Greenheart High School Programs Conference 2026

The main arrival is Thursday, November 12th, and departures are Sunday, November 15th, 2026. Only attendees arriving on this date within the recommended arrival times will be provided ground transportation from the airport to the hotel and ground transportation from the hotel to the airport for your return to the US.

• Thursday, November 12th: Arrivals throughout the day and Greenheart Welcome Dinner
• Friday, November 13th: 1/2 Day Meeting
• Saturday, November 14th: Greenheart Farewell Dinner
• Sunday, November 15th: Departures

Refer to the Things to Do  tab for additional information.

Hilton Lima Miraflores | Hilton

Avenida La Paz 1099, Lima, 15074, Peru

Perched in the heart of Lima’s vibrant tourist district, the Hilton Lima Miraflores combines modern sophistication with Peruvian elegance. Located just steps from upscale shopping at Larcomar and scenic coastal parks, this 207-room hotel provides an ideal urban retreat. Guests can unwind at the rooftop infinity pool, savor traditional Peruvian cuisine, or enjoy spectacular city views from the exclusive Executive Lounge.

Eligibility Criteria:

Placements beginning on or after January 1, 2026 (Second Semester of 2025-26 Academic Year and First Semester or Full Year placements of 2026-27 Academic Year).

• Local Coordinators must make 6 permanent placements. Another 6 placements to bring a guest.
• Early-Bird: LCs who made 5 permanent placements by April 30, 2026 earned the conference – and those who made 10 permanent placements by April 30, 2026 earned the conference for one guest.

Attendance through paying for missing placements is not guaranteed. Per the Booking Priority Guidelines, these requests will be considered only if the attendee capacity allows.

Click HERE to register. The deadline to register to attend is Friday, August 1, 2026.

Here is a link to the Booking Priority Guidelines

Should space allow, you may bring one (1) guest that must be paid for by your placements made or cash. The number of placements required to bring a guest is the same as you would be required to redeem for yourself. When completing the registration form, you will be asked if you want to register a guest. Refer to the Booking Priority Guidelines for more information.

All pre- and post-conference travel is at your own expense and responsibility. If there is a differential in flight cost for traveling outside of the main arrival and departure dates, you are responsible for paying this differential, and Greenheart will send you an invoice for this amount.

Please note that if you plan on traveling to a different country before or after the conference, it is your responsibility to find out if you will be required to get a visa and understand any passport requirements for those places of travel. You will be responsible for any visa costs, trip cancellation insurance, or other travel-related costs not part of the Greenheart conference. This includes any split ticket-related travel issues/cancellations/or expenses that may arise.

1) You will receive an automated email confirming that you have completed your registration form submission (though this is NOT confirmation of actual booking). SAVE THIS EMAIL

2) If you are fully eligible to attend the conference at the time of registering, Greenheart will send your information to our travel agency for flight booking. Our travel agent who will be assisting with booking flights will be:

Corporate Traveler Chicago
200 N. Michigan Ave
Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60601 US
Tel: 312-384-1246
[email protected]

If you are NOT yet eligible to attend the conference at the time of registering, your registration will remain pending, and the booking process will not start until you become eligible.

3) A travel agent will contact you via email from an email address like this: [email protected]. Be sure to check your junk and spam folders.

4) Once you receive an email from Corporate Traveler containing your proposed flight itinerary, you will have 24 hours to respond to that email and confirm the proposed itinerary. More than one change to your itinerary will result in a $300 fee. After your ticket has been issued, any costs incurred to change flight arrangements will be your responsibility.

5) All flights must be booked by September 5, 2026.

All booking forms for you and any guest must be submitted with complete information by 11:59pm CST on Friday, August 1, 2026. Please note that registrations are only accepted until capacity is reached, which may be before the above deadline.

No, any checked luggage is at your own expense. Once you receive your flight information, check the websites of all airlines listed on your itinerary to learn about their checked baggage policies. If they charge for checked bags, you will be responsible for paying for these charges upon checking in for your flight at the airport.

