Elder on the Andes: The Inspiring Journey of the Oldest Inca Trail Hiker
The Lost City Machu Picchu is the top tourist destination for travellers and hikers in the entire world, and what’s the best way to get there is hiking through the legendary Inca Trail. This famous trail is suitable for hikers of different ages, and here we will tell one of the most incredible feats of an American man, 86 years old, who completed the 26 miles (42km) of hiking to Machu Picchu. This is a clear example of ages jut being a number.
The Oldest Hiker on the Inca Trail To Machu Picchu
Hiking in the Andes mountains is one of the most challenging activities for adventure lovers, and this can be complicated due to different factors that can affect our bodies, from high-altitude to the difficult terrain. However, this factor can be easily managed if you have the right preparation. Gary Bybee is an American man of 86 years old who has dominated the Challenging 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
This is just a big example of how age is just a number, and our body does not have a limit.
History of Gary Bybee
In May 2025, Gary Bybee 86 years old, became the oldest person to have officially completed the Inca Trail 4-Day to Machu Picchu , making history as the oldest man to achieve this success.
Mr. Bybee is naturally from the United States, he was born on November 8th, 1938, and has been working in the United States Navy his entire life. In April 2025, his son Corey Bybee and friends decided to visit Machu Picchu, and what the better way that hiking on the legendary Classic Inca Trail, which has been awarded as one of the top 10 trails in the world. Also one of the most challenging hikes in South America. due to it 42km (26 miles) that runs from the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Machu Picchu.
Gary Bybee on the Inca Trail
My name is Urbano Gamboa, co-founder of Vidal Expeditions Tour Operator. I have an opportunity to lead an incredible group to Machu Picchu through the Inca Trail in four days, and Gary Bybee was one of the members in this group. After checking all the documents that we needed for this hike I noticed that an 86-year old man was part of the group. Once I knew this I immediately thought I would probably return from the halfway point without completing the entire trail or be ready for some issue that could happen along the hike.
Preparing for the hike
During the meeting a night before the hike, I knew this group did not have too much experience in this kind of hike, especially when I saw their hiking gear. After a few questions, I discovered that they had some issues with the altitude on the first days in Cusco, but when they told me a day before the trek that they had been to Rainbow Mountain and all of them have done with it, this gave me the idea about they were already acclimated to this elevation.
Inca Trail Hike Day First
We started our hike early on the morning of the first day, collecting the group from their hotel. After packing all that we needed we drove to Km 82 also known as Piscacucho which is the beginning of the hike. Once we checked the control, we started hiking on the trail, following the path. This day was not very demanding but the team did a great job on the 12 km (7.6 miles), and Gary was still there. This was a good relief for me, and I was positive about those guys to completing the entire hike.
Into the Clouds: The Grueling Climb of Day Two
The second day on this trek is the toughest day because it reaches 4,215 meters (13,838 feet) at the Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point on the Inca Trail. After the breakfast, and asked if everyone felt good for the day, and we started hiking the 5 hours up to conquer the highest point. Gary was leading the group, and even with his age, we managed to reach the first official resting point, which is at the same altitude as Cusco City. After a bit of rest, Gary continued hiking. This is where the Inca steep steps start and the hard test for this man finally started.
This is the most complicated section and where many hikers gave up and returned from the hike, but Gary did not stop; he was still climbing with some breaks, he definitely is a clear example of a man who persists and pushes the body to the limit. After a couple of hours of hiking, we finally arrived the at last section going up. Here there are different factors that play against the hikers, such as altitude, physical conditions, weather, and mental conditions. The real game starts here.
Into the Clouds: Conquering the Dead Woman’s Pass
Even though the group was slow, they managed to summit the highest pass on this day. After hours of hiking, we finally made it and reached 4,215 meters. Everyone was proud of this man who conquered this high altitude. As a guide I was surprised by the strength and spirit of this man. After 13 years working as a guide I never saw someone with that attitude, especially for someone who never walked in the mountains. It was a comment of glory art at the same time that made me reflect about how life can be if you think positively.
