EF Tour Peru Guide: My Honest Review + Trip Highlights 

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Last Updated on November 7, 2025 by sydabroad

From hiking Machu Picchu to exploring Cusco’s charming streets, this was truly the trip of a lifetime. If you are interested in hearing all about EF’s Peru tour, keep reading! 

I’m going to start by saying, I am an EF Ultimate Break ambassador, but I will be giving you guys my completely honest review of this trip. The Peru and Machu Picchu Adventure trip was my fourth tour with EF, and the whole reason I wanted to become an ambassador in the first place was because of how much I enjoyed traveling with them. 

My first trip with them was the Highlights of Europe tour back in 2019, then I did the Egypt: Cruise The Nile trip in 2022, and the Spain, Morocco, and Portugal trip in 2024. 

Anyways, if you’re interested in booking the EF Peru tour, I’ll share some of the things I liked and didn’t like, what to expect, some travel tips, and more. So, let’s get into it! 

If you want to save some money on your next trip with EF Ultimate, click this link and use the code “UASydney100” at checkout to save an additional $100.

What is EF Ultimate Break? 

EF Ultimate Break is a group travel company designed for young adults who want to explore the world without the stress of planning every detail. They offer trips to over 100 destinations — whether that’s watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle in Paris, hiking Machu Picchu in Peru, or sailing the Greek Islands. 

Each trip is planned and led by an experienced local guide. Your trip will typically include accommodation, transportation, local guides, some meals, and even round-trip flights (though you can opt to book your own if you prefer).

My EF Ultimate Break Peru Trip Itinerary

Here’s a rundown of my 10-day Peru trip with EF I’ll be sharing a detailed itinerary soon, so keep an eye out! If you want to check out the exact tour on EF’s website, this is it!

Day 1: Fly into Lima

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Lima & Welcome Dinner

Day 3: Travel to Cusco 

Day 4: Sightseeing in Cusco

Day 5: Sacred Valley of the Incas 

Day 6:  Machu Picchu 

Day 7: Travel to Cusco + Optional return to Machu Picchu 

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Cusco + Farewell Dinner

Day 9: Travel to Lima 

Day 10: Explore Lima + Fly Home 

You can find more details about EF’s Peru & Machu Picchu Adventure tour here on their website!

Note: They very recently changed the itinerary to include an optional visit to Huacachina, which I am sooo jealous about! I wanted to go here so bad, and I regret not staying an extra day in Lima to book a day trip to this desert oasis. However, I believe they did remove the extra optional visit to Machu Picchu. 

Pros and Cons of Group Travel

Group travel is great in my opinion, but it’s not for everyone. Here are some pros and cons of the EF Peru tour.  

Pros: 

• Organized Itinerary: The fact that you don’t have to think about what city you’re going to next and how you’re going to get there is so nice. The itinerary is organized to a tee, making it such a stress-free way to travel.  
• Safety: I always feel super safe and looked after on a group tour. Regardless, I felt like Peru was a super safe place, but being with a group, I could relax a bit more, whereas if I were solo, I’d be much more aware of the little things.  
• Meet other travelers: The best part of group travel is meeting so many like-minded travelers! I’ve been on 5 group trips in different parts of the world, and I have met the most amazing people on every single trip! 
• Knowledgeable local guides: The guides on the Peru tour were incredible! You can go to them with any questions you have during the trip, and it’s just comforting to have someone you can go to when you’re so far from home and out of your comfort zone. 

Cons: 

• Limited free time: Because this tour is so fast-paced and jampacked, you don’t get much free time. I find this is the norm with all group trips because they are designed to show you the highlights of any place you’re in. Most group tours squeeze in as much as possible in a short amount of time.   
• Can feel fast-paced: Going off of the limited free time, this is a fast-paced tour; I don’t think I ever truly rested or slept in. So just be prepared for this.  
• Group size: In my opinion, this group size was way too big for one guide. I had a group of over 40 on my EF tour to Peru, which I think was too large. Everyone was wonderful, and we didn’t have any crazy people, but I just thought it was too big. I do think EF will consider this because a lot of people on the tour had the same feeling. And my other trips with EF have been around 30 people max.   

