Things to Do in Ecuador in May

May Weather in Ecuador

26°C (79°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather in the Sierra - dry trails, clear mountain views, and comfortable 18-22°C (64-72°F) temperatures at 2,500-3,500m (8,200-11,500 ft) elevation
Optimal whale watching season on the coast - humpback whales are most active in May waters, with 90% sighting success rates and calmer Pacific swells averaging 1-2m (3-6 ft)
Post-rainy season landscapes are at their most vibrant - cloud forests are lush green, waterfalls are full, and air visibility extends 80+ km (50+ miles) in the Andes
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 20-30% less than June-August peak season, and domestic flights average $80-120 versus $150+ in high season

Considerations

Occasional late-season rains in the Amazon - 3-4 afternoon downpours per week lasting 1-2 hours can disrupt jungle walks and wildlife spotting
Galápagos seas are choppier during transition period - wave heights of 2-3m (6-10 ft) between islands can cause seasickness on day trips
Cool Andean mornings require layering - temperatures drop to 8-12°C (46-54°F) before sunrise in Quito and Cuenca, catching unprepared travelers off-guard

Best Activities in May

Quilotoa Loop Multi-Day Treks

May offers ideal conditions for Ecuador's most spectacular highland trek. Dry trails, crystal-clear crater lake views, and comfortable daytime temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) make this the perfect month for the 3-5 day circuit. Morning fog clears by 9am, revealing panoramic Andean vistas that extend 100+ km (60+ miles). Indigenous markets in Saquisilí and Pujilí are post-harvest season, featuring fresh quinoa, potatoes, and textiles.

Booking Tip: Book mountain lodges 2-3 weeks ahead as May is prime trekking season. Multi-day packages typically cost $180-280 per person including meals and guides. Look for operators providing coca tea and altitude acclimatization support. See current trekking options in the booking section below.

Galápagos Land-Based Island Hopping

May marks the transition between seasons, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Sea lion pups are active on beaches, marine iguanas are mating (spectacular head-bobbing displays), and blue-footed boobies begin courtship dances. Land temperatures average 24-26°C (75-79°F) with minimal rain. Snorkeling visibility reaches 15-20m (50-65 ft) despite choppier surface conditions.

Booking Tip: Island-hopping packages cost $1,200-2,200 for 5-7 days including inter-island transport. Book 6-8 weeks ahead as boat capacity is limited during whale migration overlap. Choose land-based over cruise options to avoid rough seas. Current island tour packages available in booking section below.

Pacific Coast Whale Watching Expeditions

May is peak humpback whale season along Ecuador's coast. Over 2,000 whales migrate through these waters, with mothers and calves staying close to shore near Puerto López and Salinas. Morning departures (7-9am) offer calmest seas and most active whale behavior. Water temperatures of 22-24°C (72-75°F) also provide excellent snorkeling at Isla de la Plata.

Booking Tip: Half-day whale watching tours cost $45-75 per person from Puerto López. Book 1 week ahead during May peak season. Morning tours have 90% whale sighting rates versus 60% for afternoon departures. Choose operators with marine biologist guides and hydrophone equipment. Check current whale watching tours in booking section below.

Amazon Rainforest Canopy Lodge Stays

May's reduced rainfall creates optimal conditions for wildlife spotting in Ecuador's Amazon. Rivers are still high enough for navigation but jungle trails are accessible. Dawn chorus activity peaks between 5:30-7:00am when temperatures are coolest at 18-20°C (64-68°F). Afternoon rains are brief and predictable, typically 2-4pm, allowing morning and evening excursions.

Booking Tip: Jungle lodge packages range $280-450 per person for 3-4 days including meals, guides, and activities. Book 4-5 weeks ahead as May is popular for birdwatching tours. Choose lodges with elevated walkways and covered observation decks for rainy periods. See current Amazon lodge options in booking section below.

Andean Market and Cultural Immersion Tours

May coincides with post-harvest celebrations throughout the Sierra. Otavalo's Saturday market reaches peak variety with fresh potatoes, corn, and quinoa varieties. Temperatures of 20-22°C (68-72°F) make walking between vendor stalls comfortable. Traditional festivals like Inti Raymi preparations begin, offering authentic cultural experiences without tourist crowds.

