which is harder, machu picchu or kilimanjaro?

“Which is harder, Machu Picchu or Kilimanjaro!?”

We hear this question a lot, so if you are wondering this too, then you’re reading the right blog! Let's compare the challenges of the Machu Picchu hike and climbing Kilimanjaro to help you make an informed decision for your next awesome adventure!

The Machu Picchu Hike

The Machu Picchu hike is an iconic adventure that takes you through stunning landscapes and ancient Inca ruins in the Peruvian Andes. There are several routes to Machu Picchu, each offering a unique experience. One of the lesser-known but equally rewarding routes is the Tomacaya Route, which takes you through hidden valleys and high passes before descending into the famous Machu Picchu site. On the other hand, the classic Inca Trail is a well-trodden path that winds its way through diverse landscapes, culminating in the awe-inspiring Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu.

• Altitude: The Machu Picchu trek involves hiking at high altitudes, reaching over 4,000 meters above sea level. Altitude sickness can be a concern for some trekkers.
• Trekking Conditions: The trails can be rugged and challenging, with steep ascents and descents, especially on routes like the Inca Trail.
• Permits: Securing permits for popular routes like the Inca Trail can be competitive, requiring advanced booking and planning - We sort out your permits!

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a bucket-list adventure that takes you to the roof of Africa. Standing at 5,895 meters above sea level, Kilimanjaro is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. There are several routes to choose from, with the longer routes offering more gradual acclimatization and higher success rates.

• Altitude: Kilimanjaro's high altitude poses a significant challenge, with altitude-related illnesses like altitude sickness and pulmonary edema being common concerns. - Something you can do to test your body at altitude is to head over to the Altitude Centre in London, they have everything you need to test your fitness and to see how the body reacts at altitude.
• Summit Night: The final push to the summit involves an overnight climb, typically starting in the early hours of the morning to reach the summit at sunrise. This can be physically and mentally demanding. But the views at the top are unreal.
• Variable Weather: Weather conditions on Kilimanjaro can change rapidly, from scorching heat at lower elevations to freezing temperatures and snow at higher elevations. You need to be prepared for everything nature throws at you!

So, which is harder, Machu Picchu or Kilimanjaro? Both treks present their own set of challenges, from altitude to trekking conditions. Ultimately, the difficulty of each trek will depend on factors such as your fitness level, prior hiking experience, and ability to acclimatize to high altitudes.

If you're up for the challenge and seeking a cultural and historical experience, the Machu Picchu hike might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a true test of endurance and the opportunity to summit one of the world's highest peaks, climbing Kilimanjaro could be the adventure of a lifetime.

It could be a great idea to experience something smaller like Machu Picchu first, getting used to the feeling of altitude and then go for it on Kilimanjaro!

So if you have a life to get back to, you’re better off trying our Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail hike. The trekking part of the trip is 5 days with the overall trip away being 10 days in total. There’s room on these days for exploring the local area of Cusco, which is awesome.

The Kilimanjaro adventure is an 8 day trek, 11 days in total - for acclimatization and exploring the local areas and experiencing the culture in Moshi. After all, it’s not just about the trek!

So with these trips there isn’t a massive difference in terms of overall length, but the trekking itself is shorter on Machu Picchu compared to Kili.

Whichever adventure you choose, be sure to prepare thoroughly, train regularly, and listen to your body along the way. With the right mountain mindset and determination, you can smash either Machu Picchu or Kilimanjaro and create awesome memories that will last a lifetime!

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