That moment we reached the Sun Gate made all the hiking worth it. Incredible support from our guide and porters. Best experience of our South America trip.
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What a wild experience! We saw pink dolphins, explored river villages, and learned about jungle medicine. Bamba took care of all the details. Felt very safe and adventurous.
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We spent two weeks exploring Peru through Bamba and loved the blend of cultural sites like Cusco with nature-focused adventures in the Amazon. Every day was different and exciting.
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We covered a lot—shrines, sushi-making, city tours—but it never felt rushed. The guide was patient and knew all the cool hidden spots. Great for first-time visitors.
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Explore your passions and create unique adventures with Bamba Travel! We are the largest independent travel tour operator around the world, bringing you an authentic, flexible and in-depth experience for every travel style!
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6740 Indian Street, 32566, Navarre, United States
- +18486006496
- sales@bambatravel.com
- bambatravel.com
4.8
Excellent
124 reviews
Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 2 weeks
Sun Gate arrival made it all worth it
That moment we reached the Sun Gate made all the hiking worth it. Incredible support from our guide and porters. Best experience of our South America trip.
Date of experience: June 26, 2025
Reply from Bamba Travel
Hi Constance,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful review of your Inca Trail experience with Bamba Travel! We're thrilled that the arrival at the iconic Sun Gate was such a rewarding moment for you—truly one of the most breathtaking sights on the Machu Picchu trek.
Our dedicated guides and local porters strive to provide exceptional support, contributing to a memorable, safe and ethically responsible journey. We're delighted your adventure stood out as the highlight of your South American travels.
We'd love to welcome you back again soon on another adventure!
Warm regards,
The Bamba Team
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We explored Medellín’s art scene
We explored Medellín’s art scene and danced in Cartagena. The Bamba itinerary was fun and flexible. Lots of bonding moments with the group too!
Date of experience: June 25, 2025
Reply from Bamba Travel
Hi Heather,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We're delighted you enjoyed exploring Medellín's vibrant art scene and dancing the night away in charming Cartagena—two incredible highlights that showcase Colombia's rich cultural tapestry.
We're pleased you found your Bamba itinerary both fun and flexible. Our itineraries are carefully designed to provide authentic, locally sourced experiences while leaving space for spontaneous moments and group bonding.
We hope to help you create more unforgettable travel memories in the near future—thanks again for choosing Bamba Travel!
Warm regards,
The Bamba Team
Our driver-guide
Our driver-guide, Joseph, had the best stories and spotted animals like a pro. Loved the eco-lodge stays and the small group vibe. Bamba planned it so well.
Date of experience: June 23, 2025
Reply from Bamba Travel
Hi Agnes,
Thank you so much for leaving this fantastic review! We're thrilled you enjoyed your safari experience with Joseph—he truly has a gift for storytelling and spotting wildlife.
It's wonderful to hear that you appreciated both the eco-friendly lodge stays and the intimate, small group atmosphere. Responsible travel is at the heart of our approach, and we're delighted that these eco-lodges provided a meaningful and memorable stay.
We pride ourselves on attentive planning, so it’s great to know your adventure unfolded seamlessly.
We look forward to welcoming you on another unforgettable journey with Bamba Travel soon!
Warm regards,
The Bamba Team
We covered a lot—shrines
We covered a lot—shrines, sushi-making, city tours—but it never felt rushed. The guide was patient and knew all the cool hidden spots. Great for first-time visitors.
Date of experience: June 23, 2025
Reply from Bamba Travel
Hi Wendy,
Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled that your tour was packed full of memorable activities—from exploring shrines and enjoying city tours to your fun sushi-making class—and delighted to hear that the pace felt just right.
Our guides take pride in showcasing hidden gems and offering authentic, locally sourced adventures, especially for first-time visitors to Japan. Your feedback truly highlights what we strive for: creating relaxed but enriching travel experiences.
We'd love to welcome you back on another Bamba Travel adventure soon!
Warm regards,
The Bamba Team
If you want a quieter hike through
If you want a quieter hike through beautiful villages, go for Lares. Our group was small, the views were epic, and we had time to interact with locals. Very special.
Date of experience: June 21, 2025
Reply from Bamba Travel
Hi Beth,
Thank you so much for your lovely review and recommending the Lares Trek! We're delighted that you enjoyed a peaceful hike through beautiful villages, taking in those epic Andean landscapes.