What About Airline Seating Preference?

Many airlines no longer offer complimentary seat preference options upon booking. Choosing your seat preference is an option available to passengers of many airlines only 24 hours before departure, upon online check-in, and may be limited. If you would like to choose your seat preference ahead of time, it is your responsibility and at your own expense to arrange this personally for any and all segments of your flight. This is neither Greenheart’s responsibility nor the booking agent’s guarantee.

If you request to travel on different dates or with a specific airline and your flights are priced higher, you will be responsible for the difference in flight costs (and this option will only be offered, if possible, within Greenheart flight arrival/departure windows). Likewise, if you are deviating from main destinations or travel days, you are responsible for any split ticket issues or costs that may arise, such as missed connections or cancellations.

Reminder: Ground transportation to and from the airport will only be provided to those traveling on group flights on the main travel dates.

Additionally, attendees are personally responsible for (but not limited to) personal baggage fees, checking into all flight(s), tracking gate changes, making flight connections, informing airlines of dietary or special assistance needs, and arranging and paying fees for pre-selected seat preferences (more info provided in booking forms). Attendees are also responsible for keeping conference staff informed of any major changes in flight information.

YES! You must have a passport book (passport cards not acceptable) valid upon entry and for the duration of your stay, and valid for 6 months after your conference dates. Check your passport expiration date now! If your passport expires soon, you must renew it immediately. The approval process can take up to 6 weeks or more. In addition, please ensure you have at least two blank pages available for the entry stamp. Please note that if you plan on traveling to a different country before or after the conference, you must find out if you will be required to get a visa. Note that any visa or passport costs will be your responsibility. See complete passport requirements on the travel.stat.gov site.

There are no mandatory vaccine requirements for travelers entering Lima, Peru. You are not required to present a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate or proof of any other specific immunization to clear border control when arriving from the United States.

While none are legally required, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and healthcare organizations strongly advise the following for your trip:

• Routine Vaccines: Ensure your routine immunizations (such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, chickenpox, and the flu) are up to date.
• Hepatitis A: Highly recommended due to potential exposure through food and water.
• Typhoid: Recommended for most travelers to Peru, especially if you plan to eat outside of major tourist hotels.

Note: The Yellow Fever vaccine is only necessary if you plan to travel from Lima to the Amazon jungle regions of Peru

It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider well in advance of your trip to ensure you receive all necessary vaccines on time

Yes. Many meals will be eaten together as a group. For any meal that is not eaten together as a group, a per diem will be provided.

Greenheart assumes double occupancy and will assign a roommate for you if you do not indicate a specific person. If you have a roommate preference, please indicate it on your registration form. Note: There is an additional charge if requesting a single room (no roommate).

Greenheart conferences usually require business-casual attire, no jeans, shorts, or flip-flops. Please bring something “Dressy” but not formal for official Greenheart events: Our Welcome Dinner and Greenheart Farewell Dinner.

Spanish is the primary and official language spoken in Lima, Peru. As the country’s capital, Lima is largely a Spanish-speaking city, with Peruvian Spanish being the dominant dialect used for business, government, and daily communication.

While Spanish is predominant, Lima’s status as a major metropolitan hub means you may occasionally encounter Indigenous languages—most notably Quechua and Aymara—spoken by migrant communities from the Andean regions. However, unlike parts of the Peruvian highlands, Spanish is the default language you will hear and use throughout the city.

Between November 12 and 15, 2026, Lima will experience mild, early-summer weather transitioning into brighter days. You can expect pleasant daytime temperatures generally peaking in the mid-70s°F (22-24°C) with overnight lows in the low 60s°F (15-17°C). Rainfall is virtually nonexistent.

