1.- WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PERU IN FEBRUARY?
Visiting Peru in February like other dates of the year gives advantages and disadvantages for travelers looking to enjoy the wonders that only Peru can offer, from now you must understand that this season represents a low percentage of visitors because February is considered as part of the rainy season being the month in which more presence of rain contains, however despite this remains an excellent alternative for a unique experience and at the same time quiet that will allow you to know the various tourist destinations with time and patience, Peru in February has much to offer.
The presence of rain is especially felt in the high mountains of the Andes and the Amazon jungle, of course there are exceptions and there are days that can be more sunny and cloudy which will be a good sign for you to enjoy outdoor activities, on the other hand take into consideration that the coastal region and the cities that make it up are the most frequented destinations as this is also the summer season and it is the time of year where both domestic and foreign visitors enjoy spending their time relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Peru.
2.- Climate considerations by region
2.1.- Coast
When choosing Peru in February the coast is one of the first places to visit and it is expected to have mild weather, because this month is part of the summer season it feels dry so it is also considered an ideal time to visit the cities of Lima, Trujillo and Paracas. You can expect the Peru weather in February to vary between 20 °C and 30 °C where most of the days are sunny and the probability of rains almost null, there is not so much presence of humidity and almost most of the day presents a comfortable climate to enjoy outdoor activities.
2.2.- Andes
Due to the altitude of this region, during your trip to Peru in February you can expect very challenging weather. February is considered the month of the rainy season with more rainfall especially in Cusco and Arequipa. Usually the rains are more frequent during the afternoon but eventually they can also happen in the morning, especially in Cusco February weather is the most changeable with temperatures from 10 °C to 20 °C and the nights can get even colder even with 5 °C. Many of the experiences are affected during this month as there are destinations that are even closed for safety as is the case of the Inca Trail as the path can become slippery and wet which affects the safety of visitors.
2.3.- Jungle
Something very interesting about the Peru weather in February is that it varies according to the region. In the case of the Amazon rainforest you can expect a warm, humid climate but at the same time rainy since it is also part of the rainy season. The temperature can reach from 25 °C to 35 °C with a much higher humidity level than in other regions and the rains are quite frequent making the environment even warmer. Although there may be the presence of very intense rains the duration is less, specifically in this region visiting Peru in February makes it a great destination because you can explore the biodiversity in a unique way and thanks to the constant rains the rivers are more accessible and the environment becomes a natural paradise.
3.- UNIQUE FESTIVALS TO ENJOY IN PERU IN FEBRUARY
3.1.- Cajamarca Carnival
It is undoubtedly one of the most important traditional events of the country that you can only enjoy if you choose to travel to Peru in February, a unique celebration that takes place in the city of Cajamarca, this festival is a cultural heritage that combines music, dances, parades and at the same time the picturesque game with water and paint. It usually takes place during the first days of February so it is an excellent option to begin to know Peru.
3.2.- Virgin of Candelaria
This is a religious festivity that has been passed down for generations in the Andean region, specifically in the city of Puno, which belongs to the Andean highlands. The celebration of the Virgin of Candelaria is one of the greatest religious and cultural traditions that can be enjoyed in Peru in February. From the first days until February 13 all the streets and squares are filled with typical and traditional dances in which they participate with each other to the beat of folk music creating an atmosphere of competition to show who is the best.
4.- MAINTENANCE SEASON
“The trips to Peru in February have advantages such as the low influx of visitors but also has disadvantages such as the case of the prohibition of access to the traditional Inca Trail, when you choose to travel to Peru in February should be taken into account that the Inca Trail and Inca closed for a security aspect and at the same time maintenance taking advantage of this season to make some arrangements within the trail so that the passionate hikers can not enjoy this tour during this month.”
5.- TOP DESTINATIONS IN FEBRUARY
During your trip to Peru in February you will be able to visit many impressive and unique places because the climate is very changeable in the different regions of Peru. However the emblematic destinations that the country contains are possible to enjoy in a safe way.
5.1.- Cusco
Known as the ancient capital of Inca culture, the city of Cusco is one of the main places to visit during a trip to Peru in February. Being in the Peruvian Andes it is common to expect Cusco February weather to be quite challenging with an intermittent presence of rainfall however the main attractions are still impressive. During your stay you can learn more about the historic center which is also considered the heart of the city where the main square is located and contains the most impressive collection of historic buildings in the city such as the cathedral of Cusco or the company of Jesus, of course it is also possible to enjoy the historical attractions and you can take advantage of the day to visit the archaeological centers that are near the city how is the case of Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara or Tambomachay.
5.2.- Machu Picchu
It is the main destination that is visited at any time of the damage and during a trip to Peru in February can not be the exception, although the location in which it is affected by the rainy season continues to be the world wonder to which all travelers in the world want to reach, knowing Machu Picchu represents a great challenge during the month of February since the presence of rains is constant during the afternoon however you can take advantage of the mornings in which there is more sunshine and many people have the fear that the trip will be affected or canceled for this reason it is possible to enjoy visiting the Inca citadel without an exaggerated crowd as it happens in other months of the year.
