3 Phenomenal Things to do in Ecuador: Hidden Gems + New Experiences I Discovered on My Recent Trip

Things to do in Ecuador

Part of my job as a Knowmad Adventures Peru + Ecuador Trip Specialist is to scout out new and exciting experiences for our travelers. I stay at the new hotel everyone’s talking about, dine at that hot, up-and-coming restaurant, and experience the latest adventure that’s getting all the press. But I also search for the unknown: the tucked away restaurant only the locals know about; the small, five-room property that’s so welcoming you feel like you’ve found your long-lost family; the handicraft workshop where you will learn about culture and tradition from a local; and all of those hidden gems that turn a good trip into a great trip, one that’s completely authentic and unique.

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Parting Shots: Possibilities of Patagonia – Four Friends’ Custom Chile Trip through Northern & Southern Patagonia!

Knowmad Adventures Travel South America

Travel alongside Nancy, Jeff, Mary, and Kevin as they embark on an unforgettable custom Chile trip to Patagonia and Valparaíso. They explore both Southern and Northern Patagonia, venturing to Torres del Paine and Puerto Varas to discover the breathtaking sights and possibilities of the region.

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Advice for New Moms With Wanderlust

Advice for New Moms - Knowmad Adventures

We welcomed Belén Scot Harvey into the world just under three months ago on July 27th. It had been a hot and humid month in the land of lakes, and I had spent many afternoons with our son Trey, now three and a half, in the backyard: him, up to his toddler antics and me, soaking my swollen ankles in the kiddy pool thinking how much better life would be if I didn’t have to pee every ten minutes, or could tie my own shoes, or better yet, had a gin and tonic in hand. Needless to say, by the end of my pregnancy I was miserable and over it and I was so ready to meet the little one in my belly.

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Join Us This November for The Midwest Mountaineering Twin Cities Outdoor Adventure Expo

Twin Cities Outdoor Adventure Expo

Fellow adventurers, sightseers, and wanderlusters, the time has come again for the best gear and travel event in the Twin Cities, the Outdoor Adventure Expo! Hosted by Midwest Mountaineering, the Outdoor Adventure 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.

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Best Atacama Luxury Lodges: A Review of San Pedro de Atacama’s Top Hotels

Best Atacama Luxury Lodges

Just 10 years ago, the Atacama Desert was almost completely unknown to the North American traveler. Accessible only to backpackers and the savviest of travelers, this unique area—which reminds me of Yellowstone, the American Southwest, and Mars all rolled into one—was a hidden gem.

Today, the gorgeous landscapes combined with the fascinating pre-Columbian indigenous cultures have turned the region into one of Chile’s top attractions alongside Patagonia and Easter Island. Its rising popularity among discerning adventurers is thanks in part to a blossoming of luxury lodges in the area that offer a tantalizing combination of world-class comfort and active adventure.

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Huchuy Qosqo Trek: Hiking, Kayaking, Camping…Oh, Let Us Count the Ways to Explore Peru

Huchuy qosqo hike trek peru

Four friends took to the trails with Knowmad for a journey through Peru unlike any other. In ten days, they visited the Huchuy Qosqo ancient ruins, kayaked beautiful lakes, and camped at one-of-a-kind sites to experience spectacular Peru a wide variety of ways!

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The Best Machu Picchu Hotels: Where to Stay in Aguas Calientes, Peru

Knowmad Adventures Peru Travel

Are you wondering where to stay at Machu Picchu or which places are the best Machu Picchu hotels? Staying in Aguas Calientes, the town in the shadow of Machu Picchu, lets you maximize your visit at what is undoubtedly one of the most majestic and inspiring sites in the world. Knowmad Trip Specialist Renee compares the best Machu Picchu hotels for different budgets and travel styles below.

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Shoulder Season or High Season: When is the Best Time of Year for Your Trip to Patagonia?

Patagonia Shoulder Season Travel

Covering the southern-most areas of both Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is an incredible, out-of-this-world experience whenever you’re able to visit, and a region where you’ll be privy to some truly special features unique to each season. Patagonian springtime brings about the beautiful wildflower blooms and milder winds; their summers are full of warmer weather and longer days to spend out on the trails; and the fall brings with it striking color transformations and a quiet from fewer travelers. With each season having its own distinct benefits, your trip to Patagonia can be personalized to either shoulder season or high season to make it your own custom-crafted South American adventure.

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A Personal Take on Galapagos Animals, Unique Experiences + More

Galapagos Animals and Galapagos Trip Planning

Before experiencing the Galapagos Islands for myself, I was a bit of a skeptic. Wildlife and nature shows rave about the place and play spectacular footage of the archipelago all the time, but photographers have so many tricks, and I’ve been to plenty of places that didn’t live up to the hype. However, my week-long cruise in the Galapagos turned me into a true believer – not only did it live up to the hype, it became one of my favorite places I’ve ever been to and goes down as an unforgettable adventure.

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Book Now and Save – A Collection of South America’s Best Adventures at Unheard of Values

travel right now south america

With travelers rushing to get plans on the books, these limited-time deals won’t last. This is a collection of incredible saving opportunities on some of South America’s greatest adventures.

  • Up to 38% off on some of the best guided expedition vessels in the Galapagos – La Pinta, Santa Cruz, and Isabela – for sailings through August. Free Galapagos airfare ($500 per person value) for expeditions from September to December. Book by July 15th.
  • $500 off per person on select Galapagos land-based adventures of 7 days or more.
  • 50% off for travel companion on the Amazon’s premier small ship expedition cruises Delfin I and Delfin III. Book by July 15th.
  • Up to 35% off on Luxury Class Evolution and Grace sailings through August, and $650 off per person on September – December sailings.
  • $300 off per person for custom Peru trips. Book by July 15th.

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Recently Returning Travelers: Galapagos Marvels All To Yourself

“Getting vaccines in February and March made it possible for us to travel now! We are so happy that we went ahead with the trip this year because so few people were there.

…Safari Camp was wonderful. They gave us a cooking lesson. Food fantastic! Blue Paradise was perfect, only 12 people and an incredible guide! Peter made our trip interesting. A wealth of knowledge! We were the only boat for 5 1/2 days!!

Paradise to ourselves. I would suggest for others to go now before the rest of the world opens up!” – Norma & Jim

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