Machu Picchu Trek & Amazon Combo 15D/14N

Customer Reviews

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  MarieGriffiths

  · October 19th, 2019
  This is rather difficult to review as it is not specific in whom I am reviewing. There has been excellent , good, unsafe, disorganised and terrible services regarding the different day tours, bamba experience the third party provider and the hotels/lodge. Tourradar service : was transparent and good. Slow to assist with the compensation claim against Bamba experience, who’s late organisation and dishonesty stopped us going on the classic INCA trail trek. We are currently in talks with Tourradar and bamba. The quad biking experience was good fun but we had 3 broken bikes (which kept cutting out). Not enough time spent going to the Inca sites (20-30minutes max) - a guide gave us a quick run down of the history). This experience should happen after the sacred valley tour as you can reuse the ticket the next day for the sites and don’t have to pay double. A woman flipped her quad bike after she had driven without braking into another driver - she should have been stopped to drive - so there are safety aspects you should keep in mind. The sacred valley tour trip (orellana tour)had a good-adequate guide called “German”. He knew his history. But we spent way to much time at tourist market traps (where they get a cut or have dealings with the local shops). Again we did not spend enough time at the Inca ruins which we traveled on a 90’s bus (no AC). We never got to finish at one of the advertised stops as yet again we stopped of at a then commercialised native market. It was well set up to teach tourists about how the products are made which was great, But cleverly commercialised. The lunch we were provided was at a local truck stop? Buffet hall. Local foods and produce cooked in bulk - I would not return there. Also a lot of flies in the food hall. In Cusco we had upgraded to the 5* hotel option stay, which we visited at different points of our tour. Casa Andina premium in Cusco. One of the best hotels we have stayed with. 5 star stay. Professional welcoming staff that can’t do enough for you. It was fantastic. The breakfast is outstanding which is included. We did eat there most evenings, their restaurant is fine dining but very reasonably priced for the surrounding area. All of the meals we had paid for were very good. You require to provide a credit card for extra charges when you check in. The rooms are magnificent and so are the bath rooms, all walk in showers. Spotlessly clean - the whole hotel. I can not find fault with them and I tried finding one. Inca trek and itinerary: Then we come to the never booked classic INCA Trail Trek - to be booked by Bamba experience. I have rated the itinerary low as it is not worth the paper it is written on. Don’t detail it with times or exact detail if it is not fixed! The holiday was easy to book with tourradar. Where you book and pay a % of the holiday upfront which allows you to save up and pay the rest in 6 months. My partner found the information and booking transparent. We booked a holiday through tourradar it was a once in a life time holiday to Peru to do the Inca trail Machu Picchu and to visit the amazon. We thoroughly enjoyed the trek and holiday, but ... not the Bamba experience. Bamba experience is the third party tour organiser (budget tour company). The tours were good, but the organisation is last minute and the company is dishonest. We had booked the holiday in OCT 2018 and the third party booked the holiday on 02 SEP 2019. 2 weeks before our arrival. The classic Inca trail is booked out 9 months in advanced. I had contacted bamba in April 2019 regarding the tour as we still had not heard anything. A fake (temporary itinerary) was sent to make us pay the remaining 50% ££££’s of the monies in early 2019. When I spotted mistakes I was suspicious. I contacted Bamba experience. Then a new itinerary was sent in 02 SEP 2019. It still stated INCA trek on the paperwork. That Friday I printed a hard copy, the week later we arrived. I still contacted Bamba due to the time line mistakes. I even called the hotel and the amazon lodge and confirmed bookings had been made, as it did not feel right. The night before a mandatory meeting is held with the guide at the bamba office (by the way the guide Francisco was fantastic and a wonderful genuine person)- this is when we found out we were going on the LARES trek. Whilst raising the complaint, on the computer the staff member or head office changed the online itinerary and made out I was in the wrong and it was me making the mistake. Claiming he was contacting the head office. I had the hard copy print to prove I was not wrong. They requested for me to hand this in - I declined. We had no choice but to join the available Lares trek as we had no further accommodation booked or activities