Beyond Machu Picchu: Explora Sacred Valley, Luxury Hotel in Peru

Explora Peru Travel
Unless stated otherwise, the images or videos used in this blog post belong to Explora

The Sacred Valley is often overlooked; sometimes folded into itineraries as a region to traverse on your way to the infamous Machu Picchu or merely a place to acclimatize before a trek on the Inca Trail. Truly the cultural and natural heart of Andean Peru, the valley has so much more to offer. Discover why a stay at Explora’s newest luxury lodge may be just the reason you needed to jump start planning your trip.

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Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists We Trust Award

Starting a business takes courage and leadership, tireless dedication and a steady vision even when faced with challenges, and a team devoted to the same values and ideals. Receiving the Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist We Trust award gives us the opportunity and reminder to slow down and congratulate each other on all of the goals – big and small – that we accomplish each day. We are so grateful Jordan has been recognized on this list for the 5th year in a row, thank you!

Custom Argentina + Antarctica Trip: Unforgettable Antarctica Cruise from South America

Antarctica Cruise MV Plancius
Photo by Jan Veen

Getting to the southernmost continent in the world is not easy but that’s not to say it must be a combination of tiring and long travel days. Below we share a Knowmad traveler’s trip to Antarctica by way of Argentina, with adventurous, relaxing, and fun days spent in Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, and Tierra del Fuego National Park, all before they embarked on their once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica expedition.

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1-Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

There are two ways to get to Machu Picchu: hiking the Inca Trail or taking a train and bus combo. At Knowmad Adventures, a travel company that creates innovative and custom trips to South America, we find when travelers hear ‘The Inca Trail’ it often summons images of tent camping and multiple days of difficult hiking. But did you know you can hike just a part of the Inca Trail to get to Machu Picchu? An alternate option to the full Inca Trail, this fantastic single-day hike culminates at the Intipunku Sun Gate overlooking the mysterious citadel of Machu Picchu just as the Incas did centuries ago.

Discover how to incorporate the one-day Inca Trail into a full-length, custom Peru itinerary by connecting with a Knowmad Trip Specialist today at 612-315-2894. Please note that Knowmad Adventures does not offer this as a single day excursion, only as part of a complete trip. 

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Galapagos Sustainable Tourism: Sharing Values at Galapagos Safari Camp

Galapagos Sustainable Tourism - Knowmad Adventures

Most people conjure up images of gliding across the ocean in a small ship cruise when they hear the words “Galapagos Islands.” What they don’t know is that, to compliment all of the incredible expeditions boats, the Galapagos Islands are also home to some of the most innovative, watch-your-jaw-hit-the-floor, unique, and sustainable properties in the world. Join Tara as she explores Galapagos Safari Camp with the owners, Stephanie and Michael.

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Through Your Lens: Annual Travel Photography Contest

Travel Photography South America

Here at Knowmad Adventures, a company dedicated to creating custom travel experiences in South America, one of our greatest joys is hearing stories and seeing photos from our travelers upon their return. Although breathtaking on their own, what makes a photo of Machu Picchu, Torres del Paine or any of the spectacular sight in South America unforgettable is the unique journey each traveler takes to get there. Whether it be a bucket list goal that you’ve finally realized, a trip to celebrate a special occasion, or an intentional way to be with family and friends – each adventure has its own unique story.

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Experiential Travel in Chile & Argentina: An In-Depth Look at Bariloche, Salta, + Atacama

Experiential Travel Chile - Knowmad

Having been to Chile and Argentina previously, Rick and Carol came to Knowmad looking to dive deeper into these countries. Working together with their Knowmad Trip Specialist, Rick and Carol landed on an off-the-beaten path itinerary that combined active travel and incredible landscapes, all while staying at some of the regions’ top luxury hotels.

 

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Jordan Harvey Joins Travel + Leisure’s A-List of Top Advisors

Jordan Harvey listed as Travel+Leisure's A-List Travel Advisor for 2025 Patagonia and Galapagos

 

Huge congratulations to our Founder, Jordan Harvey, on earning a spot on Travel + Leisure’s A-List of Top Travel Advisors for the 13th year in a row!

Perfecting travel in South America takes passion, expertise, and an incredible team. This honor reflects the hard work of our knowledgeable Travel Specialists and the inspiring travelers we collaborate with every day to design exceptional journeys.

Check out Jordan’s Travel + Leisure feature here, and connect with one of our Trip Specialists to start planning your own South American adventure!

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Machu Picchu Day Hikes

View of Machu Picchu with Llama

 

Machu Picchu has rightfully earned its spot as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. The archeological site is a journey to the past and a lesson in the rich history of the Inca; every Peru traveler should visit this jaw-dropping place. Adding a day hike to your visit to the archeological site is recommended, as it will allow you to reach the most stunning and lesser-achieved viewpoints for a more in-depth exploration of this ancient city. Below, we will explore the best way to organize your Machu Picchu trip as well as the details of these three Machu Picchu day hikes: Huchuy Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu. Learn why you should add a day hike to your adventure and decide which day hike is the right fit for you.

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Parting Shots: A Luxury Peru Trip to High-End Properties

Luxury Peru Trip

A Perfect Blend of Adventure, Culture and Luxury

Known for its stunning landscapes and the famous Machu Picchu citadel; its warm and welcoming people; and its rich, vibrant culture, Peru has long been a sought-after destination for travelers from all over the world. But what often can get overlooked is that it is also an incredible destination for luxury travel. A luxury Peru trip is host to some of the most dazzling, awe-inspiring, high-end properties throughout the country that are well-positioned to give travelers an adventure they’ll never forget. Knowmad travelers Keira & Mickey had their own tailored experience exploring the country’s regions while staying at some of Peru’s most coveted boutique properties.

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