What May is like in Guanacaste
May marks the start of green season. Expect a mostly sunny morning followed by a short, powerful afternoon shower, rarely enough to cancel plans, but worth building tours around a morning start. The landscape turns vividly green almost overnight.
Where to go in May
Bijagua
A quiet mountain village at the gateway to Tenorio Volcano National Park and Río Celeste.
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Guanacaste
Costa Rica's Pacific province: dry forests, volcanic peaks and pristine Pacific beaches.
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La Fortuna & Arenal
Volcano scenery, hanging bridges, wildlife and hot springs in Costa Rica’s adventure capital.
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Monteverde
The jewel in the crown of Costa Rica's cloud forests.
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Papagayo
Luxury resorts, quiet bays and easy access to Guanacaste adventures.
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Playas del Coco
A convenient beach town with restaurants, live music and easy day-trip access.
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Playa Hermosa
A calm Guanacaste beach with a relaxed atmosphere near Papagayo and Coco.
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Rincón de la Vieja
Volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and high-energy adventures close to Liberia.
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Río Celeste
A turquoise river flowing through Tenorio Volcano National Park, one of Costa Rica's most magical natural wonders.
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Sámara
A relaxed beach district on Guanacaste's Nicoya Peninsula.
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Tamarindo
Costa Rica's buzzing Pacific surf town on the Nicoya Peninsula.
Explore →Recommended tours for May
Colorado River Rafting Class II–III
Private Class II–III white water rafting on the Colorado River, natural canyon, swimming holes and lunch included. No experience necessary. Certified bilingual guide exclusively for your group.
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Monteverde Hanging Bridges & Coffee Tour
Private full-day Monteverde Cloud Forest experience, 8 Selvatura suspension bridges, butterfly garden, interactive coffee plantation tour from seed to cup, sugar cane and chocolate. Breakfast and lunch included.
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Sloth Adventure & Chocolate Tour
Private chocolate tour from cacao tree to handmade bar, then a short hike in Bijagua to observe wild sloths, butterflies and toucans in their natural habitat. Lunch included. Easy, all ages.
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Congo Trail Canopy & Extreme Zip Line
Private Congo Trail experience, 11-station zip line through tropical forest with 3 hanging bridges, plus extreme cables including Superman and Tarzan Swing. The Plus option adds 2 hours ATV.
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Costa Rica Highlights Tour — Sloths, Waterfall, Coffee, Hot Springs & Hanging Bridges
The ultimate one-day Costa Rica experience, sloth observation, waterfall, hands-on coffee and cacao workshop, natural mineral hot springs and two hanging bridges. Everything that makes Costa Rica extraordinary, in one private day.
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Rainforest & Hot Springs Arenal
Private full-day Arenal experience, Bogarin Trail wildlife hike, La Fortuna Waterfall or Arenal National Park, thermal hot springs, breakfast and lunch included. Arenal Volcano and Central America's largest man-made lake.
View Experience →May travel guides
Costa Rica in September: Will Rain Ruin Your Tours?
September rain rarely cancels tours in Guanacaste and Arenal. Here's how the green season actually works and how to plan around it.
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Green Season Packing List: Guanacaste & Arenal
A practical, locally-informed packing guide for Costa Rica's Green Season, separating beach, rainforest, and transfer-day essentials for Guanacaste and Arenal.
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Should You Book Flights and Hotels Together?
It's the question every first-time visitor asks. The honest answer might surprise you — and it depends on one thing most booking sites won't tell you.
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Liberia Airport to Arenal & Papagayo: Drive Times & Stops
A practical guide to connecting Liberia Airport, Amor Arenal, and the Waldorf Astoria Papagayo, with drive times, worthwhile stops, activities near Arenal, and honest advice about September's green-season rain.
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Best Waterfalls Near Papagayo: Which Day Trip to Pick
A local look at the best waterfall day trips from Papagayo, comparing drive time, walking difficulty, swimming access and how each changes between green and dry season.
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How to Find Small-Group Volcano and Rainforest Tours in Costa Rica
Looking for a more personal Costa Rica adventure? Learn how to choose local guides, smaller tour groups and authentic volcano and rainforest experiences.
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La Fortuna to Playa Flamingo Without the Monkey Trail
Driving from La Fortuna to Playa Flamingo? Learn how to avoid Route 911, choose the paved route through Guanacaste and decide between driving or hiring a private transfer.
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Sea Turtles in Costa Rica: How to See Them Responsibly
Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean beaches provide critical nesting habitat for sea turtles. Learn where they nest and how to observe them responsibly.
Read Article →Plan your Costa Rica in May experience with a local expert.
Private transportation, personalized tours and practical advice in one conversation.