Day 1: Monday, September 16
Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica
Depart the U.S. and arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city. Your EF Tour Director will be waiting for you at the airport with a friendly face and a “pura vida”! Meet the rest of your group and enjoy a welcome dinner all together.
Meals included: Dinner

Day 2: Tuesday, September 17  
EF Gap Year Orientation
Spend the morning getting to know your fellow travelers with icebreakers and activities centered around goal setting, group norms, and learning about your staff.

In the afternoon, visit a coffee plantation to gain a first-hand understanding of how your morning cup of caffeine comes to be!
Meals included: All

Day 3: Wednesday, September 18
University for Peace Orientation
The University for Peace (or UPeace) is a UN-founded university that is focused on training leaders to solve global problems related to global peace and wellbeing. While at UPeace, you will be doing workshops with a facilitator focused on preparing you for your experience on-program, understanding your goals, and building teamwork. Plus, you’ll be on UPeace’s absolutely stunning campus atop a mountain overlooking the city of San Jose!
Meals included: All

Day 4: Thursday, September 19
Head to Central Pacific Coast
Journey by private bus from San Jose to Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5: Friday, September 20
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s natural gems. From trekking through the rainforest and seeing sloths and monkeys to swimming on the pristine white beaches, you’ll enjoy taking time to appreciate nature and relax!
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6: Saturday, September 21
Head to the Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula is one of the most remote and beautiful parts of Costa Rica. You’ll travel by private bus from Manuel Antonio down to the headquarters of the NGO Osa Conservation.
Note: Because this NGO is the most remote that you will visit in Costa Rica, make sure you get everything you need (e.g. snacks, medications, etc.) before you get to the Osa Peninsula. The roads to get to there can be bumpy and conditions can vary based on the weather. Make sure to listen to your Tour Director’s instructions.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Days 7-8: Sunday, September 22 – Monday, September 23
Service Learning Project with Osa Conservation
Travel by bus to the Osa Peninsula, where you’ll arrive at the campus of service partner Osa Conservation. Osa Conservation is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the biodiversity of Costa Rica. While there, you will learn about and work with their sea turtle conservation project — exact projects will vary based on the cycle of the turtles when you are there! You’ll also learn about and work on Osa’s network of trails and sustainable agriculture projects. You will be staying at their Bio-Station, which backs up to an old-growth rainforest, so you may see scarlet macaws, spider monkeys, and peccaries just outside your cabin!
Meals included: All

Days 9-10: Tuesday, September 24 – Wednesday, September 25
Service Learning Project: Mangrove Reforestation
Travel from the Osa Peninsula to the Central Pacific Coast. You’ll spend half a day working on a mangrove reforestation project and learning about the importance of mangroves in coastal ecosystems. Take the rest of your time at La Isla to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Meals included: All except dinner on 9/15

Days 11-13: Thursday, September 26 – Saturday, September 28
Sustainable Agriculture & Eco-Living at Rancho Margot
Rancho Margot is an off-the-grid, sustainable ranch surrounded by the rainforest. They are focused on sharing their sustainable skills and perspective with visitors. While you’re there, you’ll take different workshops that focus on learning how the sustainable farm works and doing things like making soap and making cheese. Your meals there will be made from the food grown on-site! During your free time, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy this special environment — taking yoga classes, enjoying the natural pools, and recharging in nature. You’ll also spend an afternoon to visit nearby La Fortuna Waterfall.
Meals included: All

Day 14: Sunday, September 29
Return to San Jose
Spend a final night in San Jose, where you’ll have a farewell dinner with your group.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 15: Monday, September 30
Fly to Santo Domingo
Take a flight from San Jose, Costa Rica to Santo Domingo, DR. Note that you will likely have a transfer during your transit, so it will be a full day of travel. When you arrive at the Santo Domingo airport, you’ll be greeted by your Dominican Tour Director and settle into your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 16: Tuesday, October 1
Intro to Santo Domingo
Explore Santo Domingo, including the Columbus House and Tres Ojos Caves. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your group!
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Days 17-19: Wednesday, October 2 – Friday, October 4
Marine Conservation Project in Boca Chica
Drive to Boca Chica, a beautiful seaside Caribbean town. Work with the organization Verde Profundo on their coral reef and mangrove reforestation projects!
Meals included: All