We love to hear that you found time to interact meaningfully with the local communities along the Lares trail—these authentic connections are exactly what we strive for as part of our commitment to responsible travel.
Thanks again for choosing Bamba Travel for your adventure in Peru. We hope to welcome you on another unforgettable journey soon!
Warm regards,
The Bamba Team
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We had amazing city tours
We had amazing city tours, went to a samba club, and even did hang gliding! Everything was so smooth and well-organized. The group energy made it unforgettable.
Date of experience: June 19, 2025
Reply from Bamba Travel
Hi Howard,
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're thrilled you enjoyed your amazing city tours and the vibrant samba club experience. Hang gliding in Rio must have been spectacular – what a brilliant way to see the city from a unique perspective!
We pride ourselves on delivering smoothly organised, exciting adventures that showcase the local spirit. It’s wonderful to hear that the energy of your group made this experience truly unforgettable.
We hope you'll choose Bamba Travel again for more memorable and responsibly-curated travel experiences around the world.
Safe travels and see you soon!
The Bamba Team
What a wild experience
What a wild experience! We saw pink dolphins, explored river villages, and learned about jungle medicine. Bamba took care of all the details. Felt very safe and adventurous.
Date of experience: June 18, 2025
Reply from Bamba Travel
Hello Byron,
Thanks so much for your fantastic review! It sounds like your Amazon adventure was truly unforgettable—spotting pink dolphins, exploring fascinating river villages, and learning about traditional jungle medicine certainly makes for a unique and wild experience!
We're delighted to hear Bamba made your trip both safe and adventurous, taking care of all the details so you could immerse yourself fully in authentic, locally-sourced experiences. Responsible travel designed around our travellers’ convenience, comfort, and curiosity is always our goal, and your feedback perfectly highlights this.
We can't wait to welcome you on your next adventure—perhaps to discover more hidden gems around the globe!
Warm regards and happy travels,
The Bamba Team
We spent two weeks exploring Peru
We spent two weeks exploring Peru through Bamba and loved the blend of cultural sites like Cusco with nature-focused adventures in the Amazon. Every day was different and exciting.
Date of experience: June 17, 2025
Reply from Bamba Travel
Hi Paula,
Thank you very much for your fantastic review! We're delighted your two-week adventure in Peru blended cultural discoveries in Cusco with thrilling nature-focused experiences in the Amazon. It's wonderful to hear each day offered something new and exciting!
At Bamba, we always strive to provide diverse, authentic travel experiences, showcasing both local culture and breathtaking landscapes. Your feedback highlights exactly what we aim for: responsible travel that's as unique as our travellers!
We'd love to help you plan your next adventure to explore more hidden gems around the world.
Happy travels!
The Bamba Team
I wasn’t ready for how beautiful
I wasn’t ready for how beautiful this trek would be! The high-altitude lakes, mountain passes, and cloud forests were beyond expectations. Our Bamba guide was encouraging and fun.
Date of experience: June 16, 2025
Reply from Bamba Travel
Hi Matthew,
Thanks so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that the beauty of your trek truly exceeded your expectations. The high-altitude lakes, majestic mountain passes, and cloud forests are indeed some of the incredible highlights of our Salkantay Trek.
It's fantastic to hear you enjoyed the company of your Bamba guide. Our expert guides love sharing their knowledge, encouragement, and passion for responsible travel and local experiences.
We'd be thrilled to help you plan your next adventure—perhaps discovering another hidden treasure or unique cultural experience!
Warm regards and happy travels,
The Bamba Team
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Incompetent handling of Salkantay Trek
Unfortunately we had a horrible experience using Bamba Travel for our Salkantay Trek in May 2025.
We booked several months in advance, but when we showed up for pre-briefing (10 hours before we have to leave for the trek) our guide tells us that we have no entrance ticket to Machu Picchu even though it was included. And I mean, that’s the exact reason that you book in advance, because they get sold out. Our guide suggests that we skip a day of trekking to get to Aguas Calientes 1 day before to get the tickets. We got no apologies whatsoever, and had no choice but to do as our guide says since everything is sold out at this point. To get the tickets, we end up standing in line in 6 horrible hours from 3.40am to 10am and then 1 hour more in the evening to collect the tickets. There were no tickets left for rute number 2 and no morningtickets left (the good rute, which we were supposed to have). We got the tickets, yes, but late tickets for rute number 3. This also ment that the train back to Cusco was after sunset, which meant that we didn’t saw all the beautiful views. Complete waste.
