São Paulo’s thriving culinary and arts scene
- Relax on the pristine beaches of the North Coast
Luxury Hotels & Itineraries
Brazil’s luxury portfolio is as diverse as the country itself. Humboldt Travel can arrange rainforest lodges in the Pantanal or Amazon with expert naturalist guides, chic beach resorts along the Atlantic coast and urban boutique hotels in Rio and São Paulo. Customized itineraries may combine wildlife, culture and gastronomy, creating a seamless Brazilian adventure.
Ecuador & the Galápagos
May is an excellent month to visit Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. The Galápagos enters a dry season with calm seas and excellent wildlife spotting, while Ecuador’s highlands enjoy stable weather and vibrant spring landscapes. It’s ideal for adventurous wildlife watchers and those seeking a tropical escape.
Top Things to Do
- Snorkel with sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish in the Galápagos
- Visit giant tortoises and iguanas on Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands
- Explore Quito’s historic centre and surrounding volcanoes
- Hike in the Andes or visit Otavalo’s famous market
- Discover cloud forests and waterfalls in Mindo
Luxury Hotels & Itineraries
Ecuador and the Galápagos combine intimate boutique lodges, oceanfront resorts, and eco-friendly island stays. Humboldt Travel can craft itineraries that balance active exploration with relaxation, including private island tours, luxury yacht cruises, and guided Andean adventures.
Cuba
May is a wonderful month to experience Cuba’s cities, beaches and countryside. With warm, dry weather and manageable humidity, it’s perfect for exploring Havana’s colonial architecture, the tobacco regions of Viñales, or the pristine beaches of the north coast.
Top Things to Do
- Wander the colourful streets of Old Havana and enjoy rooftop bars
- Discover Cuba’s music scene through live performances and private sessions
- Explore Viñales Valley’s tobacco farms and limestone mogotes
- Relax on the white-sand beaches of Cayo Santa María or Varadero
- Take a classic car tour of Havana or Trinidad
Luxury Hotels & Itineraries
Luxury in Cuba focuses on character and authenticity: historic boutique hotels, restored mansions, and small design-focused resorts. Humboldt Travel can organise immersive experiences such as private salsa lessons, guided cultural tours, and curated beach escapes, ensuring your itinerary is both seamless and uniquely Cuban.
Morocco
April’s springtime conditions in Morocco make it an exceptional time to explore cities, mountains, and desert. The weather is warm and sunny across Marrakech, Fes, the Atlas Mountains, and coastal regions, making outdoor adventures and cultural tours highly enjoyable.
Top Things to Do
- Wander Marrakech’s colourful souks and tranquil riads
- Explore Chefchaouen’s blue-washed streets in the Rif Mountains
- Trek the Atlas Mountains and experience Berber culture
- Relax in luxury coastal resorts in Essaouira
- Take a camel trek across Merzouga’s Sahara dunes
Luxury Hotels & Itineraries
Morocco’s luxury experiences combine style, tradition, and location. Humboldt Travel can arrange stays in private riads with rooftop pools, mountain lodges with panoramic views, and desert camps with gourmet dining under the stars. Itineraries can blend city culture, desert adventure, and coastal relaxation into a seamless journey.
Plan Your Luxury Trip in May
May offers incredible variety: tropical islands, Andean highlands, vibrant cities, desert landscapes, and wildlife-rich jungles. With expert knowledge of each destination, Humboldt Travel can craft a fully personalised itinerary ensuring comfort, adventure, and unforgettable experiences in every corner of your journey.
Speak to our team today to begin planning your May escape.