Day 20: Saturday, October 5
Rest Day
Enjoy a rest day in beautiful Boca Chica. Enjoy the white sandy beaches, and get tips from your Tour Director on the best places to explore in the town.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 21: Sunday, October 6
Excursion to Catalina Island
Enjoy an excursion to Catalina Island, a stunning tropical island with white beaches and crystal-clear waters. Spend the day relaxing and enjoying this tropical paradise.
Meals included: All

Day 22: Monday, October 7
Drive to Cabarete
Drive from Jarabacoa to Cabarete, a beautiful surf town on the Northern coast of the Dominican Republic. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the town and the beach.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 23: Tuesday, October 8
Youth Education with Inspire DR
Spend your first of two days working with Inspire DR, an educational non-profit focused on helping young men and boys gain life skills.
Meals included: All

Day 24: Wednesday, October 9
Hit the Waves with a Surf Lesson
Cabarete is one of the Caribbean’s best places to surf! Take a surf lesson and learn how to ride the waves.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 25: Thursday, October 10
Youth Education with Inspire DR
Spend your second of two days working with Inspire DR, an educational non-profit focused on helping young men and boys gain life skills.
Meals included: All

Day 26: Friday, October 11
Explore Laguna Gri Gri
Laguna Gri Gri is a picturesque lagoon located on the northern coast. Surrounded by lush mangrove forests, the lagoon is renowned for its clear blue waters, diverse birdlife, and tranquil atmosphere. Explore the lagoon by boat and leave time for some relaxing on the beach.
Meals included: All

Day 27: Saturday, October 12
Rest Day
Enjoy a well-deserved rest day to take in the sun, sand, and water!
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 28: Sunday, October 13
Transfer to Santo Domingo
Head back to Santo Domingo with your group. Have a farewell dinner to prepare for your trip to Quito the next morning.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 29: Monday, October 14
Free Day
Enjoy one last day in the Dominican Republic to check off any last-minute bucket list activities. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your group and your Dominican Tour Director.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 30: Tuesday, October 15
Fly to Lima
Take a flight from Santo Domingo to Lima. Note that you will likely need to transfer flights, so expect a long day of travel. You’ll be greeted by your Peruvian Tour Director! Your group will have a welcome dinner together in Lima.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 31: Wednesday, October 16
Guided tour of Lima
Explore Lima with a guide and visit the San Francisco Monastery.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 32: Thursday, October 17
Free day in Lima
Enjoy a free day to explore Lima on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 33: Friday, October 18
Fly to Cusco
Fly from Lima to Cusco in the mountain city of Cusco. Be prepared for the high altitude by taking it easy and drinking lots of water! Take a walking tour of Cusco and have a group dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 34: Saturday, October 19
Sacsayhuaman
Visit the ruins of the ancient Inca temple of Sacsayhuaman.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 35: Sunday, October 20
Free day in Cusco
Enjoy a free day in Cusco to explore on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 36: Monday, October 21
Transfer from Cusco to Calca
Drive from Cusco to Calca in Peru’s Sacred Valley.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Days 37-39: Tuesday, October 22 – Thursday, October 24
Service Project: Sustainable Agriculture
Spend time in Peru’s Sacred Valley working with rural communities. Learn about their traditions and agricultural practices.
Meals included: All

Day 40: Friday, October 25
Ceramics Workshop & Salineras Salt Mines
Visit the Salineras Salt Mines, ancient mines that date back to pre-Inca times. You’ll also do a weaving workshop and ceramics workshop to learn about local artisan approaches — and take some of your work home with you!
Meals included:  All

