Peru in Late February?

Old Nov 20th, 2015, 07:38 PM
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Peru in Late February?

I am considering a trip to Peru in late February and wondering if anyone has been there during this month. I understand it is the rainy season but this month is the most convenient for my husband and I. Right now I am thinking of flying into Lima and then flying to Cusco the next day. I know that we definitely want to take the train to Machu Picchu, splurging on the Belmond Hiram Bingham for the trip up, although I think we can cut costs by taking the Explorer back unless there is a compelling reason why we shouldn't. I am also considering a trip to either Colca Canyon or Lake Titicaca....we won't be doing any hiking as my husband has some medical concerns that would make long hikes uncomfortable.

So, the goal is to take in the beauty of the country, eat some great food, visit ruins, explore the culture, observe wildlife.

I'm looking for ideas, suggestions, "must do's".

Thanks in advance!
suzski is offline  
Old Nov 21st, 2015, 12:32 AM
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February is the rainiest month of the year. That doesn't mean people don't go that month, but be prepared to get wet.
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Old Nov 21st, 2015, 04:16 PM
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Well, what to say? We went in January, which on average gets more rain than February, and we had very little rain.

https://weather-and-climate.com/aver...ine,Cusco,Peru

We did the Lima, Cusco, Puno route as well, except we were hiking. Pisac was fun. I'd be tempted to keep my schedule somewhat flexible and see how you feel when you arrive at places. We felt fine in Cusco but really noticed the altitude in Puno.
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Old Nov 22nd, 2015, 10:27 AM
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There is also a possibility it could be drier than normal. In some El Nino years, it was drier in the Southern Andes, and wetter on the coast. I agree you won't need to lock in an itinerary at that time of year (unless there are some local holidays).

If I went in February I might be tempted to include Bolivia, the Salar de Uyuni if it is wet, to see the mirror reflections. And if you can extend it into early March, the Oruro festival.

You can get between Puno and La Paz fairly easily (half day by bus).
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Old Nov 25th, 2015, 06:03 PM
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So it looks like mid March might be a better option then? We are fairly flexible - I work from home and my husband just needs to know the "when" so he can schedule his vacation time. I would like to go before the major summer tourist rush and also avoid busy times like Easter.
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Old Dec 13th, 2015, 08:19 AM
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As Mlgb says, El Nino can change the weather and it has currently been raining A LOT here in Cusco, although normally there is more rain in January and February so I think you'll just have to accept it's a bit unpredictable this year!

I also agree that you should go to El Salar as it is so beautiful with the rain, however be aware that if it's too wet, you actually won't be able to drive on most of it so that can cut down your trip. Also, if you're from the States then you will need to pay $170 each to actually enter Bolivia so just be aware of that.

Colca Canyon has some beautiful scenery and you can organise tours directly from Arequipa (normally starting a 3am and taking in El Cruce del Condor (where you can see condors flying in the morning) and sights of the nearby active volcanoes.

Lake Titicaca and an islands tour is very beautiful - I would recommend an overnight tour staying on one of the islands (although if you don't speak any Spanish this is a lot less rewarding as you won't be able to communicate with the local people) and costs around 100 soles per person.

You're going to have a great holiday - Peru is stunning!
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