The second day of the Inca Trail is renowned for its difficulty, covering 16 km of steep ascents and descents, including summiting Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,200 meters. This day tested our endurance, but the breathtaking views and sense of accomplishment made every step worthwhile. Here’s a recap of our challenging yet rewarding day.
Early Morning Start: Preparing for the Ascent
We started our day at 5:35 a.m. in the chilly mountain air, with temperatures around 6°C. Breakfast fueled us up for the four-hour hike ahead to Dead Woman’s Pass, an ascent of 800 meters. The elevation gain was intense, and with limited sleep, we knew it would be a challenging day.
Initial Ascent: Finding Our Pace
The trail began with a series of steep stairs, a preview of what lay ahead. Within 25 minutes, we were feeling the effects of the altitude, but our pace allowed us to cover 2.5 km and 400 meters of elevation within 85 minutes. As porters carrying heavy loads whizzed by, we felt both humbled and inspired to keep pushing.
Halfway Point: A Brief Rest and Scenic Views
At the halfway point to Dead Woman’s Pass, we enjoyed a brief rest and the last chance to buy snacks. The view from this vantage point was stunning, with mountain vistas and clouds rolling in. As the temperature dropped, we layered up, knowing the remaining 400 meters to the summit would only get colder.
Final Push to Dead Woman’s Pass
The last stretch to Dead Woman’s Pass was grueling, with each step requiring significant effort in the thin air. Following our guide’s advice, we zigzagged up the steps to reduce strain on our knees. After 3.5 hours of hiking, we reached the summit at 4,200 meters. The feeling of accomplishment was immense, but we quickly realized the next challenge awaited us: a steep 2-hour descent to our lunch spot.
Downhill to Lunch
Descending the steep trail after Dead Woman’s Pass tested different muscles, leaving our legs shaky. With poles to support us, we slowly made our way down, catching glimpses of the trail ahead, winding its way down the valley. Finally, we spotted our lunch tents in the distance and arrived to refuel for the afternoon.
Afternoon Ascent and Second Summit
After lunch, we faced another uphill climb to a second pass at 4,000 meters. Although slightly lower than Dead Woman’s Pass, the ascent was just as steep. False summits made it mentally challenging, but the stunning views kept us going. As we reached the second peak, a breathtaking panorama of mountain ranges unfolded before us.
Final Descent to Camp
With the day’s hardest climbs behind us, we began the final 1.5-hour descent to our campsite. Navigating the steep trail was tough on the knees, but reaching camp was a relief. We arrived around 7:30 p.m., exhausted but elated from completing the hardest day on the trail.
Evening at Camp: Reflection and Recovery
After dinner, we shared stories of the day’s challenges and celebrated our accomplishments. Despite the physical toll, we felt a sense of camaraderie with our group, strengthened by the shared experience. With promises of an easier day ahead, we headed to bed, ready for what lay ahead on Day 3.
Looking Ahead: Day 3 on the Trail
Tomorrow’s hike is expected to be mostly downhill, but with steep sections that will challenge our already tired legs. With a later wake-up call, we’re looking forward to a slightly easier day and a chance to explore more Inca sites as we draw closer to Machu Picchu.
Stay tuned as we continue our journey along the Inca Trail, taking on ancient steps, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable experiences!
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