Itinerary
Day 1: Cuzco - Ollantaytambo - KM 82 (2,570m) - Trek to Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m) (L/D)
Stop At: Inca Trail, Cusco 08000 Peru
Accommodation pick-up is between 5:45-6:00 am. Please make all of the necessary preparations one day prior to the trek. You will be taken by bus to the town of Ollantaytambo, where you will have an hour to eat breakfast on your own and purchase last-minute snacks, water and walking sticks. Then you will hop back on the bus to Piscacucho (KM 82) where the famous Inca Trail journey will begin. Bring your original passport, student card (if applicable) for the first Inca Trail checkpoint. Your guide will have your tickets for you. Hike along rolling hills in the Vilcanota River Valley passing by several small archaeological sites along the way. Lunch will be prepared half-way and you will have time to relax before reaching Wayllabamba camp (2,980m).
Inclusions: Cuzco Accommodation Pick-Up, Bus Cuzco – KM 82 (starting point of trek), 1 Night Camping
Meals: 1 Lunch / 1 Dinner
Trekking: 10 kilometers / 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate trek along a rolling path gradually ascending from Piscacucho KM 82 (2,570m) through the Urubamba river valley for 10 KM to reach Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m).
Duration: 18 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight camping at Wayllabamba camp
Day 2: Trek to Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m) via Dead Woman's Pass (4,215m) (B/L/D)
Stop At: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu Peru
After an early breakfast around 6:00 am you will start off on the most challenging day along the trail, with a vertical hike of 6 km (approx. 5 hours) to reach Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215m followed by a 3 km hike down stone steps to reach Pacaymayo camp at 3,600m (approx. 2 hours). Take your time and rest as much as you need, as you will ascend more than 1,200 meters over the course of the morning. Just after you cross Dead Woman's Pass you will be rewarded with spectacular views of nearby snow-capped mountain peaks and roaring waterfalls. Stroll slowly down to Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m) to enjoy the scenery. Arrive in time for lunch and a well-deserved nap. Then you will have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the camp before dinner and an early bedtime.
Inclusions: 1 Night Camping
Meals: 1 Breakfast / 1 Lunch / 1 Dinner
Trekking: 10 kilometers / 7 hours
Difficulty: Difficult trekking day starting at Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m) with a constant and demanding ascent of 6.4 KM to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m), an elevation gain of 1,200 vertical meters. Descend another 2.4 KM along a stone staircase to reach Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m), a decrease in elevation of 800 vertical meters.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight at Pacaymayo Camp
Day 3: Trek to Wiñayhuayna Camp (2,650m) via Runquracay Pass (3,950m) (B/L/D)
Stop At: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu Peru
Start with a one-hour hike uphill to visit the Pacaymayo archaeological site. Continue one hour to Runquracay Pass (3,950m) where you can summit the mountain for incredible views of surrounding peaks. Visit 2 more archaeological sites called Sayacmarca & Phuyupatamarca with your guide and have lunch along the way. By late afternoon you will reach Wiñayhuayna High Jungle camp (2,650m) set above a river valley in a high jungle climate. After dinner, say a big THANK YOU to your porters and guides.
Inclusions: 1 Night Camping
Meals: 1 Breakfast / 1 Lunch / 1 Dinner
Trekking: 15 kilometers / 9 hours
Difficulty: Moderate ups and downs along ancient Inca stairways for 15 KM from Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m) crossing over Runquracay Pass (3,950m) ending at Wiñayhuayna High Jungle Camp (2,650m) with breaks at scenic archaeological sites along the way.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight at Wiñayhuayna High Jungle camp (2,650m)
Day 4: Trek to Sun Gate (2,720m) - Explore Machu Picchu (2,400m) - Return to Cuzco (B)
Stop At: Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, 08680, Peru
Wake up between 3:30 and 4:30 am and have breakfast. Get on the trail early and head to the Wiñaywayna checkpoint, joining the lineup to wait for the gate to open at 5:30 am. Once the gate opens, hike about an hour to reach the Sun Gate. We'll keep our fingers crossed for a clear day! Catch the first glimpses of light over the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Then continue down the final length of the trail for 40 minutes to reach the Machu Picchu archaeological complex.