What’s included in the EF Tour Peru Trip? 

• Flights, if you decide to add them (you can also book on your own) 
• All transportation while on the trip 
• Accommodation for each night 
• 8 breakfasts & 2 dinners 
• An expert tour guide and local guides 
• City tours 
• Guided excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas 
• Entrance to Machu Picchu  

So, what will I have to pay for during the trip? 

It’s nice that so much is included in this tour, but make sure to allocate a daily budget for food and souvenirs. You’ll need money for snacks, most meals, any extra activities you want to do during your free time, tips, and any shopping. 

The amount you’ll spend daily entirely depends on the type of traveler you are. I found that Peru wasn’t too crazy expensive, but it was more expensive than I had anticipated. I suggest anywhere from $30 to $100 USD per day. I definitely spent the most on food, and some of the restaurant prices are comparable to other major Western cities. However, you can opt for street food and small local spots to save some money. 

There was also a lot of tipping required during this trip. I do wish this were something EF had mentioned more beforehand, so we were prepared. The tips had to be given in cash, so setting aside the right amount for that was sometimes challenging, with getting change and exchanging money. 

You’ll also pay for any shopping, and it’s so good in Peru, so make sure you allocate enough money for shopping! I did find that most places accepted card payment, you’ll just need cash for purchases made at small markets or street vendors. 

Who the EF Peru tour is best for?

The EF Ultimate Peru & Machu Picchu Adventure tour is perfect for solo travelers, students, and young adults who want to experience South America without the stress of planning every detail. If a trip to Peru has been on your bucket list but you don’t know where to start with planning, this tour is for you! 

It’s also ideal for first-time travelers to South America or anyone who prefers having everything organized in advance. EF handles your hotels, transportation, and activities. You’ll be traveling with a group of like-minded people, which makes it incredibly easy to make friends along the way.  

I was intrigued by this trip because of how much planning it takes to visit Machu Picchu. I knew there were a lot of planes, trains, and buses involved and that you have to book the tickets well in advance. 

I thought a group tour to Peru would be the perfect way to avoid the stress of planning all of this, and I’m so glad that I booked this EF tour! After visiting Peru, I definitely get how stressful it can be to get from place to place in Peru, and this organized trip made the travel days so easy. 

Tips for your EF Tour to Peru

Packing

Pack layers! I did my tour at the end of August, and the weather was perfect. However, it can be hot and sunny and nice during the day and cool at night, especially up in the mountains of Cusco. 

The mornings in Cusco were quite chilly, but in the afternoon, I was wearing a tank top. Make sure to pack a rain jacket and comfy shoes because you’ll be doing a lot of walking. If you are doing the optional Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain excursion, you can rent large coats in Cusco, so don’t worry about packing those. 

How to handle altitude sickness

Altitude sickness was what I was worried about the most. I’ve gotten it before hiking in Guatemala, and it is NOT fun. Cusco sits at an elevation of over 11,000 feet, which is high, and likely everyone will feel the effects of the high altitude — shortness of breath, headaches, etc. 

The number one thing you can do to avoid altitude sickness is to hydrate LOTS before and during the trip. Take electrolyte packets with you and have one every day – these LMNT packets absolutely saved me. 

I have a post here all about how to avoid altitude sickness in Peru and some important tips to know before you go!

Budgeting for extra meals and souvenirs

As mentioned above, make sure you have enough money allocated for extra meals and any shopping you want to do. Most places will accept card payments, but it is important to have cash because you may need it at random times. 

Must try foods in Peru

There are so many delicious foods to try in Peru! This country is known for having some of the best food in the world. Here are some dishes (& drinks!)  you should try during your trip. 

• Ceviche: Peru’s national dish and soo delish. I recommend trying it in Lima; there are so many amazing spots. 
• Aji de Gallina: a creamy, flavorful chicken stew. 
• Empanadas: Peruvian empanadas are so good, you’ll find them everywhere! 
• Chicha Morada: A sweet, non-alcoholic drink made from purple corn. It’s interesting, you should try it.
• Pisco Sour: Peru’s signature cocktail! And my new favorite cocktail — they are wonderful! 
• Alpaca Steak: If you’re feeling adventurous, try the alpaca steak. I had a bite of a friend’s at this delicious Peruvian steakhouse in Cusco, and it was actually really good. 

