Cusco In February

Is It Worth Visiting Cusco In February?

Quick Answer: Overall February is the most difficult month to head to Cusco, and especially so if you are planning on heading on several hikes in the region. 

Whilst Cusco in January is also wet, the big difference here is that rains and stormier weather are heavier, which means many hikes are often called-off. 

In fact, the Inca Trail is closed for the entire month due to this, whilst certain treks (such as the shorter, 3 Day Ausangate Trek) are only recommended for advanced hikers given the harder conditions.

Thing To Know:

• The Inca Trail is closed throughout the entire month, and  other treks will also be harder to find consistent departures for (such as Choquequirao)
• Make sure you bring a warm coat. Although it’s summer and daytime temperatures increase, it can get cold quickly when it rains.

Pros:                                   

• Capuli is a special fruit in Cusco that is only available in January and February, so if you visit Cusco around this time you will be able to try  it.
• As previously said, Cusco and certain tourist attractions are not overcrowded.
• You can enjoy several ancient sites freely without crowds.
• You can enjoy the colorful Carnival in Cusco and take photos with traditional-dressed ladies. Don’t forget to bring your camera. During this season, you may photograph in the metropolitan vicinity without feeling rushed.

Cons:

• The Inca Trail is not permitted.
• The preceding months’ torrential rainfall caused landslides in the highlands.
• Such landslides may cause rail services to be disrupted for days at a time.

Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Cusco In February

Below we’ll now explore what February in Cusco is like. This includes what the weather will be like, as well as the other main advantages and disadvantages of visiting during this month.

The Weather Of Cusco In February 

Overall February is one of the wettest months of the year here in Cusco, and therefore is common to experience wild and unpredictable weather.

Rains are often heavy and arrive suddenly, although they are short-lived. Throughout February we can expect roughly 3.8 inches of downpour.

When it comes to daily temperatures, you’ll find Cusco isn’t as cold as it can get in the winter months (between June and September). Average daily temperatures are usually around 52°F, with highs of 62°F and lows of 44°F. It’s still worth bringing a big coat in February, as it will still get chilly at night. 

How Windy Is Cusco In February?

In February, the wind blows with an average speed of 7.2 mph (11.6 kph) in Cusco.

What Time Are The Sunrises and Sunsets In Cusco In February?

You can experience a bit early sunrise at 5:40 and a sunset at 18:21 – given Cusco is located along the Huatanay (or Watanay) river valley.

It is located on the eastern end of the Cusco Knot, and has an elevation of around 3,400 m (11,200 ft).

To the north, the Vilcabamba mountain range comprises 4,000- 6,000-meter (13,000-20,000-foot) mountains. The highest mountain, Salkantay (6,271 meters or 20,574 feet), is located about 60 kilometers (37 miles) northwest of Cusco.

What To Do In Cusco In February

Although February in Cusco doesn’t seem so appealing (especially since the Inca Trail is closed for the whole month), there is still quite a bit you can do here.

Firstly within the city, you can visit local markets in the morning. The San Pedro Market is a great place for trying various Peruvian delicacies, which include Lomo Saltado, Papa a la Huancaina as well as the infamous Cuy. The Market in San Blas is great for souvenir-hunting, and especially good for picking-up some extra warm garments.

All of the major museums and attractions are also open, and you can enjoy them with less crowds or limited availability. This includes the ChocoMuseo (a bean to bar chocolate workshop), as well as visiting sites such as Qorikancha and Saqsahuaymán.

February is also a great time to head on day trips to the Sacred Valley. Due to the heavier rains, this leads to a thicker green vegetation which can make for some great alternative photos. A couple of worthy sites to visit during this month include the ruins of Moray and Pisac.

What Should You Bring To Cusco In February?

Here we will now list everything that you’ll need for a trip to Cusco in February. Below we’ve mentioned the essentials, however it’s important to keep some space in your bag free in case you pick up any extras or souvenirs on your trip here.

• Thin layers during the day are important, given it can get quite warm around noon.
• Be sure to bring a raincoat or waterproof poncho.
• A thick jacket and sweater for the evening.
• A hand towel.
• Hiking boots or shoes you are comfortable walking long distances in.
• You should also bring pyjamas that will keep you warm at night.
• A hat to avoid burning your head (the sun in Cusco is more intense than other regions of Peru).
• Sunglasses which are especially important when heading on treks.
• High SPF sunscreen.
• A thick hat, scarf, and gloves which will keep you warm at night and during treks.
• Repellent for insects.
• A water bottle that can be reused.
• A day pack to hold everything you need during hikes and trips.
• A quality camera or mobile phone.
• Medication for personal use.
• A book/map guide for Cusco and the Sacred Valley (and some copies just in case they get damaged or lost)
• Padlocks which you can use for your bags when on longer treks or on public transport (always best to be safe than sorry!).
• Charging adaptors and power banks (if required).
• Extra batteries for your camera.

