It’s another early start as we wake around 5:30 a.m. Our cooks will prepare a hearty breakfast to get your energy levels up, and you’re going to need it. Day 2 on the classic Inca Trail is generally regarded as the toughest day, and we have a steep ascent ahead of us. We’ll be following the Inca
Trail along a route that was sacred to the Incas, as it rises up into the Apus, where the mountain spirits dwell.
After a few hours, we will reach the highest pass on the trail, known as Abra de Warrmihuañusca, or Dead Woman's Pass, at an elevation of 4,200 m (13,779 ft). It’s a challenging trek to get up to this point, but we’ll be with you all the way, taking it one step at a time. The high altitude makes it even tougher, so don’t worry if you find yourself stopping every few steps – that’s perfectly normal (unless you’re one of our incredible porters, who make it look easy!). Once we make it to the pass, we’ll have a well-deserved rest and enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery, and you can be justifiably proud to have made it to Dead Woman's Pass. After our rest, we will begin the descent to our lunch stop, located at Pacaymayu at 3,550 m (11,646 ft). On our way, you’ll be able to see lots of hummingbirds as they flit about, as well as other species of birds. The variety of native plants is all impressive here, and your guide will point out some species, such as the Polylepis, a native tree that only grows in the cloud forest at this particular altitude.
After lunch, we’ll set off on another steep ascent for about two hours. Our destination is the Runkurakay pass (4,000m), It’s then just another 20 minutes until we stop for the night at our second campsite Chaquicocha (Dry Lake, 3600 meters). where we will camp for the night. We should get there around 5 p.m., with plenty of time to set up our campsite before having dinner. Then it will be time for bed, your body tired but your mind exhilarated by the day’s achievements.
Total trekking distance: 16 km / 9 hours approx.
Highest altitude: 4,200 m (13,779 ft)
Lowest Altitude: 3,300 m (10,829 ft)
Services Included:
Meals: All Included
Tour Guide: Local Tour Guide: English/Spanish
Campsite: Chaquicocha (Tent per 2 people)
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Chaquicocha