for the next 4 days and we had been training 6 months for a trek. at no point were we offered anything else. Well there was no time it was 8pm and you are leaving 6am that morning. We thoroughly enjoyed the trek and guide. But we still contacted Tourradar to assist with the company and complaint due to the dishonesty. Tourradar at first was disinterested and told us to just deal with Bamba, it had nothing to do with them. Having paid the monies to Tourradar that is incorrect, they do carry responsibility. We also found out that in response to Tourradar starting an investigation Bamba lied to them and said we had been put on the correct INCA trek tour. We have found Tourradar eventually made an effort in investigating and a poor offer of compensation was made 100 $USD each to us by bamba. We declined. It is not the trek that we are upset about it is the dishonesty, the lies and the deceit over the 8 month period that continued from bamba and the non-organisation. At present we have been offered a 15% refund of the tour - we are clarifying it is the tour not the trek. This would equate to 649 $USD in total. All in all we really enjoyed the holiday, the main event was spoilt by the deceit. If bamba had only just been honest and admitted they messed up in the first place. We could/would have been ok and been more accepting. There was also a lot of miss information regarding the itinary. The lares trek was great and Francisco was awesome, but it is the continues dishonesty that we had issues with and still encounter. At present we are coming to an agreement and terms with the assistance of Tourradar. I strongly advise that bamba experience takes a more honest approach when they mess up and train their staff in regards of optimising their tour bookings and customer services. It is unacceptable regarding their deceit. By the way there are other reviews out there with similar problems. Ie not having booked, wrong itinaries, wrong times and poor communication. When I had contacted Bamba previously, before the incident, through their what’s app function it was prompt and good. Though the Cusco office never answered our email x5 and no one ever picked up the phone this was leading up to our arrival and in regards of the itinary. The provided emergency email does not work. Tourradar has acknowledged their responsibility to assist us, but they where slow in doing so. All the contact has been through email. It is now late OCT 2019. I only have a few days left to put this review up and then the link expires. If I can edit it I shall update. We have found the response time is adequate and are after discussing it with each other, we would try Tourradar again. as you can read from the information we are not happy with Bamba regarding the dishonesty, but read on! The Lares trek: was a fantastic cultural gem. Away from the tourists and with beautiful scenery. We met native people and their families, watching them in their every day life. It was really wonderful. Bring a big bag of sweets for the kids - you make them ever so happy , handing one out as you go along. It was sadly only a 2 night camping experience with the 3rd night in a grotty budget hotel (Inca Tower) with no secure baggage facilities. We found our bags had been searched and an expensive electrical item stolen (the only item we left of value). We had not been told which hotel we were staying with on various reviews it has a bad rating. It is the cheapest in town yet closest to the train station and the pick up point for the bus to Machu Picchu. I advise Bamba to drop or allow those to have a choice and upgrade. you take the bus up on the 4th day - be advised you have a time slot and be at the allocated time as advised by the guide. Thousands of people go up each day and there is only one bus stop! Once you get up there the toilet facilities are very limited. Bring extra snacks and water, if you are trekking up to the Sun gate. Also Bring deet insect spray yes there are biting insects up there and suncream. If it is foggy please wait it is likely to lift from 10-11am to afternoon you are likely to have sunshine, but not in the early morning. Only 1 in 3 days at the most do you get a clear no fog morning. You have not traveled to this destination to leave early - be patient! The first day on the trek you have the option of using the hot springs - a great experience, though smelly it is vulcanic water - rich in minerals and sulphur. Best bring an old swimming trunks or suite and throw away or you will carry it around trying to dry it out and it will smell funky. After speaking to other travelers that did the Inca trek, it sounded like we actually had a much better trek. It was exhausting just the same in 3 days we trekked around 50 kms, going over a pass at 4450 meters! You really felt the achievement and can have a little picnic at the sun gate and feel proud as all your trekking is