Forecast & Climate Details

• Temperature: Highs of 72 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit with Lows of 60 – 63 degrees Fahrenheit
• Conditions: Generally mild and breezy with clearing skies as the thick winter fog breaks. You can expect a mix of clouds and sunshine, averaging about 4 hours of bright sunlight per day.
• Rainfall: Very dry. There is less than a 10% chance of rain during this period, and any precipitation is usually just a very light, brief mist.
• Humidity: High humidity (typically around \(82\%\)) is common, which can make the air feel a bit cooler in the morning or evening than the thermometer suggests.

Because daily forecasts can change, you can track the exact day-by-day progression as the dates approach on AccuWeather Lima or check the local historical trends on Weather Spark Lima.

The currency of Lima (and all of Peru) is the Peruvian Sol (currency code: PEN).

Exchange Rate & Denominations

• Exchange Rate: 1 USD is approximately equal to 3.40 PEN (verify current rates using the Xe Currency Converter).
• Banknotes: S/10, S/20, S/50, S/100, and S/200.
• Coins: 10, 20, and 50 céntimos, as well as S/1, S/2, and S/5.

Local Tips

Cards vs. Cash: Credit cards are widely accepted in Lima’s upscale restaurants, malls, and hotels, but you should carry cash for street food, local transit, and tipping.

Use Soles: While US dollars are occasionally accepted at hotels or major tourist sites in Lima, you will get a much better exchange rate and avoid confusion by paying for everything in local Soles.

Carry Small Bills: Stock up on smaller denomination banknotes (S/10, S/20, and S/50). Larger notes (like S/100 or S/200) can be difficult for local markets, taxis, and street vendors to break.

Yes, you can use your credit card widely in Lima, Peru, especially in major tourist areas, hotels, upscale restaurants, and large supermarkets.

Card Acceptance in Lima

• Major Networks: Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere that takes cards. American Express and Discover are accepted less frequently.
• Chip and PIN: Most merchants use chip-and-PIN or contactless (tap) technology. Ensure your card has a working chip.
• Small Vendors: Cash is still required for small purchases, street food, local taxis, and traditional markets.

Key Tips Before You Travel

Notify Your Bank: Let your bank know you are traveling to Peru so they do not flag your international transactions as fraudulent and freeze your account. 

No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use a credit card that does not charge extra fees for international purchases to save 1% to 3% per transaction.

Pay in Local Currency: If a card terminal asks whether you want to be charged in US Dollars or Peruvian Soles, always choose Soles to avoid expensive conversion markups by the local bank.

In Lima, Peru, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory and generally much lower than in North America.

Restaurant Tipping

• Casual Sit-Down Spots: A tip of 10% is standard for good service.
• High-End Restaurants: Check your bill carefully, as upscale restaurants in areas like Miraflores or San Isidro often automatically add a 10% service charge (servicio). You can leave an extra 5% to 10% in cash for the waiter if the service was exceptional.
• Local Diners (Chifas/Menús): Small, budget eateries do not expect a tip, though leaving small change or rounding up to the nearest S/5 is a nice gesture.

Tipping Other Services

• Taxis: Do not tip street taxi drivers. You must negotiate a flat rate before getting into the cab. If using ride-sharing apps like Uber, tipping through the app is optional but appreciated.
• Tour Guides: For a full-day tour, a tip of S/30 to S/40 ($8 to $11 USD) per person is standard. For free walking tours, give around S/20 to S/30 per person.
• Hotel Staff: Tip porters S/3 to S/5 per bag for carrying your luggage, and leave S/5 per day for hotel housekeepers.

Quick Tip Rules

• Tip in Cash: Try to tip using local Peruvian Soles cash. If you add a tip to a credit card receipt, the money often goes to the restaurant owner rather than your server.
• Check the Bill: Always look for words like “Servicio Incluido” on your receipt before leaving extra money

As an American traveling to Lima, the short answer is no, you usually do not need a plug adapter, but you must check your device’s voltage.

