Places to visit February

[Arroz con Pollo]

I'd like to take a trip somewhere but I'm pretty sure it's rainy season all over Peru. Are places like Arequipa, Huaraz and Iquitos just downright inhospitable this time of year?

[calygirl]

My husband and I are considering a trip to Cuba within the next month or so. We've like to see Havana as well as well the Varadero resort area. Any input on this from anyone who has been? Thanks.

[Arroz con Pollo]

Not to sound rude but how in the world does your reply relate to my query? Did you mean to make a new post and reply to mine instead?

To answer your question, if you nick "calygirl" indicates you are from CA and a citizen of the US I would strongly advise against going to Cuba.
1) You are legally prohibited from doing so by US law. Is it worth the risk? That's your personal decision.
2) Cuba is having a very cold winter as is most of the northern hemisphere including places like Costa Rica.

[calygirl]

Well, you do sound abit rude, but that's okay. I did mean to do a new post. sorry for the faux pas. I'm aware of travel restrictions for US citizens, thanks for your reminder. And, actually my state of origin is not California, but NJ.

[Arroz con Pollo]

Well from the US you will not even be permitted to purchase a ticket to Cuba. Even Cubans cannot go to Cuba for the time being until a recent law goes into effect. If you are traveling From the US -> Cuba you cannot unless you are some diplomat or member of the press etc with special permission or obviously in the Marine Corp.. (or an Al-Qaeda terrorist ).

I don't know, of all the beatiful beaches in South and Central Americas I'd go to a safer location like Colombia, Brazil or even Mancora instead of risking very serious penalties under US law. It's not a slap on the wrist, you will most likely spend time in prison and/or face big fines if caught entering Cuba. In today's climate you may even find yourself on a do-not-fly list if you get caught. I strongly advise against Cuba.

[mahou123]

I was just flying this morning from Lima to Chiclayo, and skies are blue from around Trujillo up north. I think it should be sunny all the way up to Tumbes. There is no rainy season on the North Coast. Usually almost no clouds in summer. I´m actually going to Moyobamba and Tarapoto in early February, hopefully will get some rain there.

[calygirl]

Thanks for the info. Mancora and Punta Sal are actually first on our list right now, we were there for two weeks last year and loved it.

[limaclub]

I was just in the north coast as well, and there was great weather! There is lots to do, from the beaches to the tons of history and ruins in the area. I really liked some of the small towns outside of Piura, and also enjoyed the museums around lambayeque and Chiclayo.

For more information, think about a South American Explorers membership! We can tell you everything you need to know about planning your trip with super up to date information (soon to be released in our info packet, "The North Coast"!).

Email me with any questions about membership, or the north coast, at limaclub@saexplorers.org

Michelle

[cafeandino]

Well,
I would not say that Huaraz is "inhospitable" this time of year - or any time of year. Of course, if your standard of excellence is life in Lima...we wouldn't agree anyway

It rains a bit here this time of year, mostly in afternoons but all day drizzle is not unheard of. I had two long rain-free bike rides yesterday - although I was chased by two different dogs. The sun was blazing, and the hills are green with life.

Mancora and the whole N Coast is wonderful this time of year.

I'm a US citizen, and I would not hesitate to go to Cuba - silly rules notwithstanding.

-Chris

[Mr. X]

Lima is known to be dry throughout the year. When I first came to Lima, it came as a surprise to see that little attention if any is paid to waterproofing the roofs. Is this the case with all the Pacific coast? If so, then Arequipa should be dry, as well as the northern beaches.
Is there a mountain affect where the air releases its moisture only after passing over the mountains, dropping rain on the selva?
The coast between Chiclayo & Trujillo is dry like a desert.
I am currently looking at a trip to Mancora in February. Looks like a flight to Tumbes and a bus trip from there. Seems that the route is only served by Lan, not Star Peru nor Taca.

[Arroz con Pollo]

^^^ Stupid spammer! People still buy timeshares???? LOL

Anyway thanks to the others and their legit responses. I was a lifeguard for 8 years, lived in FL for 6 years, I'm sorta tired of the beach. I don't like Peruvian beaches so much so that's why I'm asking about the mountain regions ans Amazon. I'd like to see stuff I can't see in my home country. I have googled and not found a lot of concrete info and have the Lonely Planet guide book.

The response about Huaraz was spot on and very helpful. This June I'm planning a long trek there and a possible summit of one of the lower peaks. I'd like to go sometime ahead of that and just experience Huaraz.

But what about Iquitos? Is it non stop rain? What is the best time of year to visit Iquitos and how bad would it be if I went in Feb or March? I'd love to try out that golf course there.

[Kelly]

We went to Cuzco/Manu/Machu Picchu in Dec 07/January '08. There was rain, but not enough that it bothered us. We never saw rain in Cuzco - our first day arriving at the jungle lodge in Manu, there was a torrential downpour - think a central Florida mid summer thundershower - which was actually a thrill for me, because i MISS those central Florida mid summer thundershowers . It didn't rain the rest of our 3 days there.

We returned to Cuzco, and headed up to Aguascalientes on New Year's Eve. There was a drizzle for about 4 hours in the afternoon, but it cleared up enough that the party in the town square was not affected, and we had a beautiful sunshiny day on Jan 1 up on Machu Picchu.

[Jennifer]

Hey. We did a week in a Manu last year. Incredible place. Even visited a local tribe that wanted us to buy their bows and arrows and poison darts, impressive stuff! I particularly found of great interest a particular tree - name escapes me - but as 6 of us in the tour group stood fingertip to fingertip, the tree trunk was still wider!

There was the odd downpour, but it's the jungle so it goes with the territory.

[justina]

I just wanted to point out that rain season in the low-jungle (Iquitos and surrounding areas) is very nice too...

PROS:
- it is not THAT hot (rain usually falls in the afternoon, and you can breath again)
- they call this part 'La Selva de los Espejos' (the Mirror Jungle)... reflections make the most inscredible views! During the rain season you can see more reflections.
- Animals get toghether and it is more likely to see them.
- it is carnaval time! people are on vacations and always parting!

CONTS
- there are more zancudos... (mosquitos)
- you cannot get to some particular places because of the water
- birds are more difficult to be seen

Don't miss this place... this jungle is enchanted!
www.warmiboa.com

[Arroz con Pollo]

I think I've decided to head to Iquitos for a few days. I'm really just looking for a peaceful escape to somewhere remote. If it rains the entire time so be it. I do have one important question. What is the very best insect repellent to purchase and where should I purchase it in Lima/Iquitos? Any other contra zancudo recommendations are welcome. I already have my yellow fever vaccination since it's required for travel from Peru -> Costa Rica. I don't think I'm going to go deep into the amazon other than some short guided tours. Any other not-so-obvious things I should bring with me for a short trip?

[justina]

if you get here for this weekend, you can see the comparsas festival...
Don't worry that much about zancudos, here in the city it is not that bad.

Arroz con Pollo, if you are looking for a place to stay, we have a travellers house, and a nice fresh room available... PM me if you are intrested..

[Daleperu]

This weekend the Tourist train to Huancayo operates from Limas Deseparados station to Huancayo. Takes daylight run up on Friday morning and returns on Sunday night arriving monday morning. Runs about once a month.

Check website of Ferrocarril Central Andina. Fare is reasonable for Tourist Class (best seats) round trip is S300. Includes breakfast and light lunch. Hotels in Huancayo are 3 star in newer places. Only problem is what to do when you get there. You have all day saturday and most of the day Sunday. Huancayo simply does not have a good tourist climate. However the return is overnight.

This was once the highest railroad in the world till the Chinese opened the Tibet line at over 16,800 ft. Galera station is at 15,661 ft. and nearby was even a higher crossing at La Cima at 15,800 ft now closed and removed.

I have done this trip several times both as private tours and on the new train. Spectacular scenery and part of Peru you do not see on the regular tours routes. It is a light adventure and worth the long trip.

Dale B.
Lima
http://www.wingsandrails.com

[mahou123]

This weekend the Tourist train to Huancayo operates from Limas Deseparados station to Huancayo. Takes daylight run up on Friday morning and returns on Sunday night arriving monday morning. Runs about once a month.

Check website of Ferrocarril Central Andina. Fare is reasonable for Tourist Class (best seats) round trip is S300. Includes breakfast and light lunch. Hotels in Huancayo are 3 star in newer places. Only problem is what to do when you get there. You have all day saturday and most of the day Sunday. Huancayo simply does not have a good tourist climate. However the return is overnight.

This was once the highest railroad in the world till the Chinese opened the Tibet line at over 16,800 ft. Galera station is at 15,661 ft. and nearby was even a higher crossing at La Cima at 15,800 ft now closed and removed.

I have done this trip several times both as private tours and on the new train. Spectacular scenery and part of Peru you do not see on the regular tours routes. It is a light adventure and worth the long trip.

Dale B.
Lima
http://www.wingsandrails.com

Wow, that´s really interesting. Thanks for posting this information. I didn´t know it existed. Just looked at the website, which is

https://www.ferrocarrilcentral.com.pe/index_.php

and there are also return tickets for 165 soles, regular ones. Train station at almost 5km high sounds really impressive. I´ve never been at more than 4km, and that´s in Europe where it´s snow all year around at these levels. I will definitely go in winter. Need to pack plenty of coca leaves to fight soroche

[Daleperu]

The regular coaches have not been rebuilt like the newer Tourist coaches. They have no reclining seats, little light and no heat. The newer coaches have heat, lighting and better seats that recline almost to a bed. Regular class is for the local traffic and no meals are included. However food service is available to purchase.

It gets very cold above 10,000 ft. at night.

Dale