Visit this magical site on a 2-hour guided tour and learn about the history of this incredible Inca citadel. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore on your own and take pictures at your leisure. If you're feeling adventurous, take an optional trek to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (must be booked in advance). Return to Aguas Calientes from where you will catch a train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you will take a bus back to Cuzco, arriving back by 8:30pm. You will be dropped off late in the day at the Plaza San Francisco. Please make your own way back to the accommodation of your choice.
Inclusions: 2-Hour Machu Picchu Guided Visit, Bus Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes, Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo, Bus Ollantaytambo - Cuzco
Meals: 1 Breakfast
Trekking: 7 kilometers / 2 hours
Difficulty: Follow an easy, flat and narrow 7 KM path from Wiñayhuayna High Jungle Camp (2,650m) to the Sun Gate (2,720m) and finally descend into the archaeological site of Machu Picchu (2,400m)
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
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No accommodation included on this day.
See Availability.
Traveler pickup is offered
Please note that there is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cuzco Headquarters one day prior to departure at 6 PM. You will receive detailed information on your excursion, a list of what to bring and confirm your departure details.
Bamba is located at:
Calle Matara 242, Second Floor. Cuzco, Peru
Tel: +51 84 205234 Emergency Contact: Ruth: 984008440 Sekwanele: 961805117
05:30 AM
4 days(approx.)
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Minimum age is 7 years
Typical Meals on the Trek: On all of our Treks to Machu Picchu we search for great cooks who provide you with the best tasting meals on the mountain, with specialty menus and the freshest local ingredients available. Here is an idea of what you will be eating during your trek. *Vegetarian Option Available Upon Request (please advise at least 2 days in advance). BREAKFASTS: Hot porridge, quinoa or oats, fried eggs, omelet or pancakes with fresh bread, fried bananas and boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate and milk. LUNCH & DINNER: First Course: Quinoa, corn, noodle, asparagus, mushroom or vegetable soup, stuffed avocado or potatoes. Second Course: Chicken breast, beef stew, quinoa, fried rice, hamburgers, fried chicken, spaghetti bolognese, typical dishes: aji de gallina (chilli pepper chicken), escabeche de pollo (marinated chicken) or ajiaco de olluco (spicy potato stew). Desserts: Fried plantains, chocolate pudding, chocolate or vanilla cake and boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate and milk. SNACKS: Boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate and milk with popcorn, cookies, crackers.
Not wheelchair accessible
IMPORTANT: Please note that Inca Trail Trek permits (INCLUDED in your booking) sell fast, so we recommend booking in advance. If there are no more permits at the time you book the trip, we will suggest you an alternative hike to Machu Picchu, or you can get a full refund.
Accommodation options: During the trek single travelers will share a tent with another traveler of the same sex and couples will have a tent to themselves
Physical Requirements: This hike is demanding, it’s important to be in good physical condition; The Inca Trail elevation changes make the hike strenuous as there are three passes during the hike and you will have 1.2 miles (1,950 meters) of uphill and 1.4-miles (2,250 meters) of descent
Important: You must provide the following information upon booking: Full name (exactly as it appears on the passport), date of birth, nationality, passport number, date of passport expiration, which must be valid for at least 6 months past the date of travel; Without this information, the local tour operator will be unable to make the booking
You will have a guide during the trek and on the Machu Picchu tour. However, during your bus and train transfers you will not be accompanied by a guide.