Now, the hike down to our camp started, and the balance and good condition of the knee play an important role. Those two hours of walking down are considered the most dangerous part because many inexperienced hikers could fall or twist their ankles. But Gary, as a wise man, did an incredible job completing the day. We arrived our camp just on time and this man deserved a good rest after this day.
The Longest Day: No Chance to Give Up.
Day three is one of the most wonderful along the Inca Trail. During this day, we hike through a variety of Inca sites, and descend towards the lush jungle. Due the normal camp of Wiñaywayna being closed our hike was made longer and we hiked more hours than usual. Gary decided to leave early so he wouldn’t stay back, he walked up normally, of course, he took some breaks along the trail. Going up towards the second pass we stop to visit Runkurakay a circular-shaped site where we talked about the Incas and trails that exist in South America. After a couple of hours finally we made the second pass 4,000 meters above sea level.
Hiking through Inca sites
The longest descent comes by following the footsteps of the Incas, exploring more sites like Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca. Of course we have stopped in the third pass for lunch. Then we decided to continue to reach Machu Picchu because everyone wanted to get to this amazing site on day three, then go down close to the town and spend the night there. Finally, on the last day we could climb to Machu Picchu and visit it and also have a chance to climb Huayna Picchu. But the time flew quickly and we couldn’t reach Machu Picchu that day as we had planned, so we had to stay down beside the river which allowed us to spend the night and reach Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate the next day.
Finally we arrived to Machu Picchu
We woke up early in order to arrive early at Machu Picchu. The hike up to the last checkpoint took us about two hours, hiking on a switchback trail. Gary was kind of old Machine, he took time to warm up and hike up. After checking on the last control, we hike another hour on a narrow trail. This is the last section before reaching the Sun Gate, also the steep part (50 stairs) was there to make the hike more changenging the hike. However all those did not stop Gary, he was still moving, pushing his body to the limit.
Finally, we reached the Sun Gate and had the first glimpse of Machu Picchu. What a great view we got there. Finally! Gary made the new record, completing the 42 km (26 miles) of hiking along the Inca Trail. The last oldest one was 84 years, but Gary changed it with 86 years old.
Machu Picchu: The Seven Wonders of the World
Machu Picchu awaits us, We descend through the legendary Inca Trail as the Incas did hundreds of years ago. We hike towards the upper platform where we got the most famous photos. The day was very clear, the weather was on our side. We had one of the most fantastic day. The entire team was happy to complete the hike, and Gary finally changed the record, and he left his legacy as the oldest hiker on the Inca Trail.
Back to Cusco
After have survived the hike along the Classic Inca Trail, everyone was exhausted and wanted to back their hotel to get a great shower and rest in a proper bed. Our last stop should be in the town where we got lunch, rest a bit, then we board our returning train journey to get Ollantaytambo where we took our bus drive to Cusco.
The Inca Trail Knows No Age: A Journey of Perseverance
After those four days hiking along the Inca Trail, Gary was a big inspiration to keep doing the right things and motivate me to love more my job, meeting more incredible people who comes to this beautiful country to explore, learn and challenging themself in the high altitude mountains is one of the most exciting activities in this life. I am very happy that life gave me chance to lead this incredible people through one of the most strenuous trail in the world.
Steps of the Strong
Gary Bybee has completed the hike to Machu Picchu 26 miles (42 km) in four days and three nights , supported by our trekking team, guide, chef, porters, his incredible family and friends. Hope this history of The Oldest Hiker on the Inca Trail motivates you to travel more and explore our beautiful world, especially the Classic Inca Trail. Our team will be ready to lead you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Andes.
Every step on this ancient path brings you closer to greatness — not just the wonder of Machu Picchu, but the strength you never knew you had. Walk with the ghosts of a mighty civilization, breathe with the clouds, and rise with the mountains. The trail is tough — but so are you.
Articles that might interest you!
- Classic Inca Trail FAQs
- Inca Trail Information
- Inca Trail: Ulitmate Packing List
- Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek
