scdreamer

We're going to Peru for two weeks in mid to late February - we are hoping to make it to Macchu Pichu, not necessarily hiking the trail, but just to be there to see the ruins would be enough I think.

Are we making a mistake going in February? *** Please be kind ... we already have our airline tickets ... *** and February is the best time for us to travel this upcoming year.

What should we expect in Lima? Will the weather be horrible? We have two weeks, and will make our own travel plans ... any suggestions as to places we may wish to go?

We are mid-50s couple, fairly well traveled (Europe, Mexico, Canada, USA), but this is our first time to South America. We always make our own plans, are not fans of tours, but perhaps for Macchu Pichu we mustuse a guide?

Just beginning to make our land plans ... any help, suggestions or ideas are very welcome. Thanks!

Jeff_Costa_Rica

You will get rained on, but you've got your tickets. Go and have a good time.

The Inca Trail closes for maintenance for a time in February, so it wouldn't be an option even if you wanted to do the trek.

You will see sunshine in Lima though. It will be warm and humid then.

The bright side is that February is the lowest of the low season, so crowds will have thinned out. I've been there in February and I've been there in June, the peak of the high season. I actually kind of preferred February. I've visited Peru in every season and have enjoyed every trip. You really can't go too wrong. It'll be great.

scdreamer

Thanks for the response, Jeff. We are already feeling anticipation for this trip - planning on spending three days near Machu Picchu just to make sure (we hope) that there will be some time when the weather breaks enough for us to be there and see the ruins.

We're also planning to be in Puno and to visit some of the islands on Lake Titicaca, as well.

We will bring rain gear and plan to enjoy ourselves no matter what the weather is. I do have one question reagrding footwear - in February I am thinking Machu Picchu will be wet and muddy. Do you recommend hiking boots or rain boots or neither? Also - will it still be cold there during the day that time of year?

Thanks again for reading this and answering me first post.

P_M

I was at MP in late June 2008 which is the beginning of the Peruvian winter. I don't remember it being cold then so it's hard to imagine it would be cold in Feb which is mid-summer.

Here's a good web site for weather stats.

www.weatherbase.com

While at Lake Titicaca, please do not miss the Floating Islands. I found it fascinating they have created islands that literally float.

Peru is such a fine country, I'm sure you will have a great trip in any kind of weather.

Tess_Durberville

I've visited Machu Picchu during June 2006 . . . . it was comfortable at that time of year. If you're from the US (and I'm guessing you are) then terms such as "winter" or "summer" don't necessarily synch up what you may be used to. By that, I mean other factors come into play for weather in Peru. ELEVATION -- for MP, you'll be up at 8,000 ft and then once you get to Puno/Lake T, it's even higher, at 11k. Also, even if it will rainier/cloudy, do be prepared w/ sunscreen when the sun comes out. You're closer to the equator and the rays are strong.