Day 2 of the Inca Trail: A Venture to Dead Woman’s Pass on the Inca Trail

Inca Trail Wayllabamba Camp to Paqaymayo Camp (9+hrs for 12 km and 1,115 m/3,658 ft elevation gain)

On Day 2 of the Inca Trail hike, we arose before dawn at 0400 to the serene melodies of the Andean wilderness. The echoes from Day 1 of our Inca Trail hike reverberated within, as the early morning crew rolled up our sleeves for the formidable ascent awaiting us on Day 2. The summit: Warmiwañusca, or as it’s ominously known, Dead Woman’s Pass, the pinnacle point of our trek, soaring at an imposing 4,198 meters (13,769 feet) above sea level.

Under the moonlit sky, our group of 4 plus a guide set forth, each step on the ancient stone path seemed to resonate with the heartbeat of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Our rhythmic strides were accompanied by the harmonies of the wild, as the whistles of the mountain wind carried with it tales from the epochs gone by. The terrain gradually transformed, unraveling the majestic cloak of the Andes. Every bend in the path revealed a panorama more breathtaking than the last; a blend of towering peaks, verdant slopes, and distant glinting streams.

As we ascended, the veil of the mist tenderly brushed across, casting a mystical aura over the boundless landscape. The path was relentless, each steep stretch pushing us to delve deeper into our reservoirs of perseverance. With each step, my breathing was more and more belabored; my goal was 30 steps at a time on the ascent. Some times I didn’t meet my goal, others, I was able to squeeze out a few extra steps. The camaraderie within our group bloomed amidst shared breaths of awe and bouts of encouragement. The conversations dwindled, replaced by a profound internal dialogue as we individually wrestled and danced with the challenges of the climb.

There was one last stop to buy drinks, wine and snacks before we finished the final ascent up to Dead Woman’s Pass. I was able to get more water for my reservoir and use the toilet. Note to self and anyone reading: 1 1/2 liter water reservoir is not large enough for this trek!

The climb to Dead Woman’s Pass was expected to take 5 hours, while it took us 7 hours; but we made it!

The contours of the land appeared to mimic the silhouette of a reclining woman under the sky’s broad canopy. The final steps to the apex were a blend of mental grit and a humbling reverence for the ancients who once tread this sacred path. As we waited for the last of our group to make it to the summit of Dead Woman’s Pass, the rain started to slowly fall and the wind started to blow.

The rain made our descent towards camp more complicated. Our descent commenced with a profound sense of accomplishment, as the trail led us through a myriad of Andean wonders. The solace of the afternoon awaited at camp, as we nestled under the gaze of the towering peaks. The descent wasn’t kind to some of us, as quite a few of our group slipped on the way down, including myself. I ended up with two bruised hands and a bruised tailbone.

We reached camp by early afternoon, the world seemed to slow down, allowing moments of reflection and repose. As our weary bodies rested, our spirits soared amidst the recollections of the day’s ascent. The heartbeats of excitement resonated through the camp, mingling with the serene hum of the Andean eve.

We trekked over progressively spectacular and steeper terrain on our way to Warmiwañusca (aka Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769ft). We had to be prepared to face strong Andean weather (blazing sun and cold, rainy winds) around the pass. We had to take the hike slow and drink lots of water along the way – amazing views were waiting as a reward. We enjoyed some ample time to rest and relax after reaching the camp; all campers arrived early afternoon. I of course was one of the last to arrive to camp; it took me over 9 hours to complete the hike on Day 2.

We had lunch and then a nap. Our campsite offered a flushing toilet and cold showers. Later that evening we were offered afternoon tea, but I chose to stay in the tent to continue my nap.

That evening for dinner one of our trekkers was celebrating his birthday, so after dinner the chef and assistant chef presented him with a birthday cake cooked at the campsite! We all celebrated with him and enjoyed the cake together.

See what happens on Day 3 of the Inca Trail.