Machu Picchu Travel Forum

I am doing the Inca Trail and will be arriving to MP on May 25th but I might not be able to climb Huayna Picchu. So I decided to spend the extra night at Aguas Calientes so I can climb HP. My only problem is that I already bought my airfare ticket back to Lima on the 26th at 15:45 and not sure if I will be able to get back to Cuzco on time to catch my plane. Also, do trains leave on time from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo?

Could somebody help me?

I actually did almost exactly what you did, stayed one more night so I can explore Machu Picchu early in the morning. I woke up about 6 AM I think, rode bus up to MP, and then went up Huayna Pichu which took me about 45 minutes to go up (one-way), and then I had to make sure I was back at my hotel before noontime, so I can be on time for the train...it's a bit too tight of a schedule, but I was thinking if I missed my flight, I still could book a flight the next day to Lima since my flight to USA was not until 2 days later...But just be warned that flights may change very quickly in Peru (delays for whatever reason), and it's always wise to give some extra time and being early at the airport...good luck!

No, you will not be able to travel from MP to Cusco on the 26th to arrive in Cusco before 15:45.

Noel, why do you say it isn't possible to arrive in Cusco before 15:45? I have a flight a few days later (on the 31st) from Cusco at 16:45 so will need to be there before 15:45. My time in MP will be a bit shorter, but that's the only way I could fit things in and as the OP will be there two days in a row, there should be no problem with the shorter amount of time in MP. I am taking the 11:00 train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo which is supposed to take 1.5 hours and then will take a taxi for about an hour to the airport for around $25. Any reason you see this not working?

Sorry. Laurel, you are right. I didn't realise that there are more trains now (high season, probably?)

I stand corrected.

:-)

Noel

Nancita--I just responded to your e-mail, so please check my e-mail response. I've also given a scenario there to give you a perspective of the time frame you are dealing with. Norman is right that it's a bit too tight of a schedule, but it seems he left at noon for Cusco, but you are planning to leave around 11, so that's really cutting it out too close. Your e-mail didn't point out the fact of your eventual flight back to Lima from Cusco at 15:45, but again, it's quite possible, although VERY tight. And if there are any delays in the train schedule, you're looking at missing your flight. So, Noel is correct, that it is possible to really miss your flight given your tight schedule. As always, leave room for those things you can't control (e.g., cancellations, delays, a strange onset of illness, protests, etc.). Good Luck & Enjoy Beautiful Peru!

thank you for your help

too tight!

Hi
If you need help to check trains or Inca trail permits
you can visit http://www.machupicchutreks.com

Best regards
Eliu

so just to get this right, your concerned about making the flight leaving Cusco at 15:45? NOT a flight leaving Lima at 15:45.

IF its the first scenario, yet you can make it. You will have plenty of time to hike H.P. and get the first train down. Make sure to get off at Olly. and take a taxi or the bus that is waiting there to go to Cusco. That will be faster than the train crawling down that last incline. Did you already reserve a spot on that train?

If its the other scenario, wow- what time is your cuszo to lima flight?