Lima to Aguas Calientes in a day. Too much?
We plan to land in Lima (around midnight) with about a three hour layover to go through customs, etc and then fly to Cusco (around 5am next day), then take a taxi to Poroy, then catch the train and arrive at Aguas Calientes around noon. We want to go straight to Aguas Calientes to avoid altitude sickness. My understanding is altitude sickness is only a concern at 8000' or above. Is this itinerary do-able? Some friends indicated it may be best to stay in Cusco a few days to acclimate. We certainly do not plan to skip Cusco, but would rather stay for a few nights after Machu Pichu. Anyways, what are your thoughts?
Best Answer
My brother flew from Lima to Cusco. It was brutal.
I took time in Bolivia, Lake Titicaca and then in Cusco before heading to Machu Picchu. It was still brutal.
Others have it worse, others have it less, but generally you'll be out of breath at the very least, and likely with headaches.
There's basically nothing to do in Aguas Calientes - some springs and food (which got us sick), while Cusco has a lot to look at, see, eat and do, including day trips to other ruins / old places.
The majority of tourists spend time in Cusco first, and there's a good reason for this.
Pictures about "Lima to Aguas Calientes in a day. Too much?"
Can you do a day trip from Lima to Machu Picchu?
Of course, getting from Lima to Machu Picchu in one day is possible. However, the risk is very high. The visitor would have to take a flight from Lima to Cusco very early (Flights that depart 05 or 06 am). If you want to locate the International Airport of Lima, we suggest checking a Lima travel guide.How hard is the walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 49 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking and walking. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. While most people take a bus up the steep road from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, you can also walk!How do I get from Lima to Aguas Calientes?
There is no direct connection from Lima to Aguas Calientes Station. However, you can take the bus to Abancay then take the taxi to Aguas Calientes Station. Alternatively, you can take a vehicle from Lima to Aguas Calientes Station via Cusco, Cusco, and Machu Picchu in around 24h 53m.How much time do you need at Machu Picchu?
For most people, one day is sufficient, but an extra day lets you explore the site and its surroundings more fully and at a more relaxed pace. However, in order to see everything and fully appreciate the site, we recommend spending two days at Machu Picchu.More answers regarding lima to Aguas Calientes in a day. Too much?
Answer 2
Your itinerary is certainly doable in logistical terms, if rather tiring. So, if the altitude doesn't get you, you might still need some time to recover.
Aguas Calientes is an uninteresting little tourist town, so if you were thinking of staying a few nights, there, you would be much better off staying in Cusco instead, to adapt to your surroundings. If you go to Aguas Calientes straight and plan to go and see Machu Picchu the next day, and you do get hit by altitude sickness, or general travel malaise because of the long journey, you'll end up only blaming yourself.
My advice; stay in Cusco first.
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