Training Kids for Big Hikes: A Family’s Inca Trail Story | HikeStrong | Ep. 40

Can kids hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu? In this episode of HikeStrong, Marcus talks with Anna, a mom of three who trained with her family for one of the world’s most iconic treks.Anna and her husband wanted to create a meaningful adventure with their 13-year-old twin daughters and 14-year-old son, but they also had real concerns: altitude, stairs, endurance, mental toughness, and whether the kids would be ready for one of the world’s most iconic treks.Anna shares how her family prepared in Georgia using local hikes, step-ups, stairs, trekking poles, snacks, and milestone elevation challenges. She also talks about motivating teenagers, managing setbacks, and building confidence before leaving for Peru.The heart of the episode comes on Day 2 of the Inca Trail, during the climb to Dead Woman’s Pass. The daughter Anna once had to encourage through training hikes became the one encouraging her mom, saying, “You’ve got this, Mom.”This conversation is about much more than hiking. It is about parenting, adventure, preparation, doing hard things as a family, and helping kids discover what they are capable of.HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.comLIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast