Machu Picchu in February: Visiting During the Inca Trail Closure

Is February a Good Time to Visit Machu Picchu?

February suits flexible travelers who want Machu Picchu with few crowds and do not need the Inca Trail. The citadel is open daily, trains run, and tickets are usually easy to book. The trade-off is frequent rain, slippery steps and a higher chance of cloud covering the classic view.

How February compares with the rest of the year is covered in our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide.

What Is the Weather Like at Machu Picchu in February?

Machu Picchu weather in February averages highs near 69°F and lows near 53°F, with about 12.8 in of rain over the month, typical of the rainy season. In February, cusco, about 3,000 feet higher, is colder, with nights near 44°F. Andean weather can change within an hour, so look at a forecast two or three days out.

These are rounded SENAMHI 1991 to 2020 normals. Compare all twelve months in our Machu Picchu weather by month guide, and see the city in our Cusco weather by month page.

How Crowded Is Machu Picchu in February?

February is one of the quietest months at Machu Picchu. US travelers rarely go, the Inca Trail is closed, and Peruvian school holidays send more families to the beach than the Andes. You can often buy entry tickets a few days ahead, although Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain slots are limited every month.

• Lowest visitor numbers of the year in many years.
• Short lines for the bus up to the ruins.
• More flexible hotel and train availability.
• Good for travelers who dislike tour-group crowds.

Circuits, prices and booking lead times are covered in our guide to Machu Picchu entry tickets.

Why Is the Inca Trail Closed in February?

The Classic Inca Trail closes every February so park authorities can repair stone paths, clean campsites and let vegetation recover during the heaviest rain. The Short Inca Trail and alternative treks such as Salkantay or Lares often still run, though conditions are wet. Check with your operator, since closures and routes can change.

How permits are released and capped is covered in our guide to Inca Trail permits.

What Is Carnival Like in Cusco in February?

Carnival usually falls in February, depending on the date of Easter, and Cusco celebrates with water fights, foam spray and neighborhood parties, especially on weekends. Expect to get wet in the streets. In early February, Puno, a long day's journey away, hosts the large Virgen de la Candelaria festival.

Can Landslides Affect Machu Picchu Trips in February?

February rain makes landslides and track closures more likely than in most months. Trains between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, and the bus road up to the citadel, can be delayed or briefly suspended. Operators sometimes reduce train frequencies in the wet season, so confirm your times close to the date.

• Plan at least one spare day before your flight home.
• Reconfirm train times the week you travel.
• Avoid booking the last train of the day back to Cusco.
• Keep copies of tickets offline in case of signal problems.

What Should You Pack for Machu Picchu in February?

For Machu Picchu in February, pack for rainy season conditions: reliable waterproof jacket and pants, waterproof boots or shoes with grip and pack cover for your daypack matter most. Bring only a small daypack into the site, since large bags must stay outside; our rules guide lists the current limits.

• Reliable waterproof jacket and pants
• Waterproof boots or shoes with grip
• Pack cover for your daypack
• Spare dry socks
• Insect repellent
• Light layers for humid afternoons

Every item, month by month, sits in our complete Machu Picchu packing checklist.

February Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu

The best February plan for Machu Picchu combines early booking where demand is high, a morning entry slot and a little schedule flexibility. These tips reflect February conditions specifically, from weather to holidays, so you can adjust your Cusco and Machu Picchu days around them.

1. Pick a hike alternative like the Short Inca Trail if you want to walk in.
2. Visit early, before afternoon storms.
3. Stay overnight in Aguas Calientes.
4. Bring cash in soles in case card machines go down.
5. Expect Carnival water fights in Cusco on weekends.

Thinking about nearby dates? Compare Machu Picchu in January and Machu Picchu in March. If you would rather have transport and a guide arranged, see our one day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco.