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
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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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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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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Rental Car vs Private Driver in Guanacaste: Honest Guide
A balanced, locally-informed look at whether renting a car or hiring a private driver makes more sense for your Guanacaste trip, covering cost, insurance, roads and flexibility.
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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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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.
Read Article →Plan your Costa Rica in May experience with a local expert.
Private transportation, personalized tours and practical advice in one conversation.