Our first Christmas as a married couple was spent here on the farm. Just as back in the suburbs of Minnesota, Christmas preparations start early. Senora Berta – once a neighbor and increasingly a surrogate mother to us here on the farm – was frantically baking cookies and breads weeks ahead of time. The hour
... Read more »Yearly Archives: 2009
El Cliente: South America Travel
We recently said goodbye to our first client. Christopher hails from the sweltering bayous of Alabama, proudly wielding the moniker ‘Bama’, but he will forever go down in the halls of Knowmad Adventures as ‘el cliente’. His journey was an unforgettable one for him and monumental for us. After trying his hardest to miss a
... Read more »Valley of the Gods – Chile
It’s not dumb luck or simple coincidence that we live in this precise point of Chile, with her supermodel measurements. Glacial lakes are warmed by towering, crotchety volcanoes and feed raging rivers—offering a plethora of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. An almost overwhelming array of options really. And after what seems like months of getting “settled”
... Read more »Here we are: Chile, South America
Chile, South America!
... Read more »November 19th – Reflections
Reluctantly rolling out of bed, chilled feet are delighted to find slippers in an increasingly familiar spot. Wood gently creaks under foot and there is a steady patter of rain on tin. Crossing the small living room out to the porch, I’m joined by Boni and her I’ve-had-a-long-life tits. We fetch some wood together. The
... Read more »November 15th – The Promised Land: Northern Patagonia
Never in my life have I been so preoccupied by the various rattles, clicks and pings that a car makes while in transit, but having dumped a significant chunk of our operating capital into our Hyundai Galloper, we’re on pistons and needles every inch of the journey. She doesn’t fail us and it seems will
... Read more »October 26th – Keeping up with the Jones’
The perils of moving to foreign countries for extended periods of time are many. What in more geographically and culturally familiar locales would be straight-forward, simple, and free of pain, suddenly become as probable and enjoyable as juggling eggs while running on a beach ball down a New York city street during rush hour.
... Read more »October 17th – Chile
Sitting next to Geoff, one of my longest and best friends, we bound along up and out of Santiago, into the exhilarating switchbacks that ascend so rapidly they might as well be an elevator. Santiago sits near sea level and snow-capped Andean peaks loom as high as 18,000 feet not far from the capital. Geoff
... Read more »6 p.m. October 15th – Santiago
After changing from the red to the green line we emerge from the subterranean cavern of one of the subway’s final stops in Santiago’s outskirts. No longer are there trendy coffee shops with well-dressed businessman chatting over smart dishes. The road is sparse on cars, heavy on loiterers wearing tattered clothes and stern stares. Unoccupied
... Read more »2 a.m. October 11th (night before departure)
We’re fifteen pounds over weight. Tara’s distraught and adamant that she’s got nothing left that isn’t absolutely necessary. “What about all the paper samples and the silver boxes full of your design stuff?” I grumble before quickly retreating into my own bag after getting a more than energetic rant about needing everything to continue her
... Read more »Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Knowmad Travel Journal is dedicated to bringing you perspectives from the Southern Hemisphere. We thank you for your readership.
Contents
By Topic
By Destination
Archives
- +2024
- +2023
- +2022
- +2021
- +2020
- +2019
- +2018
- + December
- + November
- + October
- + September
- + August
- Two Weeks in Chile: Contrasting Regions, Atacama + Patagonia Combination Trip
- Condé Nast Traveler Experience Makers Award for the 4th Year in a Row!
- Parting Shots: How a Galapagos Charter Became the Trip of a Lifetime!
- Best Peru Restaurants: Your Guide for Knowing Where to Eat from Lima to Machu Picchu
- Travel + Leisure A-List Recognizes Jordan As a Top Trip Advisor for the 7th Year in a Row!
- + June
- + May
- + April
- + March
- + January
- +2017
- + December
- + November
- Parting Shots: Anniversary Adventure to The Inca Trail & Sacred Valley, Peru
- Jordan wins Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist for the 3rd Year in a Row!
- Trek Check: Peru Treks Comparison - Inca Trail, Salkantay + Choquequirao
- 3 Phenomenal Things to do in Ecuador: Hidden Gems + New Experiences I Discovered on My Recent Trip
- + October
- + September
- + August
- Shoulder Season or High Season: When is the Best Time of Year for Your Trip to Patagonia?
