Trace the path of the original Inca Trail during an unforgettable 4-day, 3-night trip along this classic road to Machu Picchu. Follow the footsteps of this ancient people as you cross mountain terrain and lush jungles and explore fascinating Inca ruins like Wiñay Wayna, hiking toward the ‘Lost City of the Incas.’ On your final day, wake up early to reach Machu Picchu's iconic Sun Gate at sunrise, watching the first rays of light creep across the landscape. Then spend the morning exploring this incredible mountaintop archaeological site with your guide. This classic Inca Trail trek also features hotel pickup, camping accommodations, bus and train transfers, entrance fees, three days of meals and snacks and porters to carry shared equipment. Please note: Inca Trail trek permits, included in your booking, sells fast, so we advise you booking in advance. If there are no more permits for your booking, we'll suggest an alternative hike to Machu Picchu, or you can get a full refund.

4-day, 3-night Machu Picchu tour
Explore with a professional guide
Enjoy the intimacy of a small-group tour
Meals, entrance fees, and transfers included

What's Included

Pre-departure briefing
Accommodation Pick-Up on Day 1
Bus Cuzco - KM 82 Piscacucho (starting point of trek)
Tourist Bus Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
Tourist Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo (2 hours)
Bus Ollantaytambo to Cuzco (1.5 hours)
Professional Bilingual Guide on trek & Machu Picchu tour
Camping Accommodation during trek (including tent for 2 people & Basic sleeping pad)
Porters and cook to carry all shared camping equipment
First aid kit
Emergency oxygen bottle
Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 6
The COMPLETE option INCLUDES a Thermal Sleeping Bag, Porter & Duffel Bag to carry a total of 7kgs of personal gear for each trekker (3kgs for your sleeping bag & mattress plus 4kgs of personal items)
The BASIC option EXCLUDES a Thermal Sleeping Bag, Porter & Duffel Bag for personal gear.
Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) and three snacks (veggie option available)
Breakfast (3)
Dinner (3)
Lunch (3)

Airport Pick-Up (please make your own way)
Sleeping Bag for BASIC package (Rental $15 USD for the trek)
Day 1 Breakfast, Day 4 Lunch, Bottled Water
Guide for bus and train transfers (these portions are on your own)
Optional Extras - Inflatable Sleeping Mattress ($15 USD for the trek) - Professional Trekking Poles ($15 USD for the trek) - Huayna Picchu Trek (200 Soles) - Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (200 Soles) Optional Huayna Picchu Trek (at an extra cost) must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance.
Accommodation in Cuzco
Tips (Tipping is 100% optional depending on the service you received. Although tipping is customary in Latin America, it is NOT mandatory. If you do wish to give a tip, we recommend $40-50 USD per trekker for the entire team of porters, cooks and guides.
Prices for optional activities are subject to change at any time without prior notice. Please confirm these prices before departing on the trek.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Start time

05:30 AM

Pickup details

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

What To Expect

Day 1

Cuzco - Ollantaytambo - KM 82 (2,570m) - Trek to Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m) (L/D)

1 Stop

Inca Trail

18 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Accommodation: Overnight camping at Wayllabamba camp

Meals: LunchDinner

Day 2

Trek to Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m) via Dead Woman's Pass (4,215m) (B/L/D)

1 Stop

Inca Trail

1 day • Admission Ticket Free

Accommodation: Overnight at Pacaymayo Camp

Meals: BreakfastLunchDinner

Day 3

Trek to Wiñayhuayna Camp (2,650m) via Runquracay Pass (3,950m) (B/L/D)

1 Stop

Inca Trail

1 day • Admission Ticket Free

Accommodation: Overnight at Wiñayhuayna High Jungle camp (2,650m)

Meals: BreakfastLunchDinner

Day 4

Trek to Sun Gate (2,720m) - Explore Machu Picchu (2,400m) - Return to Cuzco (B)

1 Stop

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

12 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Accommodation: Not included

Meals: Breakfast

Additional Info

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
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 tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

357 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 357 reviews

No way that happened!!

Marc_O, Nov 2023

I wil do my best to write about my experience. The whole adventure was by far one of my most enjoyable and terrifying things I have done in my life. One of the reasons I did this was because of my fear of heights. Obviously, that was tested! Francisco and the whole team were so very helpful and accommodating. They ere informative and engaging. The porters were beasts and so very kind! Telling stories now that I’m back home, the experience seems so surreal. This will be a highlight of my traveling days for a lifetime!

