About This Route
The Dead Woman's Pass, known locally as Warmiwañusca at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet), stands as the highest point on the classic Inca Trail. This snowshoe traverse from Wayllabamba camp to the pass and down to Pacaymayo offers a thrilling high-altitude snowshoeing experience during the Andean winter. Covering about 6 km uphill and 4 km downhill, the route follows ancient Inca stone steps blanketed in snow, providing stunning views of glaciated peaks and cloud forests below. Ideal for experienced snowshoers seeking solitude away from summer crowds, this section demands respect for altitude and variable snow conditions. Always secure a permit through Peru's Ministry of Culture, as Inca Trail access is strictly regulated with daily quotas.
Safety Considerations
Altitude sickness poses the primary threat; follow NPS-recommended acclimatization by spending 2-3 days in Cusco at 3,400 meters beforehand, ascending no more than 500 meters per day sleeping elevation. Hypothermia risk spikes in sudden whiteouts, with temperatures dropping to -10°C (14°F). Snow bridges over streams can collapse, and postholing in unpacked powder exhausts even fit trekkers. Hire a licensed guide from operators like Alpaca Expeditions, mandatory for all Inca Trail treks. Drink 4 liters of water daily, monitor for dizziness or headaches using the Lake Louise Score, and walk pole-to-pole slowly. REI experts advise against solo travel due to evacuation challenges; cell service is absent, so carry a satellite communicator like Garmin inReach.
Essential Gear
Layer with merino wool base (Patagonia Capilene), waterproof hardshell (Arc'teryx Beta), and insulated puffy (Rab Neutrino). Snowshoes with aggressive crampons like MSR Lightning Ascent excel on icy steps. Trekking poles with snow baskets prevent slips, while microspikes for boot transitions aid descent. Pack a 4-season tent (Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL), sleeping bag rated to -15°C (MSR Elixir), and avalanche beacon/shovel/probe despite low risk, per Leave No Trace principles for self-rescue readiness.