- A Personal Take on Galapagos Animals, Unique Experiences + More
- Inca Trail Permits: Book Your 2018 Inca Trail Trip Before It’s Too Late
- How To Travel Like A Knowmad: Stories From Kayli's Trip + Things To Do in Argentina + Chile
- 2017 Travel + Leisure A-List Winner: Jordan Harvey is the Best Trip Planner for Argentina + Chile!
- Parting Shots: Amazon, Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu, Peru Trip
- + July
- + June
- + May
- + April
- + March
- Jordan's Staff Itinerary Pick: Finding Fate on Easter Island
- Parting Shots: Two Weeks in Peru - Inca Trail, Machu Picchu + Lake Titicaca
- Forbes Travel + Knowmad Adventures: Adrenaline + Zen - Five Trips of a Lifetime
- Renee's Staff Itinerary Pick: One Week in The Galapagos Islands, An Active Land-Based Adventure Trip
- Best Place to Visit in South America for Adventure, Gastronomy, Relaxation, History + More
- + February
- + January
- Passport Expiration Information: Why Do I Need Six Months On My Passport?
- Parting Shots: A Patagonian Odyssey - Chiloé Island, Rafting, Ice-Hiking + More
- 2016 Knowmad Adventures Annual Travel Photography Contest
- Reflecting On A Year of South America Travel: Travelers' Reviews + Stories From Their South American Adventures
- +2016
- + December
- + November
- Parting Shots: Custom Atacama Desert + Patagonia Chile Trip
- We did it! Knowmad Adventures wins Condé Nast Traveler Experience Makers + Top Travel Specialist Award for the Second Year in a Row
- The Relais & Châteaux Difference
- Knowmad's South America Small Business Micro Lending Tradition
- Argentina Weather, When To Go, What To Pack + More by Region
- + October
- Parting Shots: Comprehensive South America Vacation to Argentina, Chile + Peru
- Ask The Experts: Pregnancy + Newborn Asks Tara Harvey About Travel With Kids
- Visit Us At One of the Best Events in Minneapolis: Midwest Mountaineering Outdoor Adventure Expo
- Meet Krista! Knowmad's Newest Team Member, Ready to Help You Plan A Trip To South America
- + September
- + August
- Parting Shots: Things To Do in Peru - Biking, Hiking, Paragliding, Whitewater Rafting + More
- The Best Way to See the Galapagos Islands: Cruise or Land-Based?
- Design Mom: Living With Kids + Home Tour Column Features Tara Harvey / Knowmad Adventures
- Parting Shots: A Trip to Ecuador + The Galapagos Islands
- + July
- Starting a Company: The Challenges + Triumphs of Starting a Travel Company
- How To Make The Most Out of Your Trip To Torres Del Paine, Patagonia: Including The Best Excursions For You
- 4 Unique Experiences + What to Pack For A Trip to Ecuador
- Relais + Châteaux Deal: 3 Chilean Luxury Lodges Combined Into 1 Incredible Deal!
- + June
- + May
- + April
- + March
- + February
- + January
- Chile Weather, When To Go, What to Pack + More By Region
- Parting Shots: Galapagos Islands Land-Based Adventure
- 2015 Annual South America Travel Photography Contest
- A Fun List for the New Year: Paddle Board, Make Pancakes, Travel to South America + More!
- Now is the Time to Book Your Travel to Peru: 2016 Inca Trail Permits Are Selling Out Fast!
- 2015 in Review(s): What Traveler’s Are Saying About Their South American Adventures
- +2015
- + December
- Top 5 Best Family Vacations in South America
- Parting Shots: Peru + Chile Combination Trip - Hiking, Mountain Biking + More
- Knowmad Featured In Condé Nast Traveler: The Experience Makers 2015
- May Your World Be Filled With Happiness - Knowmad Adventures South America Travel
- Gift Guide for the Explorer
- Continuing a Tradition: Microlending in South America
- + November
- + October
- Crossing the Andes: Explore Chile, Argentina & Patagonia with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum & Knowmad Adventures
- Midwest Mountaineering Outdoor Adventure Expo + Knowmad Adventures
- Parting Shots: Custom Inca Trail Trip
- Top 10 Places To Get Your Feet Wet in South America: Kayak in Peru, Fly Fish & Surf in Chile
- A Knowmad Adventures' Women's Trip to Peru: Journey to Machu Picchu: Women's Active & Cultural Adventure
- + September
- Celebrating 6 Years of South America Travel
- Parting Shots: Ecuador Honeymoon - Galapagos Islands, Amazon & Avenue of the Volcanoes
- Chile: Farm-to-Table Food + Wine Deal
- The Romance of Patagonia: Awasi Patagonia Lodge in Chile, South America
- Parting Shots: Traveling to Peru - Mountain Biking in the Andes, Exploring the Sacred Valley, Visiting Machu Picchu & More
- + August
- Facts About Peru: Inca Trail Elevations, Andean Activities & More
- Jordan Harvey Named The Travel + Leisure Argentina + Chile Top Travel Advisor For The Third Year in a Row!
- South America Travel Discounts: Awasi Patagonia Lodge Deals & More
- Argentine Empanada Recipe: Bringing Buenos Aires to Your Kitchen
- + July
- + June
- + May
- How To Prepare For An International Trip
- Ecuador Travel: Macalester College Alumni Association Dynamic Group Trip
- From Phone to Frame: Preserving Travel Memories with Instantly Framed
- Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine: The Sisterhood of Motherhood + Knowmad Adventures
- 6 Highlights From My Trip to Peru By Peru + Ecuador Travel Expert Renee Davies
- + April
- + March
- + February
- + January
- The Top 10 Galapagos Cruises for all Different Groups & Budgets
- The Peterson Family "Trip of a Lifetime" to Peru
- January South America Travel Deals
- 2014 Annual South America Travel Photography Contest Results
- How to Order a Coffee in Spanish
- Our 2014 South America Travel Year in Review(s)
- Money Magazine's Where to go in 2015 List
- + December
- +2014
- + December
- When is the Best Time to Visit the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador?
- Cu-Boulder Study Abroad Alumni Spotlight: Translating my passion to real world opportunities
- Happy Holidays from the Knowmad Family!
- Give the Gift of Travel: South America Travel Deals
- Gift Guide for the Traveler
- Tis' The Season: Micro Loans in South America
- StarTribune Business: Building adventure travel agency has been an adventure
- Two Weeks in Chile + Argentina
- + November
- + October
- What's In My Carry-On
- 5 Must Do Activities In Torres del Paine National Park
- Top 10 Travel Tips from the Knowmad Travel Experts
- Join Knowmad at The Midwest Mountaineering Outdoor Adventure Expo
- Chilean Wine Country: The Next Best Vineyard Destination
- Women's Adventure Magazine Features Knowmad's Tara Harvey
- Southwest Journal Features South America Travel Experts, Knowmad Adventures
- The Minnesota Laker/Pioneer Features Knowmad Adventures: The Knowmad Life
- Best Family Vacations in South America: Peru, Ecuador and Chile - $400 Off!
- Travel Inspiration
- Peru Trip: Amazon Jungle, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca & Lima
- + September
- Travel + Leisure's 'World's Greatest Dream Trips' Features Knowmad Adventures' Patagonia Dream Trip
- South America Travel with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
- Happy Birthday: Knowmad Celebrates 5 Years of South America Travel!
- Knowmad Adventures' Lisa Kellenberger Featured in International Studies Abroad Newsletter
- Southern Amazon Basin versus Northern Amazon Jungle Visit
- Meet Our Peru Travel Coordinators, Katty and Haelin!
- + August
- Travel to Brazil With Knowmad Adventures and The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
- Lost Lands of the Incas: Amazon Jungle & Machu Picchu Travel
- Chile Luxury Travel Deal: Unheard of Savings at Explora Patagonia and Easter Island
- Knowmad’s Jordan Harvey Named Best Trip Specialist for Argentina and Chile with praise for Peru by Travel + Leisure
- Top 3 Things to Do in The Sacred Valley
- Book Your 2015 Inca Trail Hike Now and Save Big: The Perfect Way To Experience Peru Active Travel!
- + July
- Hola Arepa: Latin American Cuisine At It's Finest
- Design Mom Interviews Knowmad Co-Founder Tara Harvey
- Adventures of the Louis Family: A Patagonia Vacation
- Meet Renee and Jack: Our New South America Trip Planners
- Awasi: Torres Del Paine's Newest Patagonia Luxury Lodge
- Galapagos Cruise Vacation Deals: Huge Savings on Galapagos' Best Small Ship Cruises
- Henson Chile Family Vacation
- + June
- + May
- + April
- + March
- + February
- + January
- + December
- +2013
- +2012
- + December
- + November
- + October
- + September
- + August
- + July
- + June
- + May
- + April
- + March
- Curried Quinoa
- Last Call for Our Photography Contest!
- What to Pack for a Trip to South America + How to Layer
- Reports Are In: New Peru Adventure
- Making Headlines: Frommer's Chile & Easter Island
- AdventureHER and Knowmad Head to Peru July 2012
- Culture, Art & Design: Valparaiso & Vintage Labels
- MN Landscape Arboretum Trip Returns from Chile and Argentina
- +2011
- +2010
- +2009
Information On South America
Contact Us
Give us a call 612-315-2894
Toll Free U.S. & Canada 1-877-616-8747
U.S. office located in Minneapolis, MN
Hours Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm, CST
Request a Catalog
Featured Journey
Ultimate Bolivian Adventure
Journey through the rugged and otherworldly terrain of Southern Bolivia, exploring lagoons, volcanoes and Uyuni salt flats before ending in the capital of La Paz, perched atop the Andes Mountains, stopping at the historical rich communities of Potosi and Sucre along the way. Ideal connection with Chile’s Atacama Desert or start and finish in La Paz.
REVIEWS
Quite simply the best trip we’ve ever taken. Destinations astounded, logistics and planning flawless, and your intimate knowledge and relationships made for a trip that was personal every inch of the way.
Good Works
By traveling alongside Knowmad you will be taking part in culturally and environmentally sustainable travel. You will be spreading the love, and the wealth. You will be doing Good Works. Learn more about Knowmad’s eco-travel efforts.
Contact Us
Give us a call 612-315-2894
Toll Free U.S. & Canada 1-877-616-8747
U.S. office located in Minneapolis, MN
Hours Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm, CST
Request a Catalog
-
REVIEWS
The Knowmad team put together the trip of a life time for us. Everything was perfect, from the guides to the accommodations to the activities, and your extensive knowledge of the area and personal relationships with the people we met in Chile were invaluable. We can’t recommend Knowmad highly enough.
- Ben and Sarah, New York, NY | Custom Chile Trip
-
REVIEWS
After traveling to Chile two years ago with Knowmad Adventures there was no question as to who was going to help plan my trip to Peru! Thank you so much to Knowmad Adventures. The places they recommended, connections, and knowledge of these regions were impeccable. I highly recommend using Knowmad Adventures to plan your next trip to Peru or Chile!
- Deanna, Santa Barbara, CA | Inca Trail & Beyond
-
REVIEWS
Our trip was everything we dreamed it would be and more. Your group did a great job everywhere we went. We especially loved our guide Paula, and Explora was top notch too. All perfect.
- Rosella, Denver, CO | Custom Chile Trip
-
REVIEWS
Please don’t ever change the way you operate. You fulfill lifelong dreams and provide people with the chance to live what they thought could only be read about.
- Kevin, Minnetonka, MN | Amazon to Andes Odyssey
-
REVIEWS
You put together a one-of-a-kind vacation for my group that I’ll long remember and enthusiastically recommend. I thank you and look forward, with much anticipation, to my next adventure with you.
- Lisa, Seattle, WA | Custom Ecuador Trip
-
REVIEWS
We got back last night and I must say that the organization of the entire trip was AMAZING. We all loved Peru and thanks to Knowmad we even enjoyed it a lot more. Thanks a lot Jordan for everything as we had sooooo much fun. I’ll definitely recommend you to anybody that wants to experience Peru.
- Barbara, Barcelona, Spain | Peru Active Explorer
Featured Journey
Ultimate Bolivian Adventure
Journey through the rugged and otherworldly terrain of Southern Bolivia, exploring lagoons, volcanoes and Uyuni salt flats before ending in the capital of La Paz, perched atop the Andes Mountains, stopping at the historical rich communities of Potosi and Sucre along the way. Ideal connection with Chile’s Atacama Desert or start and finish in La Paz.