The way Bamba handled this situation was completely unacceptable. They wouldn’t tell us where the mistake occurred, and they didn’t offer any compensation at all. Not even told us that they were sorry about the situation. Overall they did not take any responsibility at all, even though it was completely their fault and responsibility.
We CANNOT recommend using Bamba in regards of tours going to Machu Picchu.
The one star is dedicated to our chef who made wonderful food on the trek and the other star is dedicated to our guide, Francisco, who did his very best to give us a good experience.
Date of experience: May 13, 2025
Reply from Bamba Travel
Hola Clara,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your feedback regarding your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. We're genuinely sorry that your experience didn't meet expectations, especially considering the careful planning involved for such a significant trip.
After discussing thoroughly with our operations team, we can confirm that this unfortunate situation did not originate from Bamba Travel's planning or organisation. The problem stemmed from a major technical failure within the Peruvian government's Machu Picchu ticketing system in mid-May 2025. An official audit recognised that widespread overselling and duplicated tickets affected numerous travellers, resulting in the unexpected shortages you encountered.
While this issue was completely beyond our direct control, we worked quickly to find the best possible alternative under difficult circumstances. Our team rearranged the itinerary to ensure you could still access Machu Picchu, albeit at a later time slot and on Route 3 instead of your original morning Route 2. We greatly appreciate your patience during that challenging situation and sincerely regret the inconvenience of the disrupted itinerary.
We completely understand your frustration—missing the sunrise experience at Machu Picchu is disappointing, and we truly empathise with the impact this had on your overall adventure. We assure you that we did our utmost to minimise disruption, including assisting you in the queue at Aguas Calientes and adjusting logistics at no extra cost.
On a brighter note, it means a lot to us that your guide Francisco and your chef provided wonderful support and culinary experiences throughout the trek. Your positive comments will certainly be passed along.
We take your feedback very seriously; it helps us constantly improve and ensure unforgettable experiences for future journeys. We'd welcome another chance to share the exceptional service and responsible travel practices we're known for.
Thanks once again for providing honest and valuable insights regarding your experience.
Warmest regards,
The Bamba Team
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Lions
Lions, giraffes, elephants-all up close. The Maasai Mara was epic, and Bamba arranged a guide who really knew his stuff. We felt safe and amazed the whole time. Highly recommend!
Date of experience: June 05, 2025
Reply from Bamba Travel
Thank you, Jay, for taking the time to share your fantastic review of your Maasai Mara safari with Bamba Travel! We're thrilled you had the chance to witness lions, giraffes, and elephants up close—an unforgettable wildlife experience in Kenya’s iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve.
We’re delighted to hear your guide’s expertise made your journey both safe and enriching. At Bamba Travel, we’re dedicated to providing responsible safaris that support local communities and prioritise ethical wildlife encounters. We always aim to connect travellers with knowledgeable guides for truly immersive and sustainable adventures.
Thank you for recommending us! If you’re dreaming of your next African safari or another tailor-made experience, we’d love to help you explore more extraordinary landscapes.
The Bamba Team
A bad experience
This was a mess from the very beginning. I bought the tour via tourhub from Bamba travel promising a small group up to 10 pers. Up to two weeks before the tour there were no updates and finally I got an email saying that it will be Amadeo with up to 50 people in the bus. It was a disaster, but there were only two weeks left before the trip and could find no other options. Than it was a mess at the meeting point - no clear organization to distribute people into the buses. The guide was not sure about me participating, told me "I'll check and "it's strange that you don't have a Canadian visa" (I asked the tour operator before and they told I can stay in the US). He communicated in such a way that I thought I would be dropped off. The treatment was as if we are sheep. The bus was old, it broke during the trip and the driver fixed it. The speaker was also breaking constantly. The guide was Chinese and his English was very poor. Also he was not knowledgable at all, mostly keeping silent (70% of the time) and mostly speaking with the Chinese part of the group (20%). It looked like I am not in the US, but in China. The 4-day tour consisted of 2 days with this guide on one bus and 2 days with Sharon on the other bus. They return me to New York for the change, which I was not warned about (the iternary did not mention it) and it was a loss of time. Sharon and the second part of the tour was ok.