1. The Plug Shape (Usually Fits)

Peruvian wall outlets are “hybrid” sockets. They are specifically designed to accept both flat American prongs (Types A and B) and round European prongs (Type C). Your standard 2-prong American phone and laptop chargers will slide right into the wall.

• The Exception: If your device has a 3-prong plug (with the round grounding pin), bring a basic 3-to-2 prong adapter. Many older buildings, budget hotels, and cafes in Lima only have 2-prong outlets.

2. The Voltage Warning (Most Important)

Peru’s electrical grid runs on 220 volts, which is double the 110 volts used in the United States.

• Safe (Dual-Voltage): Your cell phone, laptop, iPad, and digital camera chargers are almost certainly dual-voltage. Look at the tiny text on the charger brick. If it says INPUT: 100-240V, it is safe to plug directly into the wall in Lima.
• Dangerous (Single-Voltage): Hair dryers, curling irons, electric shavers, and heating pads from the US are usually strictly 110V. If you plug an American hair dryer into a Peruvian 220V outlet, it will instantly fry, smoke, or melt. Leave these at home and use the ones provided by your hotel.

What to Pack

To be completely worry-free, throw a cheap universal travel adapter into your bag just in case you run into a loose or oddly shaped older outlet.

Health and Safety  

When exploring Lima, practicing basic situational awareness is the key to an incredible trip. The essential common-sense rules for personal safety, health, and well-being in the city include:

• Store your passport and valuables in the hotel safe.  Keep a form of smaller ID or a copy of your passport on your person. Do not carry your original passport with you during the conference!  Store your original in the room safe and carry a photocopy of your original.  It is also a good idea to make a list of your credit card companies/accounts/and ‘if lost or stolen’ numbers and store in a secure area in case of theft, for easy cancellations. 

• Be aware of your surroundings and don’t go out alone. Before you leave the hotel, make sure you have the address and/or contact information, so you know how to get back.  Stick to frequented, well-lit areas. 

• Carry local currency in cash in limited portions–take only what you need for the day.  If you have a credit card, take it with you in case of an emergency. 

• Avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night, especially. Go out in groups and arrange rides with a designated taxi, recommended by your hotel. You should also avoid driving at night, even on the main highways–plan your road trips for the daytime. 

• Learn a few words and phrases in Spanish, particularly to ask key directional questions.  
• Stick to Authorized Taxis: Never hail random street taxis. Use app-based rides like Uber or book official airport/hotel taxi services such as Taxi Green or Taxi Directo to ensure your driver is registered and tracked.
• Keep Your Phone Out of Sight: Distracted phone snatching by thieves on passing motorcycles or bicycles is common. Avoid walking down the street looking at maps; instead, step inside a secure shop, cafe, or hotel lobby to check your phone.
• Leave Valuables in the Hotel: Do not wear expensive jewelry, flashy watches, or carry large amounts of cash. Use your hotel room safe for your physical passport, backup credit cards, and extra money, and only carry a paper copy of your ID.
• Secure Bags in Restaurants: Never hang your purse or backpack on the back of a restaurant chair or leave it on the floor. Keep it on your lap, loop a strap around your leg, or keep it securely zipped right in front of you.
• Stay in Well-Traveled Districts: Choose safe, well-policed neighborhoods for your base and nighttime dining, such as Miraflores, San Isidro, and the tourist areas of Barranco. Use extra caution or a local guide if visiting the historic Centro de Lima after dark.
• Never Drink Tap Water: Tap water in Lima is not safe to drink. Always purchase bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth, and double-check that the factory seal on the bottle cap is intact before opening.
• Avoid Ice and Raw Street Food: Skip ice cubes in drinks unless you are at a high-end restaurant using purified water. When trying Lima’s world-famous cuisine, stick to busy local establishments or reputable spots rather than street food stalls with stagnant water.
• Guard Your Bags in Crowds: Be highly alert in crowded areas like local markets (e.g., Mercado Central) or when using public transit like the Metropolitano bus system. Wear your backpack on your front in these tight spaces to deter pickpockets.
• Use ATMs Inside Banks: Avoid standalone street ATMs, which are targets for skimming devices and robbery. Only withdraw cash from ATMs located physically inside a well-lit bank branch, preferably during daylight hours.
• Keep Car Windows Rolled Up: If you are riding in a vehicle or taxi, keep the windows rolled up and the doors locked. Thieves occasionally snatch bags or phones straight out of open car windows when vehicles are stopped in heavy Lima traffic. 