Day 41: Saturday, October 26
Transfer to Ollantaytambo
Transfer to Ollantaytambo and visit the ancient Inca Ollantaytambo ruins.
Meals included: All

Day 42: Sunday, October 27
Train to Aguas Calientes & Waterfall Hike
Take a scenic, winding train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Visit the Mandor Waterfalls.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 43: Monday, October 28
Machu Picchu
Visit one of the wonders of the world — Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is completely hidden from the valley floor and is truly one of the world’s most incredible sights. Cross a big one off your bucket list. Explore the perfect stonework of the Temple of the Sun, the fountains of the Royal Sector, and the views from the Temple of the Three Windows.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 44: Tuesday, October 29
Travel to Patacanca & Meet your homestay
Train to Ollantaytambo & transfer to Patacanca, where you will immerse yourself in local culture with a homestay while working on service projects. This homestay experience is often one of our students’ favorite experiences during the program!
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 45: Wednesday, October 30
Homestay in Patacancha
Get to know your homestay family in Patacancha. Depending on the needs of the family and the area when you visit, activities could include: alpaca shearing, farm visit, medicinal plants walk — and much more!
Meals included: All

Day 46: Thursday, October 31
Transfer to Cusco
Transfer with your group back to Cusco and enjoy a free afternoon on your own to explore!
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 47: Friday, November 1
Free Day in Cusco
Enjoy a free day on your own in Cusco! Today is a great day to rest and recharge amidst the travel and altitude changes.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 48: Saturday, November 2
Explore Cusco
Visit an animal sanctuary that is dedicated to rescuing wildlife and spend some time with the alpacas and llamas that graze the land.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 49: Sunday, November 3
Free Day in Cusco
Enjoy a final free day in Cusco before having a farewell dinner with your group.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 50: Monday, November 4
Travel to Quito
Fly from Cusco to Quito, where you’ll meet your Ecuadorian Tour Director.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 51: Tuesday, November 5
Sightseeing in Quito
Take in the city of Quito as you visit places like El Panecillo and the Church of la Compañia de Jesus.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 52: Wednesday, November 6
Visit to Yunguilla Sustainable Community
The Yunguilla community is a sustainable community where you’ll learn about local agricultural and culinary traditions and get to try making some of them yourself. You’ll also visit the Equatorial Line and the Itiñan Museum.
Meals included: All

Day 53: Thursday, November 7
Free day in Quito
Enjoy a free day in Quito to explore or relax.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 54: Friday, November 8
Transfer to Baños
Head out of Quito and deeper into the Andes to the mountain town of Baños, famous for its hot springs.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 55: Saturday, November 9
Devil’s Cauldron & Hot Springs
Explore Baños and visit Devil’s Cauldron Waterfall.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 56: Sunday, November 10
Free day in Baños
Enjoy a free day to soak up the vibes (and soak in the hot springs) in Baños.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 57: Monday, November 11
Transfer to Tena
Transfer from Baños to Tena, a city in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 58: Tuesday, November 12
Hike in the Grand Canyon
Get your legs moving as you hike to an impressive canyon near Tena, where you’ll really appreciate the Amazonian jungle surrounding you.
Meals included: All

Day 59: Wednesday, November 13
Visit to Kichwua community & Amazon night
Visit an indigenous Kichwua community and learn about their history, culture, and language. Spend the evening with them.
Meals included: All

Day 60: Thursday, November 14
Whitewater rafting
Take a whitewater raft through the Amazon, taking in the jungle surrounding you.
Meals included: All

