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After another couple of hours hike, by now going up a steep gradient, we arrived at our overnight camp. We had hiked 13km in, and 1100m up over the day, to 3755m. Tea was ready for us, which we followed with an hour-long snooze, then woke again for dinner: chicken soup only for me.
Evening falls quickly in the mountains - it's only 5:18 PM at this point - as the sun is hidden behind other ridges, and it gets cold quickly. Nights are still above freezing, but just.
If you're following Peru Day 6, and would like to wake up with the sun again, click here.
This was arguably the most rewarding moment of the trek from sport's point of view. Inca Chiriaska Pass was the highest point on our way to Machu Picchu - 4,967 meters (16 296 feet).
Believe it or not, this was the only picture we (read: I) took in our second camp. You can pick any reason for that - tiredness after Inca Chiriaska Pass climb, altitude of the camp (4,538 meters = 14890 feet), sleepiness after bad previous night. Anyway, this grass carpet is the only memories I kept on our highest camp. Also I remember how good was sleep there.
Our guide always delegated his belongings to horses (and later porters). I think it takes time to get used to the thought how little one needs in mountains. In fact, my backpack played role of mostly moral support. I even didn't drink on the trail, and the snacks I consumed fit my pocket.
I doubt that I will ever participate in regular trekking adventure, where people carry their own stuff themselves. Relying on horses and porters spoils, and there is no way back to self sufficiency.