Not to sound cliché, but we can’t say this enough: pack light! Check with your airline to see what size bags they allow to avoid paying any fees.

Most travelers find it easiest to go without checking bag. Here are some tips for getting as much as possible into that carry-on suitcase:

• Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane and pack the lighter ones. Same thing goes for jackets and heavier clothing.
• Packing cubes or vacuum seal bags can save space and help you stay organized.
• Make the most of your personal item by using a tote bag or backpack that you can reuse throughout the trip.
• Roll your clothes instead of folding them. Pack the bigger items first and use smaller items like socks and underwear to fill in the gaps.

To see a full packing list, check out our Pocket Guide to Expert Travel. Just make sure you don’t forget these: 

• Passport—bring a photo copy and leave one at home too
• Visa (if applicable)
• ATM card and credit card
• Entertainment—for the plane and travel days
• Small day bag with a zipper 
• Adapter for larger electronics (most chargers for small electronics will be compatible)
• Toiletries
• Washcloth—optional, but they aren’t always available
• Medications and a copy of any prescriptions*
• Comfortable, casual clothing in breathable, lightweight fabrics
• Bathing suit
• Raincoat and umbrella
• Comfortable walking shoes like sneakers, hiking boots, and sandals
• Warm layers
• Hat, sunscreen, and bug spray
• Reusable water bottle
• The Pocket Guide to Expert Travel
• EF's emergency numbers:
  • ​Calling from within the US: 1-800-873-2250
  • Calling from abroad: 001-617-619-2913

*All medications should be in their original containers. Put medications in your carry-on bag only, in case a checked bag gets lost or delayed.

Love to read as much as we do? Here are some of our favorites to inspire you before you leave, keep you company in transit, and feed your wanderlust after you return: 

• The Conquest of the Incas by John Hemming
• Trail of Feathers: In Search of the Birdmen of Peru by Tahir Shah
• The Heights of Machu Picchu by Pablo Neruda

• Mo money, less problems: Budget $20 to $30 for pocket money per day. This will cover lunch each day, souvenirs, and additional activities. If you're an especially avid souvenir hunter, you'll want to give yourself more wiggle room—financially and in your suitcase.
• Currency: Peruvian Sol. You can exchange money before you leave, but we recommend just withdrawing some cash from an ATM when you arrive. Some places accept USD.
• Tips for tipping: We suggest $6-8 per day for your Field Director, inclusive of the day you arrive at your first program destination and meet your Field Director, and ending the day you depart for home. Your Group Leader will likely collect this money before you depart so that you can budget accordingly. 

P.S. Be sure to let your bank know you’ll be traveling so they can put an alert on your account.

Imagine it: you’ve finally arrived. It’s been a few hours since you left home, but your feet are firmly planted on the ground again.

You'll likely arrive late at night in Lima and head straight to your hotel. If there are other groups on your program, you may wait at the airport for them to arrive. To make things a bit easier:

• Have toiletries and a change of clothes on hand for when you land.
• Drink lots of water—long flights can be dehydrating.
• Travel in comfort, not necessarily in style, and get some rest on the flight.

Your dedicated Field Director—a physical, and for some, spiritual guide—will be with you throughout your program. Our Field Directors work tirelessly behind the scenes to coordinate logistics like managing reservations and making sure everything flows seamlessly, so that you can enjoy your time without sweating the details. They are there to acquaint you with each new city and make sure everyone is safe, confident, and making the most of every moment.

You’ll spend very little time at your hotel (consciously, anyway), but you should still be aware of where you’re staying and who you’re staying there with.

• Hotel du jour: City-hopping means hotel-hopping, but don’t worry; each hotel is safe, clean, comfortable, equipped with private bathrooms, and conveniently-located to the sites you'll be visiting. 
• What to expect: Hotels abroad may feature smaller rooms than you’re used to and may not have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, television, or elevators. All the more reason to get out and explore. 
• Roomies: Unless you have opted to upgrade your room, standard accommodations mean you’ll be rooming with two or three other people of the same gender, each with your own bed. You may even take part in an exchange program—that is, rooming with a traveler(s) from another school in your group.

Kick off each day with an included continental breakfast. All dinners will be included, too.  We work with local restaurants to provide plated meals inspired by the region, giving you the opportunity to experience authentic dishes. Lunches are your opportunity to explore the cuisine as you see fit. Will you go in search of familiar comfort food or try something outside your comfort zone?

Traveling to Peru is a truly memorable culinary experience. Lima is home to some of the top restaurants in the world and in more rural areas you'll find dishes that are unique to Peru.

• Soups and stews are commonly served with lunch or dinner.
• Other typical dishes include ceviche, chicken, quinoa, lomo saltado.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, try the guinea pig, a local delicacy.

Since teleportation hasn’t been invented yet, you’ll need these to get from point A to point B (and C and D and E):

• International flights: Into and out of Lima*
• Internal flights: Lima to Cuzco and Cuzco to Lima
• Bus: Primary mode of transportation on the ground
• Train: Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes (where you'll catch a bus to Machu Picchu)
• Walking/hiking: Hands down the best way to explore a new place

*Your departure flight after the final day will be late at night or early the next morning.