Been there, done that ....
... 3 times.
It is a requirement of the park that you hire a guide and a mule (of course if you don't want the company you can give the guy a tip and get rid of him and the mule).
You can take your tent if you want, but the "refugio" (small wooden shacks along the way) will provide you with the necessary protection form the environment (as long as you don't mind sharing your space, but there shouldn't bee many folks hiking it in the beginning of February). Be advised that the temperature can fall bellow 32 at night.
there are several routes you can take to go to the top, but the two prefered ones are Manabao and Mata Grande. Mata grande is the most beautiful hike and you usually come down via Manabao, so you see it all (it's a longer route and takes at least5 days to complete, with 6 being optimal).
If you want more specific info PM me and I'll be glad to help.
Jojocho