Day 61: Friday, November 15
Transfer to Quito
Return to Quito and prepare to depart for the Galapagos Islands.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Important notes on your travel from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos:
– You will be leaving your large checked bag in Quito, where it will be safely stored until you return. You will need to travel lightly in the Galapagos, as you’ll be traveling between islands by motorboat, which has limited space and weight capacity. Make sure to pack everything you’ll need for the week, especially any medications you may need, in your carry-on.
– You will be given a Galapagos Transit Card by your Tour Director. This is an important document that you will need to make sure not to lose, as it is necessary for you to enter the islands and has to be arranged far in advance.
– Make sure to follow any guidance from your Tour Director or from airport staff about what you can and cannot bring in/out of the Galapagos. As they are a unique environment and biosystem, it is important not to bring specific types of potential contaminants in or out of the islands.
– Once you arrive in Santa Cruz, you will be met by local Naturalists, who will be your guides throughout your time on the islands. They are experts in all things relating to the environments and history of the Galapagos! Their presence is required for you to visit many of the sites on your program.
– You will be traveling between islands by motorboat. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking Dramamine or other similar medications; sometimes water conditions are very smooth, but other days it can be quite bumpy. 

Day 62: Saturday, November 16
Fly to Santa Cruz & Charles Darwin Research Station
Take an internal flight from Quito to the island of Santa Cruz, the second-largest island in the Galapagos and home of the islands’ largest town, Puerto Ayora. You will have lunch and start to explore the island. You’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you’ll learn about some of the historical and current research being done on the island. Keep exploring the island with a trip into the highlands. You’ll visit to the Highland Tortoises Reserve, and you’ll walk through the incredible geological formation of the Twin Craters and Lava Tunnels, formed from the island’s volcanic activity.
Meals included: All

Day 63: Sunday, November 17
Isabela: Flamingos, tortoises, & snorkeling in Tintoreras
From Santa Cruz, take a motor boat transfer to the island of Isabela. Isabela is the largest of the Galapagos Islands, and it is known as one of the best places to take in the islands’ wildlife. The boat ride there is on a small motorboat, and the ride will be about 2 hours. You will be bringing your luggage with you from Santa Cruz. When you arrive on Isabela, you’ll explore the island by ivsiting a Pink Flamingo habitat and Tortoise Breeding Center. You’ll also take a boat ride around Tintoreras, where you’ll likely spot penguins, reef sharks, turtles, sea lions, and marine iguanas! You’ll also have the opportunity to snorkel in these waters.
Meals included: All

Day 64: Monday, November 18
Boat to Santa Cruz
Return to Santa Cruz from Isabela by motor boat. Once you arrive, spend the rest of the day exploring the island on your own or getting some much needed rest!
Meals included: All

Day 65: Tuesday, November 19
Snorkeling in Las Grietas
Head out to Las Grietas, a spectacular volcanic rock formation filled with crystal clear water — an incredible spot to snorkel to take in the geological formations and the underwater life.
Meals included: All

Day 66: Wednesday, November 20
San Cristobal & Snorkeling in Tijeretas
Take a motorboat from Santa Cruz to San Cristobal Island, which will be around 2-3 hours long. Visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Center to learn about environmental issues that impact the island. Take a hike up Tijeretas hill, which marks the spot where Darwin first landed on the Galapagos Islands! Snorkel in the pristine waters below it to see marine wildlife like turtles.
Meals included: All

Day 67: Thursday, November 21
La Loberia and Hike to El Junco Lake
Visit the beach of La Loberia, known for its clear waters and its sea lion population. Snorkel at La Loberia, and then hike to El Junco Lake to take in the highlands of San Cristobal. In the evening, enjoy your last meal together on the islands!
Meals included: All

Day 68: Friday, November 22
Travel to Quito
Spend the morning exploring San Cristobal before taking a flight back to Quito.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 69: Saturday, November 23
Free Day in Quito
Explore Quito on your own!
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 70: Sunday, November 24
Wrap-Up & Farewell Dinner
Spend some time with your group reflecting on all that you’ve been through together during your time on-program. In the evening, enjoy a farewell celebration dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 71: Monday, November 25
Fly home
Say your goodbyes and board your flight back to the US!
Meals included: Breakfast

San Jose & the Central Valley
San Jose is Costa Rica’s capital city and largest urban area. Located in what is called the Central Valley, San Jose is surrounded by hilly and mountainous areas. The city is composed of many different types of neighborhoods, and you’ll notice a high level of urbanization with things like large freeways, big shopping malls, chain restaurants, and shops that you would recognize from the U.S. The city sprawls out into the hills surrounding it, where there is a lot of agricultural activity, including a large coffee industry. 

