Program Updates & Reminders

Program Updates

Chavín de Huántar is a unique and remote destination away from the more frequently-visited sites in Peru. Therefore, our travels to and from Chavín on August 27 and August 30 will take some time. Our flight to Huaraz on August 27 will take just over an hour with an additional 3-4 hours of driving. We are prepared for the return trip to Lima to take all day with 9-10 hours of driving in our motor coaches. We will stop to visit Caral-Supe and for comfort breaks. We are confident that the special access and experiences in Chavín will allow for an unforgettable educational opportunity, and your positive attitude will contribute to the experience of the group. 

For the long drives, we recommend that you come prepared with any medication for motion sickness and/or altitude as prescribed by your doctor and personal entertainment downloaded to your devices such as music, movies, audio books, or e-books. We are confirming the entertainment options on the coaches and plan to provide educational and entertaining content as well as times for quiet rest and observation of the Andean highlands.

Lima has a new airport terminal. We had originally planned to stay at the Wyndham in the old terminal, but we have moved our group on August 30 and September 5 to the new five-star Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol Lima Airport.

We have substituted several choice activities for the planned visit of Moray  on September 1. Please see the Updated Itinerary for the afternoon activities.

Reminders

Packing

• Please review the packing limitations for the train to Aguas Calientes on the What to Bring page. You will only be allowed a carry-on bag for the one night at the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel.

• The tap water in Peru is not safe to drink, but potable water will be provided. Keeping with our effort to eliminate single-use bottles on all Travel/Study programs, we ask you to bring a refillable water bottle and/or hydration pack that you can use between meals.

• Check the weather before departure and plan to bring a warm, insulated, wind- and rain-resistant layer (or layers) for Chavín in particular. We could see temperatures from 30F to 80F across our various locations.

Documentation

• If you have not already, be sure to check your passport to make sure it is valid for six months after your return date to the U.S. and that it has at least one completely blank visa pages (not including the amendment pages at the back of the passport).

• U.S. citizens traveling abroad may wish to enroll with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency. You can find out more on the State Department website.

Health

• Get necessary immunizations and prophylaxes (refer to the health and medical page of this microsite). Talk to your doctor about the effects of altitude, which can be a concern on this trip.

• We ask you to be mindful of your activities in the time leading up to your trip and to do your best to join the trip healthy. Masking while in transit (on your flights and in airports) can go a long way toward helping you start the trip healthy. We want a safe and enjoyable trip for all, and we appreciate your help in making this effort.

• There is an inherent risk of becoming ill when traveling with a group. We strongly encourage all participants to be up to date on their seasonal vaccinations, including influenza, Covid-19, and pneumonia (per your doctor’s recommendation). Travelers who exhibit cold or flu-like symptoms, including those who test positive for Covid-19, will not be required to isolate from the group and will be subject only to local health protocols. However, they will be asked to wear a mask and advised to practice social distancing/isolate if their symptoms are particularly severe. If another guest exhibits symptoms of upper respiratory illness, you may opt to wear a mask or distance yourself as needed.