Daily departures with a group of 4 or more
No departures in February due to unfavorable climatic conditions
The COMPLETE service INCLUDES a thermal sleeping bag, foam sleeping mat, duffel bag & porter to carry a total of 7kgs of personal gear for each trekker (3kgs sleeping bag & mat + 4kgs personal items). The reduced BASIC (LIGHT) service ONLY INCLUDES a basic foam sleeping mat and EXCLUDES the thermal sleeping bag, duffel bag & porter to carry personal gear. You will carry your own backpack, sleeping bag, mattress & personal gear. EXTRA ITEMS FOR RENT IN CUZCO: Inflatable Sleeping Mattress, Professional Trekking Poles.
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
SUGGESTED PACKING LIST: Bring or Rent in Cuzco: hiking poles, rain pants, rain poncho, trekking boots, sandals, warm socks, sweater, thermals, hat, gloves, sun hat, sun block, sun glasses, flashlight/torch, camera, extra batteries and memory card (there is limited to no electricity available during the trek), waterproof bags for your camera, hand sanitizer, personal first aid kit, water bottle. Bring extra cash for snacks, water, gatorade which doubles or triples in price along the trail.
DON'T FORGET THE ESSENTIALS: Original passport, visa (if applicable), insurance card, personal medications.
Travellers who booked their trip using one passport, then renewed or replaced it afterward, must carry their old passport or a photocopy with them on the trip.
*Please note that there is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cuzco Headquarters one day prior to departure at 6 PM. You will receive detailed information on your excursion, a list of what to bring and confirm your departure details.
As of June 11, 2022, all travelers over 18 years old must have three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. That means two regular doses plus a booster. Passengers from 12 to 17 years old must prove they are vaccinated with two doses. If they do not have a complete scheme, they must present the negative result of an RT-PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before boarding in their country of origin.
No more than 500 people per day are allowed to start the Inca Trail trek at km. 82; This number includes all support staff (ie. porters, cooks and guides) and is very tightly controlled; Once this limit of 500 people is reached, the Trail is effectively closed off for the day and no further bookings can be made; Reservations are not held on the Trail and all permits to trek must be bought as far as possible in advance with complete and correct passport information, to which no modifications can be made; Any attempts at modifications will result in a loss of the permit and any money paid.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
Posted By : Oscar_P
Words can't describe how amazing this trip was...The Lares Trek is incredibly beautiful, we were the only hiking group at this point, which felt really special. The route is stunning, we met a lot of very friendly local families on a huge variety of wildlife on the way. The food which was freshly cooked for us by Ivan & Ruddi was sooo delicious, we really did not expect this variety and quality on a hike (thank you guys for taking such great care of us) Also thanks to Jonathan who was our driver and helped with all the setting up, he was super funny and highly professional! The communication with Bamba Travel was amazing, they answered to all of our questions very quickly. Big thanks here to Kwaneli: we rocked up at the agency in Cusco one day before the briefing and she took time to set us down and explain some things, which made us feel so comfortable and very excited for the tour.
Now last, but not least to our dear guide Francisco..he has been the best Guide we ever had on any tour!! He is so pure and nice and has an incredible knowledge about the Inkas and gave us so much information about the Quechua communities. We could tell that he is not just doing his job, he is really speaking from his heart and wanted to share his knowledge with us. He made us all so comfortable and constantly made sure everyone is doing good. We were all truly sad that we had to say goodbye and would love to do another tour with him in the future!! Tupananchiskama :)
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Posted On : 2024-05-02
Posted By : 775sondres
Our guide, porters and chef made our Inca trail experience unforgetable. They took care of us at all times, and provided us everything with we needed. A special thanks to Junior for being an amazing guide, and being so good at educating us about the history! 10/10🙌🏻
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Posted On : 2024-04-28
Posted By : Olav S
Awesome experience, good food, Even greater guide. Learned alot! The nature and the trail is a once in a lifetime experience!
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Posted On : 2024-04-28
Posted By : ryannev2023
It was one of the best guided tour I have done in my life and I have done many 😀😀!
Francisco is a great guide. He was very good prepared, knew a lot about the machu punch and the Inca trail, but more importantly he was also able to share this in an inspiring and captivative manner. ( and he speaks very good English)
He served the different needs of the various group members ( not one size with all), making the hike for all of us what we wanted or needed.