Monteverde
Monteverde is part of the Puntarenas province of Costa Rica, tucked into the mountains. Much of Monteverde is part of a cloud forest, which means that it is a moist forest often covered in low-level cloud cover. There is a great deal of biological diversity in the cloud forests of Monteverde! In the 1950s, a large Quaker population moved from the U.S. to Monteverde, driven by their pacifist beliefs. The Quakers transformed much of Monteverde into farmland and eventually to conservation. You can still see remnants of the Quaker culture in the Monteverde area, such as dairy farms. 

Central Pacific Coast
Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast stretches from Puntarenas to just south of Manuel Antonio National Park, an area is famous for its beaches. There has been a boom in development on the Central Pacific Coast over the past decades, so you can find everything from pristine nature to arguably over-developed towns and urban areas.  

Arenal Region
Arenal is an active volcano whose most recent eruption was in 2010! The area surrounding Arenal’s iconic peak has contains a beautiful lake, rainforests, waterfalls, and a lot of flora and fauna to appreciate. This area also has natural hot springs that are a big draw for travelers. 

Costa Rica is located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean; it is a country defined both by its tropical beaches and its stunning mountainous and rainforest regions. Costa Rica was a Spanish colony until 1821, when it gained its independence. Costa Rica is one of the only countries in the world that is grounded in pacifist beliefs and has no military. 

Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons—wet and dry. The wet season begins in May and lasts through November. During the wet season, it will rain every day, which can be anything from a light rain to a downpour. The dry season begins in December and lasts through April. Temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year but may vary according to region. 

Costa Rican food is flavorful but not spicy. Typical dishes include rice and beans, plantains, spaghetti, vegetables, beef, chicken, pork, and fresh fruit. Fresh fruit juices will often be served with meals, as well as water. Water is chlorinated throughout the country and safe to drink in most places, so travelers should bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the tour. Your Tour Director will let you know if there is somewhere where water is unsafe to drink. Some people may choose to use bottled water, which is available for purchase everywhere for $1-2. 

Costa Rica’s currency is the colon; however, U.S. dollars are accepted throughout Costa Rica, so you do not need to change money. Note that exchange rates may vary from shop to shop and you will likely receive change in colones. 

Costa Rican Spanish has a lot of slang words and phrases that you might learn while you’re there! One phrase you’ll definitely hear a lot is “pura vida,” which means “pure life.” It’s used as a way to celebrate life and gratitude. You’ll hear it as a greeting or to say goodbye, and you’ll start to feel the “pura vida” way of life as you spend time in Costa Rica! Other words that might be useful for you are: 

• Gallo pinto – rice and beans, a staple in Costa Rican cuisine 

• Tico/Tica — rather than using the more formal “costarricense”, most people from Costa Rica refer to themselves as Ticos or Ticas. E.g. “Soy Tico” means “I’m Costa Rican” 

• Mae – dude  

• Soda – a soda is a family-run restaurant that serves homemade and yummy food that won’t break the bank 

• Tuanis – slang for something that is really good 

Clothing in Costa Rica is typically laid-back and comfortable. You won’t need any clothing that is too formal while you’re there. If you are working at service projects, keep in mind that clothing tends to cover more skin than you may be used to in the U.S. Be mindful of the people around you and of any suggestions from your Tour Director on what is appropriate in each location. 