Booking Tip: Day tours including transport and guide cost $65-95 from Quito. Multi-day cultural immersion programs range $180-320. Book Thursday-Friday for Saturday market tours. Look for small group tours (8-12 people maximum) with indigenous community partnerships. Current cultural tour options available in booking section below.

Cloud Forest Birdwatching and Nature Photography

May's post-wet season conditions create perfect cloud forest experiences. Morning mist clears by 8-9am revealing spectacular biodiversity. Over 400 bird species are active, including quetzals, toucans, and hummingbirds at feeding stations. Visibility extends 50-100m (165-330 ft) through forest canopies, ideal for photography. Temperatures remain steady at 16-20°C (61-68°F).

Booking Tip: Specialized birdwatching tours cost $85-140 per day including transport and expert guides. Multi-day cloud forest lodges range $220-380 per person. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for specialized photography tours. Early morning departures (5:30am) essential for optimal bird activity. See current cloud forest tours in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Late May (exact date varies by liturgical calendar)

Corpus Christi Festival

Celebrated throughout Ecuador with elaborate street carpets made from flower petals, colored sawdust, and rice. Cuenca's celebration is particularly spectacular with processions through colonial streets. Local families spend days creating intricate religious designs that are walked over during ceremonies.

Throughout May

Inti Raymi Preparation Season

While the main Sun Festival occurs in June, May marks the beginning of preparation ceremonies throughout Andean communities. Visitors can witness traditional costume making, music rehearsals, and ritual cleansing ceremonies, especially around Otavalo and Cotacachi.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - morning temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F) in Quito, reaching 24°C (75°F) by afternoon. Pack merino wool base layer, fleece mid-layer, and waterproof shell

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 11+ at 2,500m+ (8,200+ ft) elevation with thin air providing minimal protection

Waterproof hiking boots rated for 15km+ (9+ miles) daily - Andean trails include loose volcanic rock, and Amazon walks cross muddy terrain

Lightweight rain poncho (not umbrella) - afternoon showers come with 30+ km/h (18+ mph) winds that make umbrellas useless

Altitude sickness medication - anything above 2,800m (9,200 ft) affects 40% of visitors. Consult doctor for acetazolamide prescription

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET for Amazon regions - mosquitos and sand flies are active despite reduced rainfall

Quick-dry pants and shirts in earth tones - synthetic materials dry within 2-3 hours and neutral colors work better for wildlife viewing

Portable water purification tablets - tap water is unsafe outside major cities, and bottled water costs $2-4 in remote areas

Headlamp with extra batteries - jungle lodges have limited electricity, and early morning wildlife activities start before sunrise

Cash in small bills ($1, $5, $10 USD) - Ecuador uses US currency but remote areas rarely have change for $20+ bills

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights by 4pm for same-day weather delays - afternoon mountain weather often grounds flights from Quito to Cuenca and Galápagos, but morning flights operate 95% on schedule

Eat lunch at 'almuerzos' (local lunch counters) between 12-2pm for authentic $3-5 meals including soup, rice, protein, and juice. Tourist restaurants charge $12-18 for similar portions

Carry coca leaves or tea in the Sierra - legal in Ecuador and genuinely helps with altitude adjustment. Buy at any pharmacy for $1-2 rather than tourist shops charging $8-10

Use 'rancheras' (open-sided buses) for transport between small towns - cost 75% less than tourist shuttles and provide authentic local experience with stunning scenery views

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes for coastal areas - evenings drop to 18°C (64°F) even in Guayaquil, and air conditioning in hotels runs aggressively

Not acclimatizing in Quito before heading higher - spending 2+ nights at 2,850m (9,350 ft) reduces altitude sickness by 60% for destinations like Cotopaxi at 4,500m (14,760 ft)

Booking same-day Galápagos tours expecting availability - May's whale season creates high demand, and walk-in prices are 40-60% higher than advance bookings