INCA TRAIL IN FEBRUARY
The Inca trail closes all February for maintenance purposes. The government and park personnel take action in clearing the trailside ditches, repairing bridges, and making the trail better to walk through. The rain precipitation is heavy and constant which makes hiking a little dangerous as there may be landslides.
The good news is that Machu Picchu remains open, and of course, sees fewer people than any other time of the year. At this time of the year, most Machu Picchu visitors start in Cusco, get Machu Picchu through the Sacred Valley. The weather is warm and humid in Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Inca trail alternatives in February
The alternatives treks that we recommend to hike during february. But you have to leave early the campsites to prevent the afternoon heavy rain.
The alternative treks that we strongly suggest not to hike due to the heavy rains and landslides.
- Salkantay trek:
- Inca Jungle trek:
- Choquequirao trek:
A key activity in Cusco
Carnivals! More authentic carnivals take place in the outskirt neighborhoods of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, while the modern way of celebrating carnivals is in townships and Cusco city itself. Here is when young people, children, and adults go out to play carnivals, and even tourists join locals in throwing water-filled little balloons to wet others or with spray foams and colored flours. It is usually women against men in the streets, around the neighborhoods, and the main square of Cusco.
So, if you are touring through Cusco a week before Lent, make sure to leave everything in the hotel before going to hang out, and especially if you are young because young folks may wet you in the streets.