5.3.- Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is also an essential destination that you can know when you choose to travel to Peru in February, between visiting Cusco and reaching the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu you can not miss to know this beautiful destination where you can visit various traditional and artisanal villages where culture has been inherited for generations and it seems that time has not passed, also thanks to the rainy season the natural environment becomes more colorful allowing to have magical and dreamy landscapes. Among the towns that are known during this tour you can consider Ollantaytambo, Pisac and Chinchero where you can see more about the local crafts and popular textiles in addition to what is possible to participate in some local workshops essentially in the town of Chinchero, where you can learn more about the creation of traditional textiles.
5.4.- Lima
Visiting Peru in February also means enjoying the pleasant climate that the summer can offer you and even more if you are visiting the Peruvian coast, the capital of Peru is located in this region where the temperature can range from 25 °C, Throughout the day you can feel how the sun and the sea breeze mix to have a pleasant cool atmosphere that invites travelers to discover the incredible and beautiful beaches that are in many parts of the city being the most representative neighborhoods Miraflores and Barranco where you can also meet multiple tourist destinations such as Kennedy Park, the magical water circuit, the main square and other attractions in the surroundings.
5.4.- Paracas
Quite close to the capital is the town of Paracas, a tourist destination quite extreme at first glance by the vast arid fields of endless dunes, however the environment is much richer in biodiversity than it seems because here is located the national reserve of Paracas which is a protected area by the Peruvian state and where the greatest diversity of wildlife such as flamingos, seabirds and sea lions, It is so popular that it has come to be recognized as the Galapagos of Peru where it is also possible to appreciate the popular and tender Humboldt penguin as well as many Guaneras birds.
5.5.- Titicaca Lake
Going into the Andes during the trip to Peru in February, also represents to know the natural and cultural aspects that are the record of history, among these is undoubtedly the famous Lake Titicaca that for many people who do not know is the highest navigable lake in the world, however during the month of February is common to have a milder climate with temperatures between 10 ° C to 18 ° C, being in the highlands there is a high probability of having rainy days but not with great intensity which adds some charm to the adventure of Lake Titicaca. By choosing this destination as part of the trip to Peru in February you can also know the incredible culture that lives on the same lake, the Uros islands are artificial spaces created by people who have developed a culture away from society with their own rules, it is also possible to know natural islands as the case of Taquile or Amantani.
5.6.- Colca Canyon
Enjoying an adventure in Peru in February also represents to know unique places as is the case of one of the deepest canyons in the world, the Colca Canyon is one of the most important and emblematic tourist destinations of all Peru, during the trips to Peru in February you can feel a mountain climate when you visit this place because the temperature can vary from 5 ° C to 20 ° C with a mild thermal sensation, However, this does not mitigate in any way the impressive landscapes that can be seen over the beautiful and extensive canyon, you can even appreciate agricultural terraces that have been worked by local inhabitants, although during this month the presence of rains is also quite frequent, it is possible to enjoy the popular flight of the condor, which is the main character that can be seen in the Andean skies.
5.7.- Amazon Rainforest
If you choose to visit Peru in February and even more specifically in the jungle areas you can expect a hot and humid climate at the same time, temperatures can reach up to 30 °C and the rains are often torrential lasting several hours and even days, however despite these aspects that somehow look negative it is an ideal stage to know the extensive biodiversity that exists in this region, wildlife becomes much more present during this time also the vegetation and rivers have an exponential growth making these places access points to know the jungle and its mysteries, mainly visiting cities like Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado where ecotourism alternatives are the perfect choice to immerse yourself in the natural wealth and the great cultural significance that has been inherited for generations.
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6.- FAQ
- Is February a good time to visit Machu Picchu?
Yes, even though it is part of the rainy season, it is an ideal time to visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, since many travelers around the world consider or fear an interruption in their trip and decide not to travel during this season, which allows the visit to be freer without the presence of so many visitors. Of course, it must be understood that there is always the possibility that it could rain and the experience may not be the same.
- What is the weather like in Peru in February?
The weather in Peru in February is always changing depending on the region you visit. If we choose to visit the coast region we will enjoy a pleasant climate thanks to the summer season in which you can visit and enjoy the beaches to relax. On the other hand if you choose to visit the Andes or the Amazon jungle it is common to expect that the weather can be rainy and changeable during the day.
- Can you hike the Inca Trail in February?
No, during the month of February the popular Inca trail closes for all visitors due to a maintenance process and at the same time for safety since due to the presence of frequent rains the trail becomes slippery and dangerous.
- Which festivals in Peru are worth visiting in February?
Essentially the season of February is linked to cultural traditions such as the celebration of carnivals, occurs in various cities of the country where people perform a game with water accompanied by music and dances, being the most representative of the city of Cajamarca, on the other hand there are also religious options such as the celebration of the feast of the Virgin of Candelaria.
- What are the best indoor activities in Peru during February?
But it has become a wonderful destination with outdoor activities but also with others indoors how is the case of visiting museums of many artistic disciplines that can be found throughout the cities of Peru, on the other hand if you are looking for something more interactive it is also possible to participate in cooking classes or tasting of Peruvian pisco, the options are limitless only you must advise you properly.
Although many people think that traveling to Peru in February is dangerous during the rainy season, the reality is that there is always a suitable option for every traveler. The best way to enjoy a safe adventure to Peru in February is to have a permanent support and assistance, this is just what Auri Peru can offer you thanks to its continuous improvement processes we devise travel plans that are based on the satisfaction of travelers but also in permanent security, contact us and together we will devise the trip of your dreams.
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