The hike and trail are beautiful, not overcrowded, with great views ( and a lot of steps 🤩)
We had a great group of porters, who took care of us very well, including 3 delicious meals a day!
So if you want to do the Inca trail, there is only one travel agency to go with!!
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Posted On : 2024-03-26
Posted By : 814xank
We had such an incredible experience! What a blessing to have such an amazing guide in Francisco. His knowledge and passion were evident literally every step of the trail! Our porters were the best team and so fun to hang out with. The food was delicious and the vegetarian meals never made me feel left out. Obviously the trek itself was utter magic and the Bamba team made it an even more magical experience than we could have ever imagined!
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Posted On : 2024-03-25
Posted By : 17phoe
I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a great experience on the Inca trail to Machu Picchu.
Junior and John our guides, and the whole chef/porter team were honestly amazing and made the trip great from start to finish.
The whole set up was so amazing considering we were hiking on mountains the whole time, from the tents, to the food it was was amazing and we were never left hungry.
The daily walking was broken down into enjoyable manageable sections, breaks were taken whenever needed and we visited different Inca sights each day where Junior told us lots of interesting information.
If you’re considering booking with Bamba don’t hesitate, they were very professional, safety was always considered and most importantly it was a lot of fun!
Thank you to Junior, John and the whole team for making our experience so great.
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Posted On : 2024-03-17
Posted By : Furby076
We came to hike the Inca trail and it was an amazing experience. It is a very difficult trip, but well worth it.
For our trip we had Carlos as our guide. He is a fantastic guy. Polite and helpful. He has a lot of knowledge of the history and culture and his animated explanations made it more exciting.
Our chef Alejandro cooked amazing meals. During the trip, while chatting with Carlos, we mentioned we just got married. On our last night they made us home-made chocolate cake to celebrate. How awesome is that, that 1) they could make a cake while camping and 2) he had the ingredients. We never mentioned our marriage when we booked the trip. The food was great and had a lot of variety. They also accommodate special needs (vegetarian, pescatarian, etc)
Finally, the porters were amazing. The head porter, Jesus, runs a tight ship and everything is ready to go. Our tents are ready for us, food is timed to come out when we arrive.
The trip was hard, but an amazing experience. A few tips
1) when they suggest to get the hiking poles, GET the hiking poles. Just do it.
2) most of this trip are stone "stairs". Some of these "stairs" can be 30 inches high. For sure they are absolutely, not even remotely close, to being uniform.
3) make sure to have 100% waterproof gear (goretex), altitude medicine (before you arrive to Cusco), and layers.
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Posted On : 2024-03-12
Posted By : victoriabG9750VS
Me and my friends had the absolute best time during this inka trail. We went in the rainy-season, so we were expecting quite heavy rain, but we were really lucky, only the second day it was raining, the rest it was shadow/sun. Our tour guide and the assistant guide - Junior and his brother John - was the best guides we could ever hope for. So intelligent, interessted in his job, friendly and funny. We were also lucky enough to make great friends along the way. Saynom-the head chef-made us delicious peruvian three-course lunch and dinners every day-you won’t go hungry.
11/10 experience, would recommend to everyone!
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Posted On : 2024-03-10
Posted By : jonasfjerhad
I had an amazing time with Junior and the entire team. His fun spirit and knowledge about everything from Inca culture to the ecosystem made this trip wonderful. The food was amazing and the team were incredible helpful and positive. I fully recommend Junior, John and Cenon. 10/10
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Posted On : 2024-03-10
Posted By : lukaskH5100EU
Unforgettable experience. The highlight of our trip to Peru by far. For any nature lovers who don’t mind sleeping in a tent in the cloud forest I will most certainly recommended this trail. Great deal of knowledge and passion about Incas culture from our guide who spoke fluent English. And the food that we’ve been served 3x a day!! Wow!! That could as well be the only reason to do this trek again 😊
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Posted On : 2024-02-16
