Visiting Peru in February: Carnival, the Inca Trail Closure, and Summer Heat
February Weather in Peru
February is the wettest month of the year across most of the highlands and the peak of summer on the coast.
| City | Avg High | Avg Low | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lima | 28°C | 21°C | Sunny, hot — peak summer |
| Cusco | 17°C | 8°C | Wettest month — heavy afternoon rain, some mornings clear |
| Arequipa | 20°C | 9°C | Occasional heavy rain, mostly warm |
| Puno | 14°C | 5°C | Peak rainy season, Carnival festivities |
| Trujillo | 29°C | 20°C | Dry, hot — excellent |
| Iquitos | 32°C | 23°C | High-water peak, very humid |
The Inca Trail Closure
The entire regulated Inca Trail closes for the month of February for annual maintenance. This is a full closure — no exceptions, no extended permits from January. If Machu Picchu is your primary destination, travel before January or from March onward for Inca Trail access. Alternatives to consider:
- Salkantay Trek: Open in February. Wetter and harder than usual but doable with the right gear.
- Aguas Calientes train route: Machu Picchu is accessible by train from Cusco year-round. No trekking involved; the site itself stays open.
- Inca Jungle Trail: An alternative multi-day route via Abra Málaga (cycling down) and Santa María. Open in February.
Carnival in Peru
La Virgen de la Candelaria, Puno (2 February + two weeks): The largest folk dance festival in South America. Over 200 registered dance and music groups compete over two weeks in the main square and stadium. Puno is packed; book accommodation months ahead. Hotels in February cost significantly more than normal.
Cajamarca Carnival: Considered Peru’s most festive carnival, running the week before Ash Wednesday. Traditional water fights (ungas) — anyone on the street is fair game. Colourful parades, traditional food, music. Cajamarca is approximately 300km north of Trujillo.
Cusco and highlands: Local communities across the highlands celebrate Carnival with water fights, music, and flour-throwing. Expect to get wet if you are in highland towns on Carnival weekend.
What Else to Do in February
Lima and the coast: February is peak summer — the best month for Lima’s beaches. Miraflores promenades are busy, the sea is warm, and the sun is consistent. Asia beach resort strip (100km south of Lima) is at full capacity on weekends.
Amazon: High-water season continues. Pink river dolphins are visible in flooded forest near Iquitos. Excellent for boat-based wildlife watching.
Arequipa: Quieter than peak months, with warm days and occasional rain. Good for Santa Catalina Monastery visits and Colca Canyon day trips (road conditions permitting — check flood reports).
Packing for February in Peru
For Puno / Carnival:
- Clothes you don’t mind getting wet (water fights are universal at Carnival)
- Warm layers for cold Puno nights (5–10°C)
- Comfortable shoes for dancing and standing
- Rain jacket
For Lima / Coast:
- Summer clothes, swimwear
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Sunglasses, hat
For highlands trekking (if still going):
- Serious waterproof outer layer
- Waterproof trekking boots
- Quick-dry base layers
- Gaiters
Practical Tips
Accommodation: Book Puno accommodation for Candelaria weeks (late January through mid-February) at least 3 months ahead. Prices triple during the festival.
Machu Picchu access: Still available via train from Cusco. Book Machu Picchu tickets at machupicchutickets.gob.pe well ahead; the site does not close in February, but access numbers are still controlled.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Inca Trail closed in February?
- Yes. The Inca Trail closes entirely throughout February for maintenance and trail restoration. No permits are issued and no trekking is allowed on the regulated trail. Machu Picchu itself remains open via Aguas Calientes and the bus. The Salkantay Trek and other alternative routes to Machu Picchu remain open in February.
- When is Carnival in Peru?
- Carnival falls in February (occasionally early March), with dates shifting annually with the Catholic calendar. Puno's Carnival is the largest, and coincides with the La Virgen de la Candelaria festival (officially 2 February but celebrated over two weeks). Cajamarca also hosts one of South America's most famous carnivals with water fights, parades, and music.
- Is February a good time to visit Peru?
- For the coast and Carnival tourism, yes — February is excellent. For highland trekking, it is the worst month (wettest, trails most difficult, Inca Trail closed). For Machu Picchu via Aguas Calientes, the site is open but expect rain. For the Amazon, high-water season offers unique wildlife access.