Originally Posted by YVR Cockroach

Out of interest, what was the operating a/c type, estimated passenger load, and more importantly, the ambient air temperature? CUZ is high altitude (3,310m ASL) so if it's hot, and wind direction isn't right, a/c may be weight limited on takeoff.

Same thing happens in JNB (which is at ~1/2 the altitude) and ME airports (which are at sea level) when it's hot, although generally to a/c operating long-haul flights.

Not quite the same experience as you but we flew CUZ-LIM-CUZ a couple of years ago. Outbound was fast (due to right wind directions at takeoff and landing), but the return flight seemed to chug all the way back to LIM (but our bags were onboard). Difference? A319 taking off at SL and A320 taking off from CUZ. The A319 has a better power/weight ratio than the A320 too.