Best experience!

Robert_O, Aug 2023

The trip was fantastic and beyond our greatest expectations! The guide, Percy, was wonderful--so kind, helpful, friendly and encouraging. I would recommend him to anyone. And the porters were amazing!

Poor initial organisation, but a fantastic trip eventually....

P_P, Feb 2023

Firstly, the 4 Day trek to Machu Picchu via the Inca trail did not happen as it was booked out. I was informed to move to alternate dates only after my payment was taken and hence was "locked" in. The alternative for the same days was Machu Picchu via the Lares Trek trail was offered at the same price and we tool it up. The trail was changed for a location at last minute due to some road works. Until this point it was quite a grief sorting the itineraries out. However, once the trek started it was absolutely fantastic. Francesco was our tour guide and he really looked after up. He is well informed an patiently explained the detailed history of the Incas. He really made the trip well worth it. The trek and finally Machu Picchu including the summit hike were terrific. I highly recommend the tour esp if you have Francesco.

Amazing experience

Brian_S, Oct 2022

Amazing adventure, superb, professional staff and guide to ensured our maximum experience. And the food!!! Best on this Trek that we had in all of Peru so far. Doing this particular trip is the best option, you get to do the best part of the Inca trail and Machu Picchu but more importantly you challenge yourself in the Lars highland connecting with the mountains and traditional villages while avoiding the crowds.

Hi everyone. I just...

Suzanne_H, May 2022

Hi everyone. I just finished hiking the Inca Trail (with the most intuitive, helpful, thoughtful and very knowledgeable Guide, Francisco). I'm not in the best shape- (if you want to do this hike YOU SHOULD TRAIN BECAUSE IT'S DIFFICULT) and Francisco was very patient with me, as were my peers from the group (THANK GOD!). The hike was very demanding but Francisco never rushed me, was patient, and KNEW how to manage a group with people that hiked at a faster paste. The chef was INCREDIBLE and the porters were AMAZING. This was such a beautiful trip.. if you want to do this hike, give the hamburgers a break and get your booty out for some walks and hikes. THANK YOU FRANCISCO AND EVERYONE WHO WAS IN THIS GROUP!!!

Overbooked Inca Trek and did Lares Trek instead

Freddy_C, May 2022

NOTE: we had booked the Inca Trail initially and were later informed that it was sold out (this is not uncommon). We did the 4D/3N Lares Trek instead. This excursion was a dream from start to finish. Francisco our tour guide was so, so, so kind, funny, knowledgeable, and passionate about Inca culture and history, the Andean nature and its people. His English is very good and he is very attentive to everyone’s needs. We spent each night playing cards with him and he didn’t hesitate to go above and beyond to make sure we had a good time. Our chef Benigno cooked some of the best food we had during our 3 week stay in Peru - and that on two tiny camping gas stoves!!! Him and our horseman Luis were a very fun addition to our group and were always cheerful and kind. Both worked extremely hard under tough conditions and we really admired their dedication. In retrospective, we were actually pretty content with doing the Lares instead of the Inca trail. We didn’t see ANY other tourists during our trek and got to sleep in a traditional Andean village one night, which felt very unique. Note that since the reopening of Machu Picchu after the pandemic the rules for walking around the excavation site have become extremely strict and the park rangers will (seemingly randomly) tell you where you can and cannot go. Francisco knew how to navigate the situation and was able to convince the park rangers to let us access a special lookout spot before giving us a very informative and impressive tour through Machu Picchu. If you can, I would strongly suggest requesting Francisco as your tour guide. He was incredible and we would do the tour with him again in a heartbeat.

Awesome Adventure

CHERYL G, Nov 2019

Willie Huayaconza is an awesome guide with a good personality and very educational on the history of the Incan trail. The porters are super men, and the chefs prepare amazing tasting and presentation of meals. No one will go hungry. The trail is challenging, but for those who enjoy taking a break from socialization with a physical challenge, this is for you.

Great experience

Mariya_R, Jan 2019

This was one of the best trips my husband and I have taken. Despite the challenging terrain Francisco and Sergio made the whole experience fantastic. The food was also amazing! If we decide to go on another Peruvian trip we will definitely ask to have Francisco as a guide.

Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca...

George A, Sep 2018

Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is the base for the popular trek to Machu Picchu. 90-95 of the Tourists to Machu Picchu, use the traditional train route to Machu Picchu. Around 5-10 of more adventurous souls undertake the multi-day trek to Machu Picchu. Though the trek is tough and energy-sapping, at the end of it all, you will be thankful for the experience ... Trust me!

