Inca Trail-Day Two

Day two of the hike up the Inca Trail would be the most difficult because it's the longest hike at about 12 miles but also because most of it is uphill.

Manuel shows us the route we will cover today.

Here are a couple of kids we met on the way out of Huayabamba village.

Manuel shows Megan & Ted the proper way to prep coca leave to chew. The Andean peoples have been chewing coca leaves for years for a boost of energy. The taste takes some getting used to and the kids were less than interested.

As we worked our way up to the pass, we followed a fast flowing stream a good part of the way.

Occasionally we would have to cross the streams.

That little footbridge we just crossed may look a little rickety, but it was really pretty sturdy. The trail is closed for the month of February every year for maintenance and presumably replacing all the wooden bridges.

It's hard to get a good perspective of the trail's steepness at points but the rapidly flowing stream that was with us for a good portion of the day is a good indicator.

The Reidy Clan in the mountainous cloud forests of Peru.

The tree behind us is a Qhuena Tree

Another look up the steep stone path with the gushing stream beside.

Our guide, Manuel horses around with the porters who are colorfully protected from the rain.

After lunch, the porters pack up and race off to the next campsite.

If you look closely, you can see drainage ditches for farming cut into this valley.

The notch to the right of Manuel is our main goal for the day, "Dead Woman's Pass".

As we get closer, the clouds roll in.

At the top of Dead Woman's Pass at 4200 meters or approximately 13,700 feet.

Unfortunately we caught up to some rain when we made it to the pass.

Soggy view from the top of the pass.

Not long after we headed down the backside, the clouds broke and it cleared up.

A look back up at the pass in better light.

Down we go.

This river was heard more than seen because it's tucked in to the hill so well. It's known as the Hidden River.

Ted, Megan and Joette cross the Hidden River.

Joette never could really shake the cold even when sleeping in a down sleeping bag, all of her clothes and a wool cap.