Cusco in February
Visiting Cusco in February: weather, festivals, what to do in the city, which treks and day hikes are open, crowds and what to pack.
By J. José Rodríguez, Founder / CEO
February is one of the wettest months in Cusco. February is the quietest month in Cusco and good value for a city and Machu Picchu trip by train. The Inca Trail is closed, and high hikes are a gamble. This guide, from our team in Cusco, covers the weather, what is on, what to do, which treks are open and how to plan your trip in February.
Cusco in February at a glance
| Season | Rainy season |
| Temperature | Average high 20 °C, low 8 °C |
| Rain | 132 mm on average, on about 17 days |
| Crowds | The quietest month |
| Machu Picchu high-season capacity dates | None this month |
| Inca Trail | Closed |
1991–2020 averages for the Cusco airport weather station (WMO climate normals, NOAA). High hikes such as Rainbow Mountain and Humantay are much colder.
Weather in Cusco in February
February is one of the wettest months in Cusco. Showers are frequent and sometimes heavy, often in the afternoon, and clouds hang low over the hills. Temperatures are mild, with nights well above freezing. It is the greenest time of the year.
Cusco sits at 3,400 m, so the sun is strong even on cool days and nights are always colder than you expect. Machu Picchu, about 1,000 m lower, is warmer and more humid. See Machu Picchu in February for the weather there.
Is February a good time to visit Cusco?
February is the quietest month in Cusco and good value for a city and Machu Picchu trip by train. The Inca Trail is closed, and high hikes are a gamble.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The fewest visitors of the year | The Inca Trail is closed all month |
| Very green landscapes | Heavy rain, mud and occasional landslides |
| Carnival atmosphere | Carnival water fights if you want to stay dry |
| Good availability and prices |
Festivals and events in February
- Carnival (February or early March): water and foam fights in the streets, music, dancing and the yunza, a tree hung with gifts that couples take turns to cut down.
- Virgen de la Candelaria (early February): one of the largest festivals in South America, in Puno on Lake Titicaca, a 6–7 hour trip from Cusco.
Things to do in Cusco in February
- Join the carnival celebrations, with water fights and music in the streets.
- Visit the city sites and museums, with almost no queues.
- Take the train to Machu Picchu; it stays open every day.
- Hike to Machu Picchu on the Salkantay or Lares treks, which need no permit and stay open.
For more ideas, see our Cusco tours and the Cusco city tour.
Treks and day hikes in February
| Trek or hike | Conditions in February |
|---|---|
| Classic Inca Trail | Closed for maintenance |
| Salkantay Trek | Open; snow possible at the pass |
| Lares Trek | Open; wet trails |
| Rainbow Mountain | Possible; clouds or snow can hide the colors |
| Humantay Lake | Open; slippery trail, lake often in clouds |
| Ausangate | Not recommended; heavy rain and snow |
Compare the multi-day routes in best treks to Machu Picchu and Inca Trail vs Salkantay.
Crowds, prices and booking in February
The quietest month. Outside the holiday dates, you can usually book a week or two ahead, and hotel prices are lower.
On the Ministry of Culture’s high-season dates, Machu Picchu admits up to 5,600 visitors a day instead of 4,500. There are no high-season dates in February.
Tips for Cusco in February
- If you want to hike to Machu Picchu, choose Salkantay or Lares.
- Keep valuables in a waterproof bag during carnival.
- Allow a spare day in case of train delays.
- Take it easy on your first day: Cusco is at 3,400 m. Read our altitude guide.
Other months
Comparing dates? Read Cusco in January and Cusco in March, or see the whole year in our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide.
Tours
Plan this with a local team
Cusco day tour
Cusco City Tour
Half-day guided tour of Cusco: Qoricancha, the Cathedral, Sacsayhuamán and three nearby Inca sites. All entrance tickets included.
Cusco day tour
Sacred Valley Tour
Full-day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas with buffet lunch and every entrance fee included. Classic or Maras & Moray route.
Machu Picchu journey
Machu Picchu 2 Days
Spend a night in Aguas Calientes and enter Machu Picchu early. Train, hotel, subject to availability ticket and guide included. Huayna Picchu add-on available.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
Is February a good time to visit Cusco?
Yes for a quiet, green city trip with carnival celebrations, if you accept the rain. It is not ideal for trekking.
Is the Inca Trail open in February?
No. The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. Machu Picchu stays open, and Salkantay and Lares are open.
When is carnival in Cusco?
In February or early March, depending on the year, with celebrations through the weekend before Ash Wednesday.
What should I pack for Cusco in February?
Layers, a waterproof jacket or poncho, shoes with good grip, sunscreen and a warm layer for the evenings.