Peru was the first country to steal my heart in South America, and I’m still in awe today by everything it has to offer. Combine stunning landscapes of the high Andes mountains, rolling hills, and lush green cloud forest with colonial cities, marvelous Incan ruins, a diverse culture, fascinating history, friendly people, mouthwatering food, and some of the most spectacular yet authentic accommodations around, and you have Peru. There’s not much more that I could ask for in a perfect destination.
Thoughts From Dan’s Experience Abroad: Where To Go + What To Do In Chile
Knowmad Adventures is a company that specializes in crafting private, custom trips to South America. One of the perks of employment at Knowmad is getting to travel to and experience all of the wonders of the continent we love. Having meaningful adventures in the countries we sell travel to not only serves as personal enrichment, but also professional. Visiting the region allows us to test out the services we sell and use our up-to-date, first-hand knowledge to continue improving trips for our travelers.
In January, our wonderful Accountant Dan and his fiancé Kelsey decided to take advantage of this unique job benefit by working remotely, living and traveling in Chile. Since their arrival, they have lived in Santiago and the coastal town of La Serena. They have also traveled throughout the country, from the Lakes District and far south to Patagonia all the way to the Atacama Desert in the north. In addition to exploring much of the central region of Chile, they also visited Argentina’s wine country.
After more than 6 months of exploring, we asked Dan to sit down and tell us more about what he has discovered during his time in South America, and how his travels abroad have changed his perspective.
Parting Shots: Custom Galapagos Islands + Ecuador Trip
To celebrate her birthday, Joy and her travel companion Randi flew to South America for a custom Galapagos Islands and Ecuador trip with visits on the mainland to the Amazon and the Highlands.
Where to Stay in Buenos Aires: We Help You Decide The Best Neighborhood for You
When asking the question “Where’s the best place to stay in Buenos Aires?,” the answer is not always straightforward. Every area of the city has its benefits, whether it is closer to certain attractions, has the vibe or character you’re looking for, or offers the services you desire. We help you cut through the clutter and find the best barrio in the city for you.
Parting Shots: Two Weeks in Patagonia
On their 17-day Chile trip, sisters Sue and Barbara made the most of their time in Patagonia by trying out two different lodges near Torres del Paine before continuing on to the Lakes District in northern Patagonia. Read on to see how they spent two weeks in Patagonia.
The Mysteries of Floreana + Galapagos Islands Trip Ideas
Floreana is well known for snorkeling at Devil’s