For travelers in Costa Rica, 10% tip is a good amount to keep in mind. In restaurants, you may see a service fee on the bill automatically–this is normal and means you don’t need to add an additional tip. 

Costa Rica is the most popular location for American students studying abroad in Latin America. It is a generally safe and traveler-friendly destination with a lot of openness to foreigners.  

About 8% of the Costa Rican population is Afro-Costa Rican, descended primarily from waves of Afro-Caribbean migrant workers who settled in Costa Rica. These communities primarily live on the Caribbean coast of the country. Some Black Americans have relocated to Costa Rica, finding it to be a more accepting place for them to live than the U.S. 

Costa Rica was the first Central American country to allow same-sex marriage, despite some religious and culturally conservative norms that made this quite a political feat. LGBTQ+ travelers typically find Costa Rica a welcoming place, though in more rural or conservative areas, there can still be homophobic or transphobic biases — or just a lack of awareness around these topics. 

Ziplining, hiking, hot springs, and other outdoor activities 

Popular foods including Gallo Pinto and Casado 

Costa Rican coffee, which is often brewed in a unique device called a chorreador!

The below questions are ones you can consider as you go through your program. You can think about them, journal about them, or talk about them with friends!

Consider your five senses—sight, hearing, taste, smell, and feel. What new things have you sensed with each of these senses during your first few days in Costa Rica?

Think of a time in your first few days in Costa Rica when you felt a genuine connection with a person, a place, or a group. What did this connection feel like?

During your first few service projects, what was a challenge that you faced? How did you overcome it?

If you haven’t already, set a concrete goal for yourself to achieve over the course of your program. Take a moment to write it down in a journal or on a piece of paper that you will keep with you. Re-visit this goal during your program, and think about ways you can incorporate working towards this goal each day!

Sustaining your mental and physical health is vital while on-program. Make a list of the ways that you proactively plan to maintain both.

Historically, the Dominican Republic has been defined by colonial power struggles, U.S. military occupation, and various political coups. Today, the quest for national self-determination continues as Dominicans fight for a more equitable future for all citizens, as well as a stronger presence on the global economic stage.  

The Dominican Republic maintains rich cultural traditions that represent a mix of Afro, European, and Indigenous origins. Nearly 73% of the country’s population is racially mixed and approximately 6% of Dominicans can trace their ancestry back to the Taino, the predominant indigenous group that inhabited the Caribbean before the Spanish invasion.  

Over the past 25 years, economic growth fueled by tourism, foreign investment, free-trade, and telecommunications has substantially reduced poverty rates across the country, but disparities in access to economic opportunities and public services remain. The currency in the DR is the Dominican Peso, but US dollars are accepted in many tourist destinations.  

While the country is known for its beaches, it is actually one of the most geographically diverse parts of the Caribbean. There is so much to explore from bustling cities like Santo Domingo to the mountainous regions like Jarabacoa.  

Dominican food is downright delicious. Unique versions of traditional staples such as Mofongo, a mashed plantain dish, rice and beans, and stewed chicken can be found almost anywhere in the country. 

Check out this article for some key words and slang phrases to learn before you travel to the DR  

Hospitality and courtesy are core values of Dominican culture; helping neighbors, sharing a plate of food and hosting visitors is considered standard practice. Family is also of the utmost importance.  

Christianity is the most widely professed religion in the Dominican Republic with Catholicism being the most widely practiced religion. As a result of this demographic context, issues related to LGBTQ+ rights persist and reports of discrimination against LGBTQ+ communities are common. Be prepared with a plan for how you will access your support system and traveler resources while you are abroad in the unlikely event you witness or experience an adverse event.   

Snorkeling, Surfing, and other ocean activities

Santo Domingo Colonial Zone

Bachata dancing

Mofongo, mangu, tostones, sancocho, passion fruit juice and any other Dominican specialties you come across

The below questions are ones you can consider as you go through your program. You can think about them, journal about them, or talk about them with friends!

