Our second day involved a trek from the base camp to the high camp at 5,150 meters (16,830 feet). The trail was steep and challenging, but the breathtaking scenery kept our spirits high. Cecilia led the way, her experience and knowledge of the mountain evident in every step.

The view from this altitude was nothing short of spectacular. The sky was clear, and as night fell, the Milky Way stretched across the heavens in a dazzling display of stars. We shared stories and sipped on warm tea before going to bed, to rest a little bit before the Summit Attack.

We began our summit push in the middle of the night, at 1am, guided by headlamps and the light of the full moon. The climb was steep and demanding, requiring us to navigate through snowfields, ice walls, and rocky outcrops. The first part of the climb was on a glacier, with several steep sections to navigate.  Cecilia’s encouragement and expertise were crucial as we made our way up the mountain.

The silence of the night, broken only by our footsteps crunching in the snow and our steady breathing, added a surreal quality to the ascent. As we climbed higher, the cold intensified, and each step became more challenging.

At around 5,650 meters (18,536 feet), we reached the most difficult part of the climb: an exposed ridge leading to the summit. The views from this vantage point were breathtaking, but our body and mind were already exhausted and, despite our best efforts, we had to stop at this altitude.

The altitude, physical exertion, and mental challenges proved to be formidable obstacles. Because we were not acclimatized properly and did not train severely for this experience, the challenge was even greater and more difficult.

However, the sense of accomplishment we felt was immense. For us, being crazy enough is not about the destination but the journey that makes us stronger and more resilient.

The descent was equally challenging, requiring careful navigation and stamina. Cecilia’s presence was a constant source of reassurance as we made our way back down the mountain. Her resilience and determination were a testament to the strength and spirit of the Cholitas Escaladoras.