Machu Picchu Travel Forum

We will be in peru in February ... Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco, and also Puno (Lake Titicaca) amd Lima for a few days before and after. I'm trying to figure out how to pack for the various climate conditions ... generally I am a carry-on-bag person - have traveled for weeks in Europe with just a small bag, but I am not sure how to handle it for this trip.

We're not hiking the actual trail, but I am imagining MC will be a bit muddy and possibly slippery, so I have already figured to bring along just light hiking boots (Keen Targhee), but not sure about clothing. I think maybe layers? Thermals?

Any ideas or suggestions will be welcome!

I doubt you'll need boots - the local porters just wear trainers. I took boots, and regretted it every day for the four months we were in S America.

Yes, rain will be inevitable in February at Machu Picchu - good thing though is there may be less tourists. But still, the sun may show and be intense at such an elevation - so sunscreen might still be needed. No matter how you try to avoid salads, water and other foods, you still might get some gastrointestinal problem. Bring some antibiotic for early treatment of bad diarrhea (ciprofloxacin is a favourite, unless you have an allergy to it). Good walkable rain-proof high boots essential. Raincoat or umbrella... Layers of clothing appropriate as you have already decided but I wouldn't use thermals personally (but people who get easily cold might?). I also bring $1 bills or some other equivalent for tipping and also riding the taxi since they can be paid by US$, although I only used the taxi once. I also bring protein bars just in case I am not sure of the food, and big ziploc bags to protect things I don't want to get wet like batteries, camera...Enjoy Machu Picchu!

February brings heavy rains--a reason why the Inca Trail is closed around that time of the year. Landslides are common then and the trail (I assume this is a trail from one of those alternative treks) you will be treading on will be very slippery. Having said this, you will need a good/solid pair of hiking boots that is waterproof. You will also need to wear appropriate layers of clothing and bring a raincoat because not only will it be rainy, but it will be cold as you go up in elevation. Rain and cold are two essential ingredients for hypothermia. Goodluck & enjoy beautiful Peru!