I’m 92-years-old and set the record for the oldest person to cross the Grand Canyon on foot- here is my advice on longevity

A 92-year-old has broken the record for oldest person to hike a 24-mile trail across the Grand Canyon after completing the trek in 21 hours. 

Guinness World Records announced this week Alfredo Aliaga Burdio, from Berlin, set a new record for oldest male to journey across the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim on foot. 

Mr Burdio earned his title after completing the hike on October 15, breaking the previous record set by John Jepkema who was 91 years and 152 days old when he briefly held the title in March. 

The National Park Foundation rates the rim-to-rim trail as strenuous and reports less than one percent of the Grand Canyon’s 5million annual visitors embark on the journey. 

The hike consists of a 14.3-mile stretch that sees visitors descend 6,000 feet to the bottom of the canyon. Then, hikers trek an additional 9.6 miles, climbing back up 4,500 feet. 

Despite only beginning to live a healthy lifestyle at 76 years old, Mr Burdio attributes his fitness and longevity to four things: A healthy diet, drinking mostly water, walking 30 minutes per day and getting eight hours of sleep per night. 

Guinness World Records announced this week Alfredo Aliaga Burdio, from Berlin , set a new record for oldest male to journey across the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim on foot

Mr Burdio completed the challenge alongside his daughter and her husband in October 2023

This didn’t deter Mr Burdio, however, who has hiked the Grand Canyon in Arizona multiple times. In January 2023, he began training for the rim-to-rim hike, beginning with daily eight-mile walks. 

Mr Burdio told Guinness: ‘I noticed that the training every day had made a difference.’ 

He also attributed his fitness and longevity to four factors, The Guardian reported: Watching what he eats, drinking water, walking 30 minutes daily and ‘sleeping in the dark of the night for eight hours.’

While his attempt was initially set for May, snow and damage from meltwater closed several trails along his route. 

After delaying his trip, Mr Burdio was finally able to kick off, embarking at 6 am on October 14. He made a brief pit stop at an overlook at 6:20 am to watch the sunrise before resuming what would be an arduous trip. 

Mr Burdio and his group began at the North Rim trailhead, hiking for 11 hours and 15 minutes on the first day. They reached Phantom Ranch where there is lodging for hikers. 

On the second day, it took the group 10 hours to reach the South Rim trailhead, where they finished and Mr Burdio solidified his place in the record books.  

Now, the 92-year-old his sights on setting new records by being the oldest person to hike trails in the Andes Mountains in South America

Mr Burdio began training for the rim-to-rim hike by taking with daily eight-mile walks

The trail along the rim-to-rim hike is very steep in some places, but the 92-year-old made sure to take short breaks every hour. 

He said: ‘I was very tired after those first five hours. What surprised me is that after about a 15-minute break, some food, and electrolytes, I recovered and felt strong again and was ready to tackle the next seven hours.’ 

Mr Burdio added that walking at a slow and steady pace and staying mentally motivated was key: ‘I think of the next step and the next, and not how far I still have to go.

‘Then it is not so overwhelming and very doable.’

The avid hiker completed the journey alongside his daughter, her husband and two volunteer witnesses to track and document his attempt. 

He said: ‘Can you believe that two people who would usually cross the Canyon in eight hours agreed to be witnesses, walked at my speed, and were unwavering in their support.’ 

His entire trip took from 34 hours and 2 minutes, though actual hiking time was 21 hours and 15 minutes. 

While many visitors have successfully completed the rim-to-rim trail, the National Park Foundation warns even the most avid hikers and physically fit people need to take training seriously – comparing the trail to climbing Mt Whitney in California, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. 

Mr Burdio said he hopes his feat shows others it is never too late to do what you love and achieve new goals, adding his only began living a ‘healthy lifestyle’ at 76 years old. 

The 92-year-old has further plans to hike the Grand Canyon later this year, but won’t be looking to set another record. Instead, he has his sights on setting new records by being the oldest person to hike trails in the Andes Mountains in South America. 

Though he added: ‘But I have to see how I am doing then. I am getting older.’