now done. A victory walk down to the ruins now and enjoy the ruins! The equipment provided by bamba you need to hire the sleeping bags, trekking poles only if you need them and a blow up mattress. bamba did provide this free to us due to the disappointment and shock of finding out we were not going on the INCA trek. Bring very thick winter jumper the nights really can get very cold. The tents Are a good size and other equipment are carried by the horses/mules which are not friendly. The staff on the trek: guide Francisco, horseman Marius(?) and chef victor were all great and fantastic. a duffle bag is provided which you put all your essentials (bring loo roll) and you yourself will carry a day pack and your valuables. be aware every kg you carry magically feels heavier each kilometre you continue. So be smart in what you carry. Food Cooked by victor was very good and tasty. It was nice to have the experience of local produce and meals. Our guide Francisco was a fountain of knowledge, funny, cheering you on and such an interesting person. He took his time with us as a group and worked hard to coach those that struggled. We saw and were told by other groups that their guides would be disinterested and walk ahead, often leaving struggling individuals behind. We saw only 3 groups that crossed our trail and the people were trailing far apart pressing on at a very fast pace. We had lots of breaks to enjoy the view and get our breath back. we as a group were slow and Francisco was so patient and understanding. We would recommend the trek and guide, but with the evening 3day meal at the restaurant changed and the hotel stay to be at a better hotel. Otherwise it was fantastic. Please be aware to put monies aside to tip the staff on the trek, they have earned it. You will also have opportunities to buy local handmade products and meet the person that made it. make sure you bring sol as these locals very rarely go to the cities so USD can’t be exchanged. We got a huge blanket made from alpaca wool. It is so beautiful also hats we had not seen anywhere else, much nicer than at the commercial markets. Transport: I have rated transport low for the entire trips. The train and taxi ride is excluded from this. The pickup from the station going back to Cusco at the end of trek, the driver was dangerous, often over taking on bends and one time it was to close a woman screamed. The bus journey to the sacred valley was unpleasant as the bus was rather old and had engine trouble also no AC - it got hot in there. The over night bus from Cusco to Puerto maldonaldo is horrid at night. 11hours on a very uncomfortable seat - several times you can hear the bus honking it’s horn and feel the emergency break. Also the sandwich is likely to cause you to have an upset tummy (warm chicken and and cheese sandwhich) no drink provided. don’t be fooled there is no wifi on that bus and the tv provided is all in Spanish (Which of course is expected) with no headphones provided - bring them yourself. There is a usb charging dock on your seat. We found out afterwards there is a plane flight from Cusco to Puerto maldonaldo 25-30min flight! Take it! We were exhausted for traveling on the night bus and so ecentually were to tired to go out the next day in Cusco. Whitewater rafting and zip wire day: fun but dangerous when it did not have to be. If you are contemplating to go please consider that if you have an accident what are your responsibilities ie mortgage, employment commitments if you have family. Several times the instructor put us in peril just to get photo shots. the zip wire is just going across the river and back - 80m. It is not really worth it - I am sorry to be a party pooper. For young kids yes It will be fun but I have zip wired 100’s of meters in Wales, it did not excite me. For a photo I suppose yes ok. rafting : The group we had with us were from different countries so the instructor had to give the instructions in different languages. That did become confusing, it could have been that the group was not talented. But rather than practise the instructions a little more to ensure the group worked together better, we set off on the water and went for it. We had 2 canoes with us, safety staff. We seemed to be hitting a lot of boulders and going down the rapids with mixed instructions. even getting stuck once sideways. I noticed it seemed sometimes we were hitting the rocks and boulders on purpose. We had people fall out and Just managed to save them. As you are not used to the altitude diving swimming is more difficult as you are constantly gasping for breath. The instructor even started telling us off for not following his instructions - this was because the group was trying to avoid the boulders. At the end of the trip we suddenly were told about the photos and films. the two safety staff had been taking. You would have to pay as a group to get them. We