Things to Do in Ecuador in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Ecuador
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season in the Galápagos means excellent wildlife viewing with calmer seas and better underwater visibility for snorkeling - sea lions are particularly active with pups, and you'll avoid the June-August cruise ship crowds that push prices up 30-40 percent
- Highland weather is transitioning from wet to dry season, giving you those crisp morning temperatures around 10°C (50°F) and clearer skies for volcano viewing - Cotopaxi and Chimborazo are more likely visible without afternoon cloud cover that dominates March and April
- Shoulder season pricing across most of Ecuador means accommodation costs are typically 20-25 percent lower than June-August peak, and you can book Galápagos cruises just 4-6 weeks out instead of the 4-6 months needed for high season
- Whale watching season is in full swing along the coast near Puerto López - humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to breed in warm Ecuadorian waters, with peak sightings happening from June through September, but May offers calmer seas and fewer tour boats than peak months
Considerations
- Amazon basin is entering its wetter period with afternoon downpours that can last 2-3 hours and occasionally disrupt jungle lodge access via muddy trails - some lodges become harder to reach, and mosquitoes are more aggressive in the increased humidity
- Coastal regions are transitioning from wet to dry season, so you might catch lingering rain particularly in the first two weeks of May - Guayaquil and Manta can still see occasional heavy afternoon showers that clear by evening
- University exam periods in mid-May mean some popular student volunteer programs and Spanish schools in Quito and Cuenca have reduced availability or modified schedules, though this actually works in your favor for quieter hostels and restaurants
Best Activities in May
Galápagos Islands Multi-Day Cruises
May sits in that sweet spot where the Galápagos garúa season is ending - you get calmer seas than the choppy June-August period, making it ideal for those prone to seasickness. Water temperatures hover around 22-24°C (72-75°F), comfortable for snorkeling without a full wetsuit though most people still wear shorties. Sea lion pups are everywhere, marine iguanas are more active in the warming waters, and blue-footed boobies are in their courtship dance phase. The real advantage is availability - you can book decent cruises 4-6 weeks out instead of the 6-month advance booking needed for July-August.
Cotopaxi and Chimborazo Volcano Acclimatization Treks
May marks the beginning of the dry season in the highlands, which means those iconic volcano peaks are actually visible - something that's hit-or-miss during the wet season when clouds roll in by 10am. Cotopaxi at 5,897 m (19,347 ft) and Chimborazo at 6,263 m (20,548 ft) offer acclimatization hikes to refugios that don't require technical climbing skills. Morning temperatures start around 2-5°C (36-41°F) at the parking areas, so you're layering up, but by midday you're stripping down to base layers. The trails are drier and less muddy than March-April, making the approach hikes more pleasant. Most people do day trips to the refugios rather than summit attempts, which require mountaineering experience.
Quilotoa Loop Multi-Day Hiking Circuit
This 3-4 day self-guided or guided trek through indigenous highland villages connects a series of small towns ending at the stunning Quilotoa crater lake at 3,914 m (12,841 ft). May weather is transitioning to drier conditions, so trails are less muddy than April but you still want waterproof boots. The landscape is that high-altitude páramo grassland with temperatures ranging from 5-15°C (41-59°F) during the day. What makes May particularly good is that the tourist flow hasn't hit June-August levels yet, so you can actually get rooms in villages like Isinliví and Chugchilán without advance booking, though it's still smart to call ahead. The local families who run simple guesthouses are more available to chat and share meals.
Amazon Jungle Lodge Stays with Wildlife Spotting
May is entering the wetter Amazon season, which actually increases wildlife activity - animals congregate around water sources and bird activity peaks. Lodges in the Cuyabeno Reserve and Yasuní National Park offer 3-5 day packages with canoe trips, night walks, and visits to indigenous communities. Temperatures stay consistently warm at 26-30°C (79-86°F) with high humidity, and you're guaranteed afternoon rain most days. The rain is part of the experience - it cools things down and brings out frogs, insects, and the incredible smell of wet jungle. Water levels in rivers and lagoons are rising, making canoe access easier to remote areas. Pink river dolphins are more active in May.
Cuenca Colonial Architecture and Artisan Workshop Tours
Cuenca at 2,560 m (8,399 ft) has that perfect highland climate in May - cool mornings around 10°C (50°F), pleasant afternoons at 18-20°C (64-68°F), and occasional light rain that clears quickly. The city's UNESCO-listed historic center is walkable and less crowded than the June-August rush when North American retirees and European tourists flood in. May is ideal for exploring the Panama hat factories, ceramic workshops, and jewelry artisans without the tour bus crowds. The Tomebamba River walk is particularly nice in May when water levels are still high from the wet season but the weather is clearing.
Baños Adventure Sports and Thermal Baths
Baños at 1,820 m (5,971 ft) sits in a transition zone between highlands and Amazon, giving it a unique microclimate that's warm and humid year-round. May weather is variable - you might get morning sun and afternoon rain, or vice versa. The town is Ecuador's adventure capital with waterfall rappelling, canyoning, zip-lining, and white-water rafting on the Pastaza River. Water levels in May are still good from the wet season runoff, making rafting more exciting than the low-water months of September-November. The thermal baths are perfect after a day of activities, with water temperatures around 38-42°C (100-108°F). Tungurahua volcano occasionally puffs steam in the background, adding drama to the scenery.
May Events & Festivals
Quito Fiestas
While the major Fiestas de Quito happen in December, early May sometimes catches neighborhood festivals and smaller celebrations in Quito's historic center. These aren't tourist events - they're local affairs with street food, bands, and traditional dancing. You might stumble upon a neighborhood celebrating their patron saint with processions and fireworks. The unpredictability is part of the charm, and locals are generally welcoming to respectful visitors who want to watch or participate.
Corpus Christi Preparations
Late May sees preparations beginning for the Corpus Christi festival that typically falls in early June. In highland towns, particularly around Cuenca and the indigenous communities, you'll see families preparing the elaborate sawdust carpets and floral arrangements that will line the streets for religious processions. While the main event is in June, witnessing the preparation process offers insight into the artistic tradition and community cooperation involved. Local markets start selling the materials and you can watch artisans planning their designs.