What is it like to go from Costa Rica to the Dominican Republic? What cultural differences do you notice?

While in a spot in nature, take a moment to close your eyes. Listen to the sounds around you. What are you hearing? What is the farthest-away sound you can hear? What is the closest?

Who is one person in the group you want to get to know better? Challenge yourself to reach out to them and get to know them better—maybe this means inviting them to hang out with you on the beach, asking them questions about their hometown as you walk through the jungle, or sitting next to them at dinner and chatting about how their day went.

What is the biggest surprise you’ve had in during your program so far?

Peru is an ecologically diverse country defined by the Andean mountain range, which runs north-south, dividing the country into three broad climatic regions: the Coast, the Andean Highlands, and the Eastern lowlands and Amazon rainforest. The Coast experiences a semi-arid, subtropical desert climate.

The mountains of Peru are at a high altitude. Many people come to Peru to experience the natural wonders of the Andes, and it is important to stay hydrated and rest when at high altitudes, especially in the first couple of days of adjustment.

Peru has over 13,000 years of vibrant cultures and civilizations long pre-dating the well known Inca Empire. Archaeological remains such as Machu Picchu and many more large and small are ubiquitous throughout the Andes.

Today Peru’s population is about 32 million, with a diverse population that self-identifies as mestizo (~60%), Quechua (~23%), Aymara (~3%), Amazonian (~2%), Black/Mulatto (~2%), white (~5%), and other (~7%).

While Spanish is the official languages, many Indigenous languages are widely used in different parts of the country, particularly Quechua.

It’s helpful to know a few key phrases in Spanish in Peru, where English is not widely spoken.

• Buenos días — good day or good morning (used until midday)

• Buenas tardes — good afternoon or good evening (used from midday until nighttime)

• Buenas noches — good night (used at night as a greeting and as a way of saying goodbye)

• You can also use “buenas” by itself at any time as a greeting (after 12pm this is acceptable)! This solves a lot of uncertainties.

• ¿Cómo estás? – How are you? (you can use this formally, just drop the “s” from the end of estás: “¿Cómo está?“)

• ¿Como va? – How’s it going?

• ¿Qué tal? – What’s up? Or How are you? (¿Qué tal? Can also be used to ask how something was or went, like “How was it?”)

• Adios means “goodbye”, but the more informal “chau” is also widely used

Norms around personal space are different in Peru than they are in the US. Typically Peruvians will stand much closer to each other than Americans when having a conversation.

In terms of clothing, in the more traditional, indigenous regions of Peru, you should dress conservatively, long (knee high) shorts or pants and tee shirt or long sleeved shirt. Also, practicality here is important, the sun is extremely strong so generally people try to protect themselves from it. You should follow their lead.

Some of the best regional dishes to eat include:

• Ceviche – there are many variations on ceviche, and trying ceviche in Peru is a must for any seafood lover

• Lomo Saltado – a tasty meat stir fry dish

• Ají de Gallina – this is a delicious chicken stew made with, ají, mild yellow peppers, which are dried and ground to made a beautiful deep yellow color.

• Alfajores – yummy cookies with a caramel center

• Maca – traditional hot beverage drunk instead of (or in addition to) coffee.

Some of the most unique sights and activities in Peru include:

• Machu Picchu (of course!)

• Other archaeological sites including Pisac, Maras Salt Pools, Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuaman fortress

• Pablo Seminario ceramics workshop — a world renowned ceramicist who has been working with EF for many years

• Pisac Market – the largest open-air artisan market in Peru

• Cusco Planetarium – take in the stars from the Incan perspective and learn about the ancient sky

• Lots of smaller museums, like the Choco Museo (Chocolate Museum!) in almost every city

• The Malecon in Lima is a wonderful foot path through exercise parks and sculptures overlooking the Pacific Ocean

The below questions are ones you can consider as you go through your program. You can think about them, journal about them, or talk about them with friends!

