The dreaded second day of hiking the Inca Trail may have you freaking out about whether or not you should sign up to hike or just forget it all and take the easy route by train. Well, I say…you CAN do this! Take a look at the following 4-minute video to get a glimpse of what Day 2 can look like.
What To Expect on Day 2 of the Inca Trail:
It’s all a mind game! That’s right…it’s mind over matter. That adage certainly applies to hiking the Inca Trail, especially on Day 2.
Day 2 of hiking the Inca Trail is considered “challenging,” but to be honest, challenging seems quite inadequate in describing this day. I’d say it’s more aptly described as “what the hell was I thinking day?!” LMAO!
What’s the weather like?
The weather, depending on the season you choose to hike, could be cold and rainy. (note: I went mid November) My second day started out a little cool, but then became pretty hot. The heat seemed more intense because we left the shade of the tree canopy. So, for our last 2 hours ascending to Dead Woman’s Pass I made sure to drink water and that my neck was covered by my Buff. Of course, once you’ve reached the top of the first pass it will be much cooler. It was cool enough for me to throw on my North Face Thermoball Hoodie Jacket.
Early Start to the Day
You’ll start out your day with a very, very early morning wake-up call…like 3:30am. Then head on a bus to the trailhead. There you’ll be served breakfast. (note: my tour group included breakfast at the trailhead, some may not.) After breakfast, you’ll weigh your duffle bags that the porters will be carrying for you. (note: Each porter can carry a max of 25 kg / 55 lbs and your duffle bag has to weigh less than approximately 6 kg / 13 lbs). Keep that in mind the night before when you’re packing as you could end up putting more on your back (like I did) because you overpacked the porter’s duffle. (Key take away here…you don’t need as much as you think you do.)
Passport Checkpoint:
After everyone’s packs have been weighed and distributed accordingly, then you’ll walk to the passport checkpoint. YES, you do need to carry your passport with you for your hike. So, definitely don’t forget this essential item. (note: you’ll also want to bring money with you…for any snack purchases you may want on Day 1 and then for the tips for the porters, chef and guides given on Day 3).
I hope you enjoy the short video of what it was like hiking Day 2 of the Inca Trail. (I wish I had put my GoPro in video mode more than I did, but I was just trying to put one foot in front of the other and breathe.)
Inca Trail – Day 2 Facts:
Starting Elevation: 10,829 ft / 3,300 m
1st Pass Climb in Elevation: 2,950 ft / 899 m
2nd Pass Climb in Elevation: 1,423 ft / 433 m
Walking Distance: 9.94 miles / 16 km
Hike Time: 7-8 hours
2nd Campsite Elevation: 11,800 ft / 3,600 m
Tour Group: Alpaca Expeditions
Are You Fit Enough For The Inca Trail?
If you’re concerned about your fitness level and tackling the Inca Trail, then be sure to check out my post on 5 Ways to Prepare for Hiking the Inca Trail.