We had a blast! It was one of the...

Michael M, Nov 2017

We had a blast! It was one of the hardest hikes of my life but the guide service was amazing! Our guides Francisco and Sergio were fun, amazing, had a ton of information to share and were always motivating us forward. If you could ask for them as your guides you should. They kept us going and taught us more than we could have hoped for, answering all of our questions and providing much needed entertainment and distraction on some of the more difficult sections. The Porters carried and set up the tents everyday and the food was absolutely amazing, could not believe how great every meal was. I want to tel you more but it will be way more fun for you to be pleasantly surprised by your meals. The extra cost so that you can carry less would have been totally worth it so I recommend that top anyone. I carried a 15kg pack and it was not the best idea, would have been a lot easier to just pay a little extra, but I do feel like I earned the trip more than some of the others who had less weight, but I probably would have had more energy to explore Machu Picchu as well. The views were more than I could have hoped for, even with some rainy days the clouds seemed to magically disappear once we arrived at view points leaving us breathless or maybe it was the altitude. Be ready to climb stairs, because there are a lot of them, bring poles because going up and down stairs all day everyday is much much easier if you use the trek poles to help you up and especially down those with bad knees know what i am talking about. Overall I would highly recommend this trip. It was difficult so do some training before hand or pay the extra so you can have a small backpack rather than a hiking pack with gear. Either way it was an amazing experience that I will remember forever and be recommending to friends and family.

This tour was unforgettable, if you...

silk_2_italy, Aug 2017

This tour was unforgettable, if you have the time do to it and you are moderately fit it is a must do! The tour operator is 'La Bamba', and they organise a good tour briefing the day before the departure, so you can meet your guide and your tour companion. The scenery and flora changes dramatically each day of the tour and it is always breathtaking. The first day is basically flat and quite hot, and you already get to see some amazing Inca buildings. The second day is the hardest, but it is totally doable as there is plenty of time to get to the campsite, so everyone went at it is own pace, regrouping at defined resting spot, and then kept going. The third day you move from high nearly bare mountains to a flourishing jungle full of flowers and hummingbirds, stopping on the way to visit more Inca buildings. The fourth day is very rewarding as you eventually get to see Machu Picchu, and you have learnt so much on the way there that you can appreciate it much more that going there just taking the bus. Our guide, Francisco was amazing, he really make the difference, he knows all about he flora, fauna, history and custom of Peru and Inca. He answers all our questions and he was so passionate about Inca history, thanks to him we learnt so much. He was also very good organising the time of rest/meal during the hike, he was constantly making sure that everyone was well, not pushing to hard which is were altitude sickness gets you and having a good time. The train trip on the way back is also amazing, you will love it! Few notes: - The food was amazing during all the trip, they cater for vegetarian as well - You get hot water for freshing up in the morning and before meals - You only need to bring water for the first two days, after that they will boil water and give it to you it may be seasonally - It gets cold, bring warm clothes - Walking sticks helps a lot, especially going down the steep staircases - If you booked one of the extra hike from Machu Picchu make sure to request an entry window after 10am. They will give an hour entry window outside which you cannot start the hike. if your group is a bit slow or if the guide to Machu Picchu last longer than expected you may miss the window, but 10-11am window should be fine. - Tips, this can be difficult if you come from a country that doesn't do tips, all our group fell in this category and it got a bit awkward because they do make a big deal about tips, despite being not mandatory. What it will happen is that the last night of the trip there will be a tips ceremony, you will have to prepare two separate tips amounts, one for the cook and one for the porters. Then all the porters and cook are gathering around you and wait to receive the tips. In case of the porters you even have to state how the amount need to be divided about them because the boss porter may want to keep more for him. We clearly tip them less than expected because they were not happy. Suggestion: Walking Stick do help, especially for going down the step stairs.

Fantastic Bamba touring company...

Jiunyih L, Jul 2017

Fantastic Bamba touring company guide us to the adventure of our life time! We were well taken care of in a difficult climbing environment along the Inca Trail covering a four-day period, and our tour guide and the porters made sure we were encouraged, educated, fed with the ultra delicious traditional Peruvian cuisine to make sure we stay energized, and helped us achieving the difficult milestone by ultimately reaching Machu Picchu on a beautiful morning on the fourth day. Thank you!

My husband and I strongly recommend...

