While half the globe is sweating out in the summer in May, the other half is basking in the glory of spring colors. But you don’t always have to wait for spring or summer rain to get breathtaking views of the rainbow. May make most places in the world colorful, where you are treated to a kaleidoscope of different hues year-round. Here are world’s some of the best places to visit in May.
Top 10 Places to Visit in May in the World
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Galapagos Islands can best be visited from December to May. Why? These transitioning months coincide with the warm season and ocean conditions are clear. This warm water proves excellent for snorkeling and diving. Also, its pleasant weather makes hiking enjoyable on this side of the world. Brief tropical showers interrupt bright sunny days keeping vegetation green and wildlife active. Terrestrial and marine life are active in May on these islands. So you will get to see them more easily.
Things to do in Galapagos Islands:
- Watch Sea turtles hatch in Gardner Bay, Punta Cormorant, and Puerto Egas.
- Enjoy seeing Galapagos penguins at Bartolome. They are active at the surface or torpedo-like while underwater.
- Southern migrant birds start their journey toward the north and Galapagos is a rest stop for such birds. So it is the best time for bird watching.
- Exotic giant tortoises, whales, and dolphins are easily visible on the waterside. You can do snorkeling or scuba diving if you wish to witness them.
Lisse, Netherlands
A little distance from the coast, in between Haarlem and The Hague, is the town of Lisse. One of the Dutch towns with a lengthy history and that was built on top of an old beach dike was Lisse. With the introduction of flower bulbs, the town gained affluence and trade in the Golden Period due to its advantageous location and good soil on the shore. Today, Lisse is renowned for its exquisite flower fields and its exporting flower bulbs.
Things to do in Lisse:
- Plan your day at the beach with a visit to one of the beautiful flower fields.
- Go on a self-driving audio tour in an open-air, two-seater Renault Twizy to explore the iconic tulip fields on. These tours include GPS navigation, audio commentary in English, Dutch, or German. Take plenty of halts for photography.
- It is a fascinating experience to discover Lisse, the heart of the flower-bulb region full of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.
- Pay a visit to Keukenhof castle and plan your trip for the annual flower parade in spring.
- Cycle through the fields and dunes to witness a picturesque tulip landscape.
- Rejuvenate in Keukenhof Park, known as the Garden of Europe. It is known to be one of the world’s largest flower gardens in the municipality of Lisse.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
May is a great time to visit Rio de Janeiro as the weather is mild and it’s the beginning of the off-season, which means lower prices and fewer crowds. With world-class hotels and stunning beaches, Rio de Janeiro is a paradise for budget and luxury travelers alike. Visit the famous beaches and landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Things to do in Rio De Janeiro:
- Sunbathe or laze around on the world’s best beaches, from Ipanema to Copacabana.
- Rio is perfect for hiking activities on trails like Pedra da Gavea, Morro da Urca, Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmãos, etc., for the most breathtaking views of the wilderness.
- Learn how to dance the Samba. You can also learn Capoeira, which has a rich history and incorporates dance and fighting moves.
- Since the skies will be mostly clear, you can see the most amazing views of Christ the Redeemer. Fulfill your desire to click the best photos of this majestic monument.
Quebec City, Canada
The Canadian city of Quebec City is stunning and rich in history. Visit Quebec City in May for the pleasant weather, exciting cultural events like the Quebec City International Festival of Military Bands, and to explore the city’s historical landmarks. Everyone can find something to enjoy in this gorgeous Canadian city, whether they are interested in nature, history, or simply unwinding and soaking in the local culture.
Things to do in Quebec:
- Explore Old Quebec town side which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to many historic buildings, charming cobblestone streets, and quaint shops and restaurants.
- Shop and dine in Quartier Petit Champlain, a charming neighborhood known for its colorful buildings, narrow streets, and unique shops and restaurants.
- Visit the very famous Plains of Abraham in the city. The park is charming in May, with colorful flowers and trees in bloom.
- Visit the Quebec City Aquarium, home to over 10,000 marine animals. This aquarium includes polar bears, walruses, and seals. There are also interactive exhibits and activities for all age groups.
- Attend the Festival de la Tulipe, an annual festival celebrating the arrival of spring with thousands of tulips in bloom. Apart from flowers, there are food vendors, live music, and other activities to enjoy.
Cusco, Peru
Cusco is a fascinating city with a rich history and culture. Known as the former capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco offers a range of activities and attractions that will captivate and delight travelers. May is a great time to visit, as the crowds are smaller and the weather is mild.
Things to do in Cusco:
- Visit Vinicunca mountains, the most famous rainbow-colored mountains in the Andes mountains.
- Machu Picchu is one of the most renowned archeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world worth a visit. Take a guided tour of the ruins or hike the famous Inca Trail to reach the site.
- Take the Jungle Tour to Machu Picchu, which combines hiking, biking, rafting, and zip-lining on your way to Machu Picchu.
- Explore the Sacred Valley, filled with ancient Inca ruins, traditional Andean villages, and stunning natural landscapes.
- Try the local cuisine, a fusion of traditional Andean flavors and Spanish influences. Try local dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado, and rocoto relleno, or sample some of the local street food.