Date of experience: May 19, 2025
Reply from Bamba Travel
Dear Svetlana,
Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback about your recent 4-day East Coast USA tour booked via TourHub with Bamba Travel. We are genuinely sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations, and we appreciate you taking the time to highlight these specific issues.
We understand your disappointment regarding the group size and organisation at the meeting point. The tour, as listed on TourHub, references a small group, but as we clarified before your departure, this particular journey was operated by our trusted partner, Amadeo, with a group size larger than originally indicated—typically 25-50 people. We strive for transparency, but it’s clear the tour listing on TourHub suggested a different group size, which understandably led to confusion and frustration.
Regarding your concerns about communication, guide language, and itinerary changes, we know a seamless travel experience is essential. We’re disappointed that the transition between buses and guides, as well as the brief return to New York, were not communicated as thoroughly as they should have been. Your feedback will be shared with both Amadeo and our team to help us support better coordination and clearer information in the future.
Bamba Travel is committed to responsible travel and delivering authentic experiences wherever possible, whether through our tailor-made trips or carefully selected partners. We also support local economies and work to match each guest with the most suitable operator for their chosen itinerary. In this case, we regret that the experience did not meet your—or our—high standards.
If you would like to discuss your experience further, or if there is anything we can do to help resolve outstanding concerns, please contact us directly at sales@bambatravel.com. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we hope to restore your confidence for any future adventures.
Thank you again for sharing your feedback. Safe travels on your next journey.
The Bamba Team
South Korea group trip exceeded expectations
From K-pop shows to ancient temples, this trip had it all. Our guide was hilarious and super organized. Bamba made it so easy to explore without worrying about the details.
Date of experience: May 23, 2025
Reply from Bamba Travel
Thank you so much, Alice, for your wonderful review of your South Korea group trip with Bamba Travel! We're delighted to hear that your adventure exceeded expectations, from captivating K-pop experiences to visits to ancient temples. It's great to know our local guide’s humour and organisation made your journey seamless and enjoyable.
At Bamba Travel, we’re passionate about crafting stress-free, immersive group tours in South Korea that let you soak up rich culture, fascinating history, and the buzz of modern cities. Your feedback reinforces our commitment to responsible travel, ethical pricing, and supporting local communities through authentic and unique experiences.
Should you wish to join another group tour or try a tailor-made trip, we’re here to make your next adventure just as memorable. Thank you for choosing Bamba for your Korea exploration!
The Bamba Team
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W-Trek in Patagonia was everything
This hike tested us physically but rewarded us with views I’ll never forget. Glaciers, wind, and incredible campsites. Bamba’s team ensured everything was safe and smooth. Patagonia, we love you!
Date of experience: May 10, 2025
Reply from Bamba Travel
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Kellie! We're thrilled that your W-Trek in Patagonia was such a rewarding adventure. From breathtaking glaciers to the iconic Patagonian winds and unforgettable campsites, it sounds like you truly immersed yourself in the region’s incredible beauty.
At Bamba Travel, we believe in offering safe, seamless journeys filled with responsible travel experiences and local expertise. We're delighted our team could support you every step of the way on this challenging yet awe-inspiring hike.
If you ever wish to embark on another tailored trekking adventure or explore more of South America's wild landscapes, we’d love to welcome you back!
Happy trails, The Bamba Team
Manaus jungle was pure discovery
We paddled through flooded forests, fished for piranhas, and met a local tribe. The Manaus jungle experience with Bamba was raw, exciting, and eye-opening. Loved every minute of it.
Date of experience: May 06, 2025
Reply from Bamba Travel
Thank you very much for your insightful review, Mamie! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your Manaus jungle adventure, from paddling through lush flooded forests to fishing for piranhas and connecting with a local tribe. It sounds like you fully embraced the authentic and wild spirit of the Amazon!
At Bamba Travel, we’re passionate about responsible travel and strive to create eye-opening, locally immersive experiences while ensuring our activities support local communities and respect nature. We truly appreciate your feedback, as it helps us continually improve and refine our jungle expeditions.
If you have any suggestions or would like to discuss your experience further, please don't hesitate to reach out. We’d love to hear how we can make your next jungle journey even more unforgettable.
Warm regards,
The Bamba Team
Rio group trip was wild and wonderful
From samba nights to Christ the Redeemer, our Rio group trip had the perfect mix of fun, culture, and great people. So many laughs and unforgettable memories. Big shoutout to Bamba’s crew! Great Rio Carnival experience.