The Language Barrier

After visiting Peru, I’ve found that the language barrier in South America seems to be the most difficult. Which is another reason why a group trip was so great. I’ve visited over 50 countries, and after visiting Colombia a few years ago and now Peru, these are the two countries I’ve had a more challenging time getting around in. 

If you’re planning a trip to Peru, now is a good time to brush up on your Spanish. I love using the Duolingo and Rosetta Stone apps to learn languages. 

Safety in Peru

I was actually surprised by just how safe I felt during my entire time in Peru. Obviously, South America carries a bit of a stigma for being unsafe. Or at least less safe than destinations in Europe or Southeast Asia. 

Of course, you need to be smart no matter where you’re traveling to. But overall, I found the tourist areas we had visited in Peru were completely safe. Petty theft and scams do happen, so just keep an eye on your belongings and avoid walking alone in remote areas at night. 

EF Ultimate Break made safety a top priority — we had knowledgeable local guides, secure transportation, and planned group activities, which made everything feel super organized. 

I will say Cusco felt extremely safe. I was walking around town in the evening by myself, and it was fine. Just use common sense.

FAQs: Peru & Machu Picchu Adventure Trip

Is the EF tour Peru worth it? 

Absolutely! I think every new EF trip I go on tends to jump to my favorite EF trip, but I really did LOVE this tour. All of the activities we did and the places we visited in Peru were amazing. 

It was very fast-paced, and there was little time for rest, but this is something I was prepared for when I booked the trip. If you want to avoid the hassle it takes to plan a visit to Machu Picchu, I think this trip is so worth it.  

How long is the EF Peru & Machu Picchu Adventure tour?

They advertise it as a 10-day tour; however, 2 of those days were spent traveling to and from Peru, so it’s more of an 8-day tour. Which is yes, really short for all the places you visit. But it’s a great way to get a taste of Peru, and you can always go back in the future. 

The first day was entirely travel. I was flying from Austin, Texas, to Lima, Peru, and it quite literally took the entire day. I don’t think I got to bed in Lima that evening until 3 AM. It was crazy. If you can, I suggest booking your own flights so that you are in control of the trip itinerary and can get to Lima at a more convenient time. 

Do you hike Machu Picchu on the EF Peru trip?

On the EF Peru trip, you don’t hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; you take the train. The Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu takes 4 days, so you simply don’t have the time on this group trip.  

However, the train ride was absolutely stunning! It was seriously an experience in itself. It was one of the most stunning train rides I’ve ever experienced. Comparable to the trains in New Zealand, I’d say. 

If you are interested in learning more about EF Ultimate Break trips before booking, you can read this guide here, where I answered a lot of FAQs about traveling with EF! 🌏

My Honest Review | EF Ultimate Break’s Peru & Machu Picchu Adventure Trip

I truly did love this tour. Although I would have loved to stay longer, I thought this was a great way to get a taste of what this beautiful country was like. Our tour guide, Sally, was absolutely wonderful. She was so incredibly helpful with everything; she was very kind, organized, and professional. She couldn’t have been better. 

I met the most wonderful people on this group trip, which is always a reason I love traveling with EF Ultimate Break. On another note, the accommodation wasn’t the most luxurious, but it did the job. I did enjoy how there were no hostels on this trip — only hotels. So the entire time, I just shared a room with one other girl, which was super nice. 

One thing I regret not doing was extending my trip an extra day to visit Huacachina; it’s a little town in the middle of the desert that looks unreal to visit! You can actually do a day trip from Lima, which a few of the girls who extended their trips ended up doing. 

Although, of course, now they offer that as an excursion, so if you are planning on booking the Peru trip with EF, book the Huacachina & Ballestas excursion! Anyway, if you’re thinking of visiting Peru and don’t know where to start, I do recommend this group trip! 

Alright, if you’re planning to book a trip with EF don’t forget to use the code “UASydney100” at checkout to save $$! Happy travels!

I hope this little EF Ultimate Break review helped plan your next trip! If you have any questions about traveling with EF, comment below or DM me on Instagram!

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