Grand Canyon National Park, USA
The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous national parks in the United States and the most breathtaking natural wonder in the entire globe. Millions of people visit this popular park each year. The park, which is located in Arizona, is well-known for its spectacular views, vibrant rock formations, and distinctive species. Anybody who like the outdoors and natural beauty must visit this place.
Things to do at the Grand Canyon National Park:
- Visit the South Rim, the park’s most popular location, for breathtaking views of the canyon.
- Walk the more than 12-mile-long Bright Angel Trail for breathtaking vistas of the canyon and the Colorado River.
- To view the canyon from a different angle, go rafting on the Colorado River.
- Take a tour on a helicopter for breathtaking park aerial views.
- Visit the North Rim to hike, camp, or just to take in the breathtaking views of the canyon.
La Macarena, Colombia
La Macarena is a small town located in the Meta department of Colombia, known for its stunning natural beauty and biodiversity. It is the gateway to the Serranía de la Macarena National Park, a protected area boasting unique flora and fauna. This rural town is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature, wildlife, and indigenous culture.
Things to do in La Macarena:
- Visit the Caño Cristales, often called the “River of Five Colors” or the “Liquid Rainbow” due to its unique colors that change with the seasons.
- Hike in the Serranía de la Macarena National Park. The park is home to a range of ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, grasslands, and wetlands. While hiking many trails, you can see a variety of wildlife, like monkeys, jaguars, and birds.
- Get a chance to learn about the traditional way of life of local tribes like the Sikuani and the Nukak by participating in their music, dance, and crafts programs.
Bo-Kaap, Cape Town
The Bo-Kaap neighborhood in Cape Town, formerly known as the Malay Quarter, is located at the foot of Signal Hill in Cape Town. In the 18th century, enslaved people from Malaysia, Indonesia, and other parts of Africa were forcibly brought to Cape Town by Dutch colonists. According to legend, the exteriors of rental homes for enslaved people had to be painted white. However, when inhabitants could buy homes after slavery was abolished in 1834, the newly freed people painted their homes in vibrant hues.
The custom has endured, and as you explore the cobblestone lanes, you will find contemporary residences decorated in vibrant hues like buttercup yellow, robin’s-egg blue, and lime green.
Things to do in Bo-kaap:
- Bo-Kaap is famous for its colorful houses, which make for great photo opportunities. Take a stroll through the neighborhood’s narrow streets and admire the brightly painted houses.
- Plan your trip to attend many cultural events throughout the year, including the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, the Cape Malay Choir Festival, and the Bo-Kaap Kombuis Kitchen Parties.
- Shop for handmade crafts, spices, and other unique items in its local market.
- Visit the Auwal Mosque, the oldest mosque in South Africa. It has a fascinating history, having been established in 1794 by a group of enslaved people and political exiles.
- Bo-Kaap is known for its delicious cuisine, influenced by the Cape Malay community. Make sure to try dishes like boboties, samosas, and koeksisters.
Bazaruto Island, Mozambique
The island of Bazaruto, labeled “The Jewel of the Indian Ocean,” resembles a crossover between heaven and earth. A paradise of dunes, coral, and hammocks dangling in the center of the piercingly blue sea has been created off the coast of Mozambique by erosion caused by the Limpopo River and the ocean.
Things to do on Bazaruto Island
- Plan a dhow safari to explore the island’s waters aboard a traditional dhow boat. You will get an opportunity to swim, snorkel, and even explore surrounding islands on this traditional boat.
- Explore the village of Vilanculos to fully experience the culture of this island. Take a tour of the village on foot and get to know the residents.
- Its fun to take part in aquatic activities like snorkelling, kiteboarding, windsurfing, fishing, and scuba diving to view the beautiful marine life that calls Bazaruto Island home.
- Visit the Bazaruto National Park in the Bazaruto Archipelago is where this park. It provides a range of adventures like trekking and bird watching.
Guatapé, Colombia
The lakeside village of Guatapé, is two hours drive east of Medellin, dotted with colorful buildings along its cobblestone lanes. If you visit this charming region of Colombia, make sure to observe the various three-dimensional paintings (zocalos) painted on the lower portions of the houses. Some of these paintings are straightforward patterns, while others are more complex interpretations of local history and culture.
Things to do in Guatapé:
- Walking through the town’s streets is a great way to appreciate the local culture and architecture known for its colorful houses with intricate designs and patterns.
- Take a boat tour of the Guatapé Reservoir, a man-made lake surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
- Climbing the 740 steps to the top of Piedra del Peñol rock is a must-do activity in Guatapé for a stunning view of the area.
- The town’s main square is a bustling hub of activity, with restaurants, lounges, and shops. Make sure to try some of the local cuisines while you’re there.
- Try some water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
May is a great time to travel to many cities around the world. Whether you’re looking for beautiful scenery, beach vacations, cultural experiences, or outdoor fun, there’s a destination that will suit your interests in the above list. Each of these cities offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making them ideal destinations for travelers who want to explore the world.
Rehlat can help you devise a custom travel package that will list your favorite destinations. Great discounts on hotels and flight bookings await!