Mount Kilimanjaro and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are two of the most famous hikes in the world. They comprise bucket list treks for many people.

Here’s how they compare.

Trip Overview

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, East Africa. It is the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest freestanding mountain on Earth. Kilimanjaro was formed by volcanic activity. Today, it is a dormant stratovolcano. While people often refer to “climbing” Kilimanjaro, it is strictly a hiking peak, requiring no technical skills or mountaineering equipment to reach the summit.

The Inca Trail is a located in Peru, South America. It was built by the Inca civilization in the 15th century. The historic route traverses the Andes Mountains on stone pathways. It winds through Incan ruins and ends at the ancient city of Machu Picchu. The highest point of Inca Trail follows, and scenic mountain passes.

Guides are required on both Kilimanjaro and the Inca Trail. Independent trekking is not allowed. Permits must be obtained through a registered tour operator.

Trip Duration

Climbing Kilimanjaro typically takes between 5 and 9 days, depending on the route. The Inca Trail is much shorter, typically taking 4 days.

Hiking Conditions

Kilimanjaro’s terrain is diverse, changing dramatically as you ascend through its five ecological zones. The trail begins in rainforest, where the path is often damp and muddy. As you gain altitude, the forest transitions to the heath and moorland zone, where the trail is mostly compact dirt and rock. The alpine desert zone follows, a barren landscape with loose gravel, volcanic rock, and dry, cracked ground. Finally, the route to the summit in the arctic zone is comprised mostly of loose scree along with some snowy patches.

Kilimanjaro’s climate is dictated by altitude. The rainforest is humid and warm. As climbers ascend, temperatures cool significantly. The moorland and alpine desert zones are dry, with daytime temperatures around 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 16°C), but nights drop below freezing. The summit is bitterly cold. Nighttime temperatures can plunge to -20°F (-29°C) or lower, with high winds. Snow and ice are possible year-round, and summit day is often the coldest, most grueling part of the trek.

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons, from December to mid-March and from mid-June to October.

The Inca Trail follows a stone-paved route for the majority of the way, accompanied by some sections of dirt paths. The trail winds through rugged Andean mountains, cloud forests, and ancient ruins. Many sections feature steep staircases carved into the mountainside. The trail also passes through several narrow ridgelines, tunnels, and terraced ruins before reaching Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail’s climate is influenced by season rather than altitude. Temperatures are more stable compared to Kilimanjaro. The best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is more stable, and rain is less frequent. During the dry season, daytime temperatures range from 55°F to 75°F (13°C to 24°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 30°F to 40°F (-1°C to 4°C) at higher campsites.

While the Inca Trail is challenging due to steep steps and elevation changes, Kilimanjaro’s terrain is overall harder due to varying conditions. Furthermore, Kilimanjaro’s climate is harsher, with freezing temperatures at high altitudes and extreme weather shifts. The Inca Trail is more moderate, with milder but wetter conditions. Trekkers on both routes must prepare for unpredictable weather, but Kilimanjaro demands more extreme cold-weather gear.

Hiking Difficulty

Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude trek that requires multi-day endurance. The starting elevation is around 5,000 to 7,000 feet (1,524 to 2,134 meters) and tops out at Uhuru Peak (19,341 feet/5,895 meters).

Most of the day hikes are considered easy to moderate by hiking standards, requiring 4 to 6 hours of walking at a slow pace, excluding breaks. This gradual ascent is intentional as the main obstacle in reaching the top is failure to acclimatize to the high altitude. The summit attempt is the most challenging part, involving a grueling 10 to 14-hour push from high camp to the top and back down. Thin air, extreme weather, including freezing temperatures and high winds, adds to the difficulty.

The risk of getting altitude sickness is the primary concern for climbers. The success rate varies significantly based on trip length, with shorter itineraries offering less time for acclimatization. Shorter routes have reported success rates as low as 27%. However, longer routes such as 8 day Lemosho and 9 day Northern Circuit are ideal for their high success rates. Ultimate Kilimanjaro’s success rates for these routes range between 90%-98%.

The Inca Trail begins at around 8,530 feet (2,600 meters) and reaches its highest point at Dead Woman’s Pass (13,828 feet/4,215 meters) before descending to Machu Picchu at 7,970 feet (2,430 meters).

The day hikes are similar to those on Kilimanjaro, with walking times of about 4 to 7 hours, excluding breaks. In general, the Inca Trail has steeper, more abrupt elevation gains and losses. The most difficult stretch is the ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass. While altitude can be an problematic for some, the lower overall elevation and gradual ascent make altitude sickness less common compared to Kilimanjaro. The success rate for the Inca Trail is over 95%.

Compared to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, climbing Kilimanjaro is harder overall due to higher elevations, longer trip duration, and the brutal summit day.

Hiking Accommodations

On most Kilimanjaro routes, climbers sleep in tents at designated campsites. Mountain crews set up camp, prepare meals, and assist climbers throughout the journey. The conditions are rugged, with limited facilities. There are no showers.

On the Inca Trail, trekkers also sleep in tents at designated sites. However, the final night can be spent in Aguas Calientes, a town at the base of Machu Picchu, where hotels and hot showers are available. Meals are prepared by porters and cooks, similar to Kilimanjaro expeditions.

Hiking Popularity

Kilimanjaro attracts 30,000 to 50,000 climbers per year. As one of the Seven Summits, it is one of the most sought-after trekking destinations worldwide. The Inca Trail is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world, with permits selling out months in advance. Strict regulations limit the number of trekkers to 500 per day, including guides and porters.

Both hikes are highly popular, but Kilimanjaro sees more overall climbers due to fewer permit restrictions.

Conclusion

Kilimanjaro and the Inca Trail are very different trekking experiences.

Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude mountaineering challenge, requiring endurance and acclimatization for extreme altitude. The main draw is the chance of summiting Africa’s highest peak and one of the world’s most iconic mountains.

Inca Trail, while physically demanding, is done at lower altitude and with a shorter duration. The main draw is visiting to the legendary Machu Picchu. Unlike Kilimanjaro, the Inca Trail is not just about physical endurance—it is a more of a cultural and historical journey.