Hiking Around Cusco In February 

Similar to January, February is also a less than ideal month for hiking. Various trails will actually be closed during this month, and you’ll find that some will require more experience given they have more difficult conditions.

The Inca Trail In February

It’s important to note that the Inca Trail is closed throughout the entirety of February. This is not only due to more extreme weather (with landslides more likely), however also so that maintenance and necessary repairs can be carried out.

The Salkantay Trek In February 

This popular trek remains open, however availability may vary depending on the weather conditions (we for example don’t operate Salkantay Treks throughout February). One of the main reasons for this is that the trail will get very muddy due to the extra rains and the fact that many horses walk along the path. So if you do head here, you’ll want to make sure you have quality hiking boots with you. Overall hiking in Salkantay in February is more difficult than normal, and is best recommended for those who are more advanced hikers.

Inca Jungle Trek In February 

Unfortunately this trek is also difficult to undertake in February. Not only because some tours will require hiking along the original Inca Trail (which is closed), but also as it will be more dangerous to do certain activities such as mountain biking and rafting given the wilder conditions. Here at AB Expeditions we don’t operate Inca Jungle Treks in February, however if you are really motivated you can find specialist activity companies who can take you there.

Choquequirao Trek In February

Whilst this trek remains open throughout the month, it will be hard to find organized groups that head up here. This is again due to various risks such as landslides which can occur along the mountainous route. Similar to the previous treks, we personally don’t operate Choquequirao in February given the higher chance of landslides occurring.

Ausangate Trek In February 

The highest hikeable peak close to Cusco, Ausangate is also open in February and is much safer given the route is wider and doesn’t have any risks of landslides. It’s important to note that it’s highly challenging due to heavier rains and colder temperatures (especially as you’ll get wet often), so is only recommended for those with plenty of hiking experience. Some parts of the river will be much higher, so you’ll need to pass these parts by horse.

Lares Trek In February 

Out of all of the remaining options you have, the Lares Trek is by far the best hike you can do from Cusco in February. Whilst there will be more rains, there will be less tourists along the route so you can enjoy that quieter, more authentic hike that you’ve been looking for! Just be sure to walk slowly if there is snow on the path, which is more likely with the extra rainfall in February.

Huchuy Qosqo Trek In February 

Huchuy Qosqo is a nice alternative to the Inca Trail, where you can also visit hidden ruins before reaching Machu Picchu. The great thing about hiking this route in February is the fact that you will have less intense altitude and conditions, which is a nice balance with the wetter weather. It’s important to know that it can get quite slippery on the descent, which can cause accidents. For this reason we don’t operate the Huchuy Qosqo Trek in February, but you may find that other providers do.

The Main Advantages Of Visiting Cusco In February (Less Crowds And The Cusco Carnival)

A big advantage of visiting Cusco in February is the fact that few travelers like to do so themselves. This means the streets won’t be overrun, and also key sites like Machu Picchu will also be quieter. 

So if you do prefer less crowds then February is ideal, where you can also visit other sites with less tourists around (such as Ollantaytambo and Rainbow Mountain).

When coming in February it will also be a great opportunity to experience some native festivities. The Cusco Carnival is one of these, where the streets fill out with regional performances, dances and colorful attires – which centers its festivities within the Plaza de Armas.

The Main Disadvantages Of Visiting Cusco In February (Wet Weather And Closure Of The Inca Trail)

Again a similar case to January (and is an issue throughout the wet season), February is known for its wild and wet weather. Rainfall also peaks around this month, and in the evenings Cusco can get quite chilly. 

The only benefit here is that it will be quite warm during the daytime, and that the showers tend to be over quite quickly.

Unfortunately this does also mean that certain treks like the Inca Trail and Inca Jungle Trek won’t be available, whilst others such as Choquequirao and Ausangate will be much more difficult. Whilst other routes remain open, you’ll want to make sure you bring quality hiking gear and warm clothing.

Is It Worth Visiting Cusco In February?

And that’s all for this guide to visiting Cusco in February.

Known for being the month when the Inca Trail is closed, many travelers (and especially hikers) avoid heading to Cusco in February. However there is still lots to do here, and actually you’ll find it more culturally-rewarding given there are less crowds around.

If you are planning on hiking around Cusco in February, then be sure to read our Cusco Altitude Sickness Guide for tips to avoid getting any symptoms whilst here.