Organizing a trip to the ancient country of the Incas couldn’t be easier with the right information, which is why we have prepared this segment to teach you about the different things to do in Peru in February.
As you may know, Peru is divided into three geographical regions and each of them varies in weather conditions. That’s a factor every traveler should consider before choosing the optimal date to travel. We’d like to highlight this since the coastside of Peru will enjoy a beautiful warm and summery weather, whilst the mountains and the jungle are facing the rainy season’s peak.
That means that the main attractions of the Andes will be significantly less crowded, accommodation fares will be more affordable and the valleys get greener and greener every day. Nonetheless, some treks to Machu Picchu, like the Inca Trail, are usually closed due to annual maintenance or even landslides.
Traveling during the rainy season has its pros and cons, but Peru is widely diverse and there are so many authentic things to do here that you should definitely know about. If you’re planning to avoid crowds at all costs, then February is the right month to travel.
Before getting into the best places to visit section, we’d like to talk a bit more about the weather in Peru during this time of the year so you know what to expect and how to pack according to the climate in each region.
Weather in Peru in February
As we mentioned above, the weather condition differs between each region with different patterns and intensity. February, for example, presents warmer temperatures throughout the country but it is the rainiest month of the year in the Peruvian Amazon and the Andes.
On the other hand, the coastside of Peru experiences this period entirely differently, with hotter temperatures and almost zero chances of rain, making it the best travel destination in the country during that month.
When it comes to the benefits of visiting Peru in February, you’ll notice that the most popular travel destinations will be receiving the lowest number of visitors, allowing you to have a more intimate experience in each archeological site or attraction, as well as great photo opportunities.
And if this is your first time in Peru, you might be thinking of going to Machu Picchu, and though the weather conditions can be cloudy and rainy, it is certainly the best time to visit it without having to worry about long lines and, especially, crowds.
Likewise, prices get significantly lower and even more affordable, some travel agencies and hotels offer special discounts, and that is certainly always welcome. If you’re traveling on a budget, maybe February can be the most suitable month to travel for you.
In case you were wondering about the downsides of traveling to Peru in February, there are a few factors that you should take into consideration, all of them weather related. Although not many travel operators will mention this, the average precipitation in the Andes during this time of the year is 146mm, and in the Peruvian Jungle it goes over 200mm.
Therefore, the mountain region is prone to landslides which can delay bus and train services; while in the Amazon, the high water levels result as an increase in mosquitoes, lack of trail access and tours can be cancelled due to fast-moving water.
We want to be entirely honest with you, because you will be visiting another country for your vacations and for the sake of it, we ought to inform you about the most extreme sceneries that you could experience.
Nonetheless, the coastside of the country is at its peak, which means that accommodation options, tourist attractions and activities tend to book out very quickly, and prices increase significantly. Therefore, if you’re planning a trip to this region, make sure to book well in advance.
Things to Do in Peru in February
If you’re planning a trip to Peru, here we have structured this section so you get to know about the best destinations to visit during this time of the year. We’ve taken into consideration the weather factor, as well as some other attractions that might be best to experience with less crowds in spite of rain!
1. Trujillo – The City of Eternal Spring
This is one of the most important cities in northern Peru since it comprises a great part of our pre-Columbian history as well as some of the most scenic beaches of the region.
If you’re coming from the northern hemisphere, you surely have noticed that everything is backwards here (weather wise). So, if you’re escaping from the freezing temperatures of your hometown, then Trujillo might have that spicy vibe you’re looking for. Here’s what you should see in and around the city:
- Visit the Historic Center of Trujillo
You may not know this but Trujillo was the first city of Peru to declare independence from the Spanish crown 6 months before the entire country did. The old town of Trujillo comprises several colonial buildings with vibrant colors that make every corner totally instagramable.
- Discover the Chan Chan Citadel
Dare to explore the largest adobe city of ancient America! The Chan Chan Citadel was the capital of the Chimu culture with an impressive extension and distribution. The site comprises administrative, ceremonial, residential and work sectors, and presumably housed between 30,000 and 100,000 people at its peak.
- Visit the Huanchaco Beach
The Huanchaco beach is the perfect stop for those looking to just take a break from the tourist attractions, though it’s been gaining popularity over the years since it is located near such majestic archaeological sites and offers the perfect setting to surf in Peru.
2. Huacachina & Ica
Maybe you’ve read about this attraction, but just in case you haven’t, Huacachina is the only natural oasis of the continent and comprises an impressive setting optimal for adventure sports, sunbathing and disconnect from the outside world. Here’s what you should do there:
- Dune Buggy & Sandboarding
Ok, this is by far the most demanded tour in Huacachina, and how not to since you get to explore the desert on a four-wheel buggy as if you were in a roller coaster. And it gets even more exciting since you’ll slide through the desert dunes on a sand board!
- Take the Ruta del Pisco
Ica is the birthplace of Pisco, Peru’s national drink, and it holds a great variety of Pisco wineries, some of them dating back to 1776. Luckily for you, we have the perfect excursion so you can experience 3 of the most important pisco and wine vineyards of the region.
3. Puno – The Folkloric Capital of Peru
Puno is one of the most important travel destinations of Peru since it holds the largest navigable lake in the world and a beautiful cultural expression, where catholic traditions are combined with the ancient mysticism of the Andes. Here’s what you should know about it:
- Experience the Virgen de la Candelaria Festival
Puno honors being named the Capital of Folklore in Peru every year, essentially for the Virgen de la Candelaria Festival, which is celebrated between January 25th and February 8th. This religious celebration was declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014.
- Sail Across Lake Titicaca
It is recognized as the highest navigable lake in the world since it sits at an altitude of 3,812 m.a.s.l. Locals have maintained their culture nearly untouched by the outside world.
Taquile and Amantani are the largest islands on the Peruvian side of the lake, but these are not the only attractions within this natural wonder since it also holds a group of 100 man-made islands called the Floating Islands of Uros.
4. Cusco – Capital of the Inca Empire
It would be a sin to leave the Imperial City of Cusco out of this listing since it is the main travel destination of Peru, not only for being home to Machu Picchu but because of its cultural expression and extensive history, where two eras collide in the very heart of the city. Here’s what you can do in and around the city:
- Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Cusco’s countryside is as beautiful as you can imagine and during the rainy season it gets even better! The Sacred Valley turns into a vivid green color, the rivers flow with a lot of strength and the tallest peaks are covered in snow.
Besides, you’ll get to experience the most outstanding archeological sites without crowds, allowing you to take awesome pictures without anyone in it but you!
- Visit the sights around Cusco
As you already know, Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, which is why its historic center is one of the most visually striking thanks to the hybrid inca-colonial structures that compose it.
Likewise, there are several archeological sites to visit in the surroundings of the city, which you can easily do with our Cusco Archeological City Tour.
- Discover Machu Picchu
Yes, we know, but we can’t leave it out of this listing! Besides, this will be the perfect opportunity for visiting the Inca citadel without crowds and a lush greenish setting complemented with colorful orchids from edge to edge.
We want you to see it for yourself! Peru offers an authentic experience no matter the time of the year. Therefore, if you still need help for arranging the best itinerary through our country, you should get in touch with our team right away!
We have different travel experiences for every type of traveler, make sure to check our Peru travel packages while you’re here and start planning the best vacation trip ever!