Warmiwañusca or Dead womans pass, 4215m, Inka Trail, Peru. 2009-11-05.

Nikon D700, 50mm f/5.6.

The second day was supposed to be "challenging" - the positive way of saying this is gonna be a long day, hard work and a painful walk to the top. The good thing was that everyone expected it to be hard so we didn't start off with the exhausting pace of yesterday.

We got woken up at 5 with coca tea served in the tent. With 30 minutes to pack and another 30 minutes for breakfast we left at 6.

People had taken advice from the guide to take frequent breaks and short pauses. There was no need to rush to the top. After three hours walk we had a second breakfast near Llulluchapampa Before the last two hours ascend. Every step got harder as we ascended, but with patience and hard work, eventually we all made it to the Dead Womans Pass, 4215m.

The weather was reasonable although not perfect, the view was limited due to the cloud cover. Most people stopped for a long break in the pass while some left because of the cold. The last ones from our group reached the pass around noon.

Going down can be fast if you dare, I found the rythm and almost ran. With only one longer break to take some photos, I reached the camp site at Pacamayo at 12.45 while the rest of the group arrived around 13.30. Time for lunch, and the rest of the day off to relax.

Compared to the first day, I did not find this second day much harder. Certainly, it was harder, but anyone can do it with hard work, patience and time.