Amanda_S, Jul 2017

My husband and I strongly recommend that you book with a different tour provider. There are so many other operators that ran much more professional treks, and we often found ourselves regretting our decision to book with Bamba Experience. We had two guides for the trek, which was excessive given that we were in a group of only 4 hikers. Edwin, who I assume to be the 'head guide' was absent for much of the hike, trailing behind all of us. Elisabeth, who I assume to be the 'secondary guide', also trailed behind a great deal, though she ran up ahead when the group was travelling quickly. Many other groups had guides that were travelling with the group, and providing information and encouragement throughout the trek. The only times that our guides did this were at a few key points along the trail, and it was often rushed or very basic, as Elisabeth didn't appear confident in her English-speaking capabilities. The equipment provided along the trek was often in disrepair: the tent that we had our meals in was falling apart - it was literally held up by a twig that the porters would collect along the way the tents that we slept in were set up completely wrong every night - a problem when there are torrential downpours the sleeping bags reeked of body odour and clearly had not been laundered after their last use and the sleeping pads did not retain air. We greatly regret paying an extra sum of money to not have to worry about bringing our own sleeping bags/trekking poles/sleeping pads. Additionally, the porters were slow to arrive or set up at the camp sites, often leaving us to wait while they drank their chicha alcohol. We sat on the ground for over an hour on the first night of the trek waiting for them to arrive and set up our tents so that we could change out of our wet clothing and apply much-needed insect repellant, only to find out that they had been there for quite some time drinking alcohol at a local chicheria set up in a local family's home instead.

Yes, it was amazing. I loved every...

Pavel_P, Apr 2017

Yes, it was amazing. I loved every step on that trail and I got to celebrate my 60th birthday in top of Machu Picchu and on top of Huayna Picchu. The guides, the cooks and the porters did an excellent job. They were even able to make a birthday cake for me on my birthday. I will never forget this experience! A thousand thanks to Pavel my Peruvian brother to Raul, Elizabeth and everyone else!

Great tour!! I took my 2 kids 23 and...

William_M, Apr 2017

Great tour!! I took my 2 kids 23 and 16. We had the hardest hike of are life but the most beautiful one too! Food and guide was amazing. I would highly recommend but get in shape before you go! Deadwomans pass is a killer!

We went on the Bamba Experience...

Jia M, Jul 2016

We went on the Bamba Experience 4-Day Trek and it was such an incredible experience! We were a small group of 7 people, so it made the experience seem very intimate and we were able to learn so much about the culture of Peru. Our guide, Freddie was awesome -- he had so much knowledge to share and stories to tell which really made a difference. The meals that we had on the trip were awesome some of the best food we had during our 2 weeks in Peru. I would recommend getting the superior service because it helps to give a bit of your weight to the porters when doing the trek. All around an incredible trip that I would take again. Definitely recommend this to anyone!

My daughter's boyfriend got sick and...

John_A, Jun 2016

My daughter's boyfriend got sick and the tour agency accommodated for them to go to Machu Picchu anyway. Responsive to my phone calls. I will recommend.

Awesome! Our tour guide, Francisco...

Richard K, May 2016

Awesome! Our tour guide, Francisco, was incredibly knowledgeable and a generally fun person! We lucked out with weather, so all the views were amazing and the hike was very enjoyable. The first day, seemed to be the guide feeling out the group with frequent rests and explanations of flora and fauna. The 2nd day the guide lets you go at your own pace, as it is the hardest day. You hike over 'Dead Woman's Pass' at something like 13,600ft. The views are amazing. The next 2 days have some climbing but nothing you can't handle after experiencing the 2nd day. We opted for the superior package, which is worth it if solely for not having to lug your sleeping back and mattress pad on the hike. Some recommendations for the hike. 1. Baby Wipes! a good way to freshen up, as there are no showers. There's some streams and stuff if you want to brave the COLD water with a bar of soap. 2. Bring your own Toilet paper. It isn't provided. 3. Make sure you have a head lamp and it works! I had to hike from 2am-5am on the last day with my iphone flashlight because a rented a crummy headlamp that quit on me and wouldn't turn back on.

The trek, iteself, was fantastic...

Reed M, Jan 2016

The trek, iteself, was fantastic. The hand-off of detailed reservations between Viator and the tour operator was not 100 smooth. My reservation for the upgrade package was fine, but one of the other hikers did not have her upgrade equipment. It all worked out in the end OK. The trek tour leader, the porters, the campsites, and, especially, the daily food was SUPERB!!