22 days ago
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Posted On: October 14th 2026, 07:37 pm
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Everyone trains for the climb. Almost no one trains for the descent.
On the Inca Trail, the uphill to Dead Woman’s Pass gets all the attention. The part that catches many hikers off guard is the long, steep stretch of stone steps on the way down, which goes on for hours. And then again on Day 3.
Downhill hiking loads your quads and knees in a different way, so build it into your training:
✅ Step-downs off a bench or stair
✅ Slow, controlled stair descents
✅ Lunges and eccentric squats
✅ Practice hikes with real downhill, using walking poles - and even better with some weight in your pack.
Train for the way down too, and you’ll arrive at Machu Picchu with plenty left in your legs.
Save this for your training plan, and send it to the friend you’re hiking with.
Planning your Inca Trail? Find the link in our bio.
On the Inca Trail, the uphill to Dead Woman’s Pass gets all the attention. The part that catches many hikers off guard is the long, steep stretch of stone steps on the way down, which goes on for hours. And then again on Day 3.
Downhill hiking loads your quads and knees in a different way, so build it into your training:
✅ Step-downs off a bench or stair
✅ Slow, controlled stair descents
✅ Lunges and eccentric squats
✅ Practice hikes with real downhill, using walking poles - and even better with some weight in your pack.
Train for the way down too, and you’ll arrive at Machu Picchu with plenty left in your legs.
Save this for your training plan, and send it to the friend you’re hiking with.
Planning your Inca Trail? Find the link in our bio.
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