Date of experience: May 03, 2025
Reply from Bamba Travel
Thank you so much for your fantastic review, Trek! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a wild and wonderful time on your Rio de Janeiro group trip, especially during the vibrant atmosphere of Rio Carnival. From samba nights to standing in awe of Christ the Redeemer, it’s brilliant to know our mix of fun, culture, and community made for so many unforgettable memories.
At Bamba Travel, we pride ourselves on creating group adventures that celebrate local traditions while providing responsible, tailor-made travel experiences. We’re grateful to our dedicated crew for helping to make your trip truly special.
We hope to welcome you back for more cultural discoveries and laughter on future journeys!
All the best,
The Bamba Team
Magical days in Puerto Maldonado
Our jungle lodge in Puerto Maldonado was amazing. We saw monkeys, caimans, macaws, and even a jaguar print! The night walks and river tours were a highlight. The accommodation was a bit basic, but enough for what we needed.
Date of experience: May 01, 2025
Reply from Bamba Travel
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Sonia! We're delighted to hear you had magical days exploring the Amazon from your jungle lodge in Puerto Maldonado. Spotting monkeys, caimans, macaws, and even a jaguar print is a true wildlife enthusiast’s dream! It’s fantastic to know the night walks and river tours stood out as highlights of your experience.
We appreciate your feedback regarding the basic accommodation. At Bamba Travel, we strive to offer authentic jungle experiences that immerse travellers in nature while balancing comfort with sustainability and the needs of local communities.
Thank you for choosing to travel responsibly with us—your adventure helps support wildlife conservation and local livelihoods. We hope to welcome you on another unforgettable journey soon!
Best wishes,
The Bamba Team
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We chose the Salkantay Trek because
We chose the Salkantay Trek because we wanted fewer crowds and more nature—Bamba delivered. Snow-capped mountains, hot springs, and amazing food at the camps. One of the best treks I’ve ever done.
Date of experience: April 17, 2025
Reply from Bamba Travel
Thank you for your wonderful review of the Salkantay Trek with Bamba Travel. We're delighted to hear that your choice to embrace nature and seek a less crowded path led to such a remarkable experience. It sounds like the stunning views of snow-capped mountains, relaxing hot springs, and delicious camp meals truly enhanced your trekking adventure.
At Bamba, we are committed to providing unique and locally-sourced experiences that allow our travellers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings. We're thrilled that the Salkantay Trek stands out as one of your best trekking experiences.
Thank you once again for choosing Bamba, and we look forward to accompanying you on more adventurous journeys in the future!
Warm regards, The Bamba Team
Inca Trail was a life-changing experience
The 4-day Inca Trail trek was intense but absolutely worth every step. Bamba Travel’s team, especially our guide Marco, made the journey smooth and fun. The final sunrise at Machu Picchu was unforgettable!
Date of experience: April 16, 2025
Reply from Bamba Travel
Hello Marcellus,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience on the 4-day Inca Trail trek with us. It's wonderful to hear that Marco helped make your journey not only smoother but also more enjoyable. Witnessing the sunrise at Machu Picchu truly is an unforgettable moment, and we are thrilled that you got to experience this life-changing adventure.
At Bamba Travel, we strive to create memorable and ethically responsible tours, ensuring that our travellers have enriching and authentic experiences. We’re so glad to hear that your trek met these goals.
Thanks again for your feedback, and we look forward to helping you create more travel memories in the future!
Warm regards, The Bamba Team
A perfect start for new backpackers
As a first-time backpacker, Bamba’s Flexible Travel Pass was perfect. I felt supported but had the freedom to explore. Great value too!
Date of experience: February 09, 2025
Reply from Bamba Travel
Thank you for your lovely review, Florence! It’s fantastic to hear that you had a positive experience with our Flexible Travel Pass as a first-time backpacker. We're delighted that you found it supportive yet freeing, allowing you to explore at your own pace while feeling secure.
At Bamba Travel, we aim to offer a great balance of autonomy and assistance to cater to the unique needs of travellers like you, ensuring you receive excellent value from your adventures. We're here whenever you need us for your future journeys, whether you're looking to level up your backpacking adventures or explore new destinations.
Warmest regards, The Bamba Team
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