were shown other groups photos were people fell out and videos. This is where it dawned on us,.... it was on purpose! If something did happen I am sure the photos and videos would disappear and never to be seen again. With the company claiming we were an untalented group of people, who did not follow instruction. Yes it was fun to an extent and as a risk loving sports person I would not go with them again. If something happened there is no hospital anywhere close or emergency services and also you may end up with a big hospital bill and possibly the holiday is ruined. Accidents happen but you don’t want to have them happen on purpose. The food that was provided was good and very filling At the end of the experience provided by the activity company. There is a sauna to warm yourself up in. The changing facilities are good. staff were friendly. Amazon experience: The amazon tour with Amazon Planet in Puerto Maldonaldo. Excellent! But again they did not know when we were coming, bamba had not informed them. I guessed this was the case, I had requested for bamba to double check the itinerary twice after their big mistake -this was never done. Helman welcomed and picked us up and took us to the office. where we met fantabulous Maria. We later were taken to a local cafe for breakfast which was good. 12pm you are taken as a group on their boat to the lodge (1h30 boat ride). You meet your guide at the office. We had young Marco. He is ever so nice and professional. Again a fountain of knowledge regarding everything in the Amazon jungle. The lodge is linked to the local animal wild life rescue which you will visit on one of your days. We also did night trails in the jungle and watched cayman crocodiles. The food was local and the juices are made in the kitchen from locally picked fruit. The meals were tasty and we enjoyed the whole trip and tour. Bring suncream and deet jungle spray - a must! Take vit B and eat garlic to become less tasty to biting bugs. Be aware it is called rain forest for a reason - it rains! Bring dark clothes no reds, yellows or whites the local wild life are more likely to hide from you - a dark coloured poncho helps. Be prepared tons of wild life, plants, bugs, insects spiders and birds. We loved every minute (I hate bugs and insects but I got past that). We had a fantastic time in the amazon and I would advise to stay at the amazon planet lodge. The accommodation is good and beds are comfy. Staff are ever so friendly and welcoming. There is the option of upgrading your room. It is hot out there, damp and you have bugs - be realistic you are in the jungle. Away from civilisation the electricity is on at certain hours and don’t drink the tap water. Bring quick dry cloths and expect to not dry out any time soon. When the sun comes out everything dries out in a few hours. Feedback: during tours it is good to swap positions even on the boats as to allow everyone to get a good look - the guide should suggest this more. The bridges at the research sites need maintenance - I can see them becoming unsafe. They are to slippery when wet. We had someone slip and got nasty bruises and injured a hand. If you don’t like heights this is not for you, but you can still come for the trek. There is plenty for you to spot and look at. Yet still I recommend the Lares trek which is by bamba. The amazon planet lodge and the Casa Andina premium Cusco are also very recommended by us. Avoid the Inca Tower Hotel.
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  Bamba Travel commented on this review

  Dear Marie, Thank you for sending us your comments and I want to extend our sincerest apologies for the experience that you had. Your feedback is very valuable to us. Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention so we can continue to improve our... Show more
  Trip date: September 2019
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  Anonymous

  · September 7th, 2018
  We made the Lares Trekking Tour (4D/3N) with Nico, our guide. We really enjoyed the tour, his professional guidance and the overwhelming nature experience. The nights are getting pretty cold, but the provided tents were excellent. We rented good sleeping bags to have it warm in the nights. Nico introduced us to the local people, who were very nice and helpful. We also enjoyed the excellent meals, which the cook provided during the tour. If you like the silence of the nature and enjoy adventures, this is the right tour + guide. A big thank you to Nico and the team.
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  Bamba Travel commented on this review

  Thank you very much for your kind feedback! We are so happy you had an excellent time! We appreciate your comments so we can continually improve our service. We would love to see you again on another Bamba tour. Please keep us in mind for your future... Show more
  
  Trip date: August 2018