By this point in the program, you have probably had at least one moment where you’ve felt frustrated, confused, or annoyed. How did you deal with this moment? What worked, and what didn’t work? What will you do next time you face a difficult moment on-program?

How has your group dynamic changed between the beginning of the program and now? What moments have helped the group bond and grow?

What is one thing you learned about Peruvian culture? What surprised you?

You have a whole network to support you during your program. Have you connected with your EF Gap Year Advisor yet? Shoot them a text to let them know how you’re doing—whether everything is awesome or you’re struggling with something, they are there to cheer you on and support you!

You’ve probably tried some new foods and flavors during your time on the road. What is the best bite of food you’ve eaten during your trip so far?

During your free time, how are you making time to rest and recharge? Check-in with yourself and make sure you are getting enough time to recuperate physically and emotionally after each long day.

Quito

Baños 

Tena 

The Galapagos Islands 

Ecuador was once populated by Indigenous groups that were incorporated into the Inca Empire in the 15th century. The Spanish colonized it during the 16th century. Spanish is the official language, though Kichwa is also recognized. The Kichwa influence on language and culture can be seen throughout the country.

The geography of the country varies and is divided into 4 main geographic regions: La Costa (“the coast”), La Sierra (“the highlands”), La Amazonía (“the Amazon”) and La Región Insular, the region that comprises the Galapagos Islands. Each region has a distinct geography and climate.

Ecuador is one of just seventeen megadiverse countries in the world. You’ll see a lot of this biodiversity while you’re there!

In some places, a 10% service charge will automatically be added to your bill. Cheaper restaurants don’t necessarily expect a tip, but a small tip or rounding up is very welcome. 

It’s a good idea to carry toilet paper with you as you travel around the country, as sometimes toilet paper is not available or only available for a fee in the public bathrooms. 

The altitude in Quito and other mountainous areas can be challenging. Make sure to drink lots of water, get rest, and watch your alcohol intake, especially during the first few days at altitude.

In the Galapagos, you’ll frequently be on boats that travel back and forth between the islands. It’s a great idea to bring some anti-nausea medication (like Dramamine) if you’re at all predisposed to motion sickness.

Try all the food! Ceviche is a must-try for any seafood lover, and llapingachos – potato patties stuffed with cheese — is a true delight. Guinea pig (known locally as cuy) is a delicacy and something more adventurous eaters might enjoy trying.

Snorkeling in the Galapagos is incredible. Don’t pass up any opportunity to throw on your snorkel and jump in the water. You never know what amazing wildlife you might spot – from rays and sea turtles to marine iguanas and sharks.

The below questions are ones you can consider as you go through your program. You can think about them, journal about them, or talk about them with friends!

By this part of the program, you have done some physically demanding activities, like kayaking and hiking. How does your body feel after you complete these activities? How do your mind and emotions feel?

What is one thing you learned in the Galapagos about sustainability that you want to take back home with you?

What is one thing you learned on program that you want to share with your friends/family when you return home? This could be something you learned about the places you visited or sustainability, but it could also be something you learned about yourself.

Think back to one of your happiest moments on program. What was it that made this moment so special? Think about the environment you were in, the activities you were doing, and the people you were with. How can you bring more moments like that into your life?

What was a moment on program where you pushed yourself outside your comfort zone? Maybe this was trying a new food, doing an activity you weren’t sure if you could do, or pushing yourself to connect with new people. How has your comfort zone perhaps expanded while you’ve been on the road?

Travel provides incredible opportunities to learn about yourself, the world, and yourself in the world. But travel is also a deeply emotional experience that can bring different challenges to every individual based on the identities they hold and experiences they’ve had.

This resource is intended to help you think about how your intersecting identities can, and will, shape your experience as an EF student. Take some time to review our Social Identity Resources to hear different perspectives, learn about identity-specific resources, and prepare with helpful tips before you go abroad.