Emergency Phone Numbers in Peru

Peru does not use 911 like the United States. Instead, there are separate emergency numbers depending on the situation:

• Police: 105
• Ambulance (SAMU): 106
• Fire Department: 116

Important tips:

• Calls are free from any phone.
• Operators may speak limited English, so having basic Spanish phrases or a translation app can help.
• If you’re unsure which number to call, 105 (police) is usually the best first option—they can direct you.

Greenheart Standards of Respect: 

As we come together, we wanted to take this opportunity to remind all members of the Greenheart International community of our important system of values and standards of respect for one another. 

Among many values, Greenheart International strives to be a leader and role model regarding social justice. Our mission is to promote understanding and respect for all which includes the highest standards for our working conditions, as well as respect and dignity for all employees, host families, students, local coordinators, employers and all stakeholders connected with Greenheart. Greenheart does not tolerate racism in any form.  During our conference, anyone can and should bring forward complaints or concerns about discrimination, racism, or related difficulties of any kind to Dan Freehling, Malgorzata Tekgoz, or Marcelle Benedicta. 

Greenheart is committed to cultivating and institutionalizing a culture of inclusion that encourages collaboration, flexibility, accountability, and fairness to enable individuals to contribute to their full potential. We believe our representatives and participants have a responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect, and to exhibit conduct that reflects inclusion in their interactions with others involved with Greenheart Exchange as well as their local communities.  Greenheart Exchange expects all participants, host families, and local coordinators to be respectful of other races, religions, nationalities, cultures, sexual orientations, and sexual identities.  We do not tolerate comments, jokes, or behaviors that degrade or disrespect individuals or groups involved with our programs.  If you experience or witness disrespectful, mean, or harassing behavior from a Greenheart participant, host, or LC, please report the behavior by talking to your regional supervisor or contacting the national office. 

Sustainable Traveling 

Greenheart is continuously increasing our efforts to ensure that our meetings and conferences are as green as possible.   In addition to efforts to choose sustainable vendors and hotels, it also means that we need your support!   We can reach this goal by holding ourselves accountable in our personal and shared actions in order to uphold our mission of decreasing our impact on our environment. 

You can join us in making our conference GREENER by: 

• Bringing your own water bottle and/or coffee tumbler to decrease disposable waste usage during your trip. 

• Packing mindfully. Purchase reusable travel-sized bottles for shampoos and soaps that can be refilled for each trip instead of the smaller disposable ones. 

• Being mindful of recycling in our meeting space, sleeping rooms, and around the hotel. 

• Not over-ordering and only taking food you know you will eat to minimize food waste during meals. 

• Returning your name tags that can be reused if you will not use them again for tabling or future events. 

• Only printing out necessary information from your pre-departure packet or writing essential information in a journal or notebook. 

• Double-check that you let the hotel housekeeping know you don’t need a new towel or sheets changed.  Turning off all lights and air conditioning/heat when you leave your room.  

• Being mindful and strategic with souvenir purchases.  Think twice about cheap key chains and magnets, and instead consider local or handmade products.  

Please let us know if you have any ideas for improving and increasing our efforts!  Hopefully, each year, we will move closer and closer to a zero-waste program that we all will be incredibly proud of by choosing hotels carefully, setting higher expectations, and empowering our staff and field network to help make this possible.  We appreciate and thank you for making our programs and world greener!