I have to say, that first night of camping was COLD! Even with the -17C sleeping bags, we were a bit chilly. How do we combat this? With gear! My ears were starting to go numb, so I decided it would be a good investment to purchase a hat with some lovely ear flaps. Katina had a “harf” (it’s a scarf that is hollow, so you can put it on your head like a hat and then wrap the rest around your neck like a scarf) which she had purchased when we visited Chinchero and learned all about weaving Inca style. So we both were going to be nice and warm for our second day of trekking!
After a filling breakfast, our group got together to mark the kick off of our second day of hiking. Though some of us were still tired (ok, I was still tired!), everyone was able to put on a brave face for the group shot!
Today was going to be a tough day of climbing, as we were going to be reaching our highest altitude – the Pachacutec Pass at 4900 m. From our current location this would be a change in altitude of about 1000m! Despite this daunting fact, we were raring to get going.
Partially because it was so cold!
And so, off we went following our fearless leader!
We didn’t make it very far before we encountered our first locals at a small hamlet not far from our campsite.
A little further on, our other guide Rony was able to pick up a baby lamb.
and everywhere that Rony went the lamb was sure to go!
Where you find sheep, you often find kids! It’s a strange correlation, but true!
Did you see the footwear on these children? We were feeling quite chilly in with our multiple layers, socks and boots…and most of the children we saw were wearing leather sandals and no socks. They must have tough feet.
As we continued on our way, the way grew steeper. Soon, we were able to only walk for 5 minutes or so before we needed to take a break. It was very difficult to breathe…I felt like I just couldn’t get enough air into my lungs. We were all feeling the shortness of breath.
But, the further we walked, the better the views got!
We traveled with safety horses, just in case there was an emergency and someone had to be brought down the mountain quickly. Fortunately, no one in our group had need of their services. The girls were just happy to have more animals around!
Up and up we went…
After a quick break, Katina and our two little mountain goats were off with Elvis again!
As we crested the next rise, we were rewarded with a fantastic rest stop…and an outstanding view…
At this point we had two great views. The view from behind, where we had just hiked…
and the view to the front…where we were going…
A little bit further uphill…and we crested the Pachacutec Pass!
So it’s all downhill from here, right? 🙂
Once we had all caught our breath, Elvis told us that being at the highest point in the trek was the best place for us to make an offering to Pachamama, the Peruvian version of Mother Earth. He explained to us that being so high meant that our offering would be closer to the sky, and at the same time would still be touching the ground…directly connected to Pachamama. Mikhaila did a post on Incan spirituality not too long ago, if you would like to read a bit more about it.
We walked on for a few more minutes to a small clearing where we would make our offering.
Soon everyone had arrived and we began piling the stones.
Elvis said few words in Quechua and everyone placed three perfect cocoa leaves on the offering-rock. After pouring some water as the final part of the offering we were complete.
With a view like this…how could you not be thankful to Pachamama…?
With renewed energy, we began our descent to lunch! I felt a definite change in the group’s energy levels. I’m not sure if it was all psychological since we had now passed the highest point of the trek, or if it was motivation for food!
After what seemed like a very short walk we arrived at our lunch spot. Some of us were willing to forego lunch to catch a bit more shut-eye…
After re-energizing, we set off for the last part of our hike for the day. Fortunately we did not have far to go, just another hour or so from here. Everyone was in a great mood. Weather was fantastic, we’d had a nice lunch and the scenery continued to be excellent!
Our next camp site was at a small village along a bubbling stream. I noticed that wherever there was a settlement of any kind – whether it was a single house or a village – there was always running water, a resource that is absolutely critical for the people’s survival.
As we approached the edge of the village we began to see some of the local people.
She was just standing there by herself, watching the tourist-parade go by.
Further on we saw houses under construction. Here’s a field where bricks are being made for the new home.
Village homes…
Before long…home, sweet home! For the night…
And the welcoming committee/instant market was waiting to greet us!
After the previous night being colder than expected, we all stocked up on hats, gloves and socks, hoping that they would keep us nice and toasty warm for the night!
We didn’t last long. After a delicious meal we all turned in for the night…it couldn’t have been later than 9pm and we were out cold.
So. That was the hard day. At least that’s what the trek pamphlet said.
Stay tuned to learn the truth!
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