Day ten - The infamous Dead Woman's Pass

At 5:30, woke up to a porter knocking on our tent, saying "Buenos Dias. Coca tea?". This is a drink made from coca leaves and hot water, apparently a healer of many things including altitude sickness. Having washed with warm water, we had breakfast: tea, quinoa porridge, bread and jam. 

The trek today was notoriously difficult. There was a lot of 'up'.

A shop around 3700m - much needed top up of Pringles and coke! 

This is the highest point of the trek was 4,198m (13,769ft) which really hit us as we climbed the last 200m before the summit. It was worth it, seeing amazing views from Warmiwañusca (aka Dead Woman's Pass). 

We had climbed 1200m since our camping spot so we knew we had to come down. The path was steep and made up of steps so our hiking poles really came into use. 

When we arrived at our camp, Paqaymayo Camp, we were greeted with a round of applause and squash - just what we needed! Then much after the 8 hour trek. We soaked our feet and took in the views. Earlier on on our holiday, Naz had taught us to play Cambio, a great card game so we spent a few hours playing before Happy hour. Dinner was delicious again.