Friday 6 April – Inca Trail, 2nd day

Myself and Libe weren’t alone in the bad nights sleep category; a decent kip was more rare amongst our group than a hair on top of my grandfather’s head.

Day 2 is the hardest of the trek. From the start at 3.3km, leaving around 7.30am (half an hour later than scheduled), we were to climb to 4km by 10:15, and then reach the highest part of the trek, known as ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’, by 11 (elevation 4.2km).

Unfortunately the view at the Pass was basically non-existent due to a strong fog; otherwise I’m sure I’d have some cracking photos. However, the expected altitude sickness had failed arrived, thus the breathing was as per normal and the head felt balltearingly good. Score: Ryan – 2/210. Most of the others in the group felt fairly similar. Libe was cold but well in health.

The other side of the Pass involved a steep decline to Pachymayu, the site for lunch on Day 2. 22.5km covered (halfway in just over 24 hours), back down to 3.5km elevation.

As we arrived late into Pachymayu at 1:30, lunch was to go to 3, the next campsite was 3 hours away and the sun sets here from 5:30, the decision was made to make this our overnight stay as well. Which was just as well, because from 2/210 I collapsed to be all out for 300. From 3 to 5 I kipped with a cracking headache as the altitude sickness kicked in big time. Thankfully I awoke in time to enjoy the spectacular view of the sun setting on the Andes.

The night became freezing here; sleeping for me involved wearing a t-shirt, jumper, thermal pants and socks, inside a sleeping bag with a cotton liner. Libe required similar layers to keep herself warm.