Inca Trail permits for 2019 will be going on sale in just a few months. Some of the most popular travel dates sell out as soon as the permits go on sale, so don’t miss your chance to hike the famed Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2019, and start planning today. Book before July 31st, 2018 and receive $200 off per person for trips 1 week or longer, and $300 off per person for trips 2 weeks or longer!* Contact a Trip Specialist today about booking this trip of a lifetime!
One of the greatest compliments we can receive is when past travelers come back to us for another adventure in South America. Barbara, Eric, Kathy, and Lenny had done two previous trips with Knowmad, to Easter Island & Patagonia and to the Galapagos Islands. So when they came back looking to go off the beaten track for their third trip, exploring the contrasting deserts of the Atacama in northern Chile and Antarctica, we were really excited to help them plan this awesome multi-generational Chile + Antarctica family adventure.
Welcome to the Casa Oficina. That is the house that is an office, or the office that is a house. Not technically – we don’t actually live here (although during the busy season, many of us feel like that!). We affectionately call it the Casa Oficina because it’s an old Minneapolis house that we remodeled into the new Knowmad Adventures office, and although filled with desks and computers and coffee makers and such, its underlying texture is that of a light-filled home.
With all the possible places to stay when traveling, it can be difficult to know which one is the best one for you and your fellow travelers. Your accommodations can be such a big piece of your trip; letting you relax that much more during your vacation, or immersing you further into the culture. We know it can be difficult to know all of the features of each hotel option, so we wanted to highlight a few of Knowmad’s favorite hotels in Peru’s Sacred Valley, and share the characteristics that make each one a top Sacred Valley hotel on our list.
We’re so excited to welcome Carmen to the Knowmad Team! She is a joy to have in the office, exuding positivity wherever she goes and helping Knowmad meet its goals and grow. Read on to find out Carmen’s best kept travel secret, her favorite activities and more.
Fellow adventurers, it’s that time of year again – join us at the bi-annual Midwest Mountaineering Outdoor Adventure Expo this April! “The Expo” has over 60 exhibitors and more than 100 presentations by experts in a multitude of fields: parks and trails, high-adrenaline adventure, nature conservation, and of course, travel.
Snorkel in the Galapagos Islands, marvel at the stars on the Inca Trail, and meet penguins in Antarctica in this year’s Knowmad Adventures Annual Photo Contest.
Sprinkled with photos of mouth-watering meals and spectacular destinations, Instagram is a great place to go for inspiration. We like to share daily happenings and big highlights from near and far on Knowmad’s Instagram. A round-up of our most liked photos from 2017 reveals the year’s most exciting moments and travel destinations.
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and, after Machu Picchu, one of the most popular destinations in Peru. Straddling the Peru-Bolivia border at over 12,000 feet high, the lake is a sacred place for many Peruvians. According to ancient Andean mythology, the first Inca king and descendant of the sun surfaced from this lake to create the Incan Empire. It is also said that the sun, moon, and stars rose from Lake Titicaca and into the sky. These days, it’s a wonderful spot to get off the beaten path, connect with Peruvian culture and mythology, and have a truly unique experience in the high plains of Peru.
Lindsey and Jim celebrated their new marriage on their Argentina / Patagonia honeymoon by exploring the dazzling sights, rich culture, and breathtaking wilderness of Argentina. They started out in Buenos Aires, getting the chance to attend one of the country’s most famed cultural highlights: a Tango & Folklore Show. They also took several guided walks around the city, exploring the unique neighborhoods, learning about the culture and history up-close, and seeing the incredible street art that gives Buenos Aires part of its vibrant feel. Continue reading to learn more about the Patagonia portion of their honeymoon.
Jordan Harvey (with specialities in Chile and Argentina) and Renee Davies (with specialities in Ecuador & The Galapagos and Peru) have earned spots on the Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialist 2021 list for the 7th and 2nd year running, respectively. It’s the perfect time to collaborate with our award-winning specialists to create the trip you’ve been dreaming about. Catch up with Jordan and Renee and find out what sets Knowmad apart.
Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands are open for travel and they’re seeing high demand for last minute summer or fall getaways, and also those looking further ahead to 2022. Ecuador is one of the few countries that is accepting proof of vaccination to enter the country (or, if not vaccinated you can also take a Covid test).
Working with some of our favorite Galapagos cruises, we’re excited to offer these incredible wildlife experiences at spectacular values (only until May 31st).
Are you eager to explore and ready to plan your next adventure? With Ecuador open to vaccinated travelers (or those with a negative covid test), and Chile emerging as a global leader in vaccination rates, there is reason for optimism! We share updates on the current situations and entry requirements throughout South America.
Please note that since this post was published, all of our South American destinations borders have opened. Please see our South American Current Covid Regulations and Info page for details.
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.
I have organized travel groups for over 25 years and Knowmad Adventures is one of the best trip operators I have worked with. They recently put together a trip to Chile and Argentina for me and the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum that was exciting, fun, and one that was appreciated by all of our 19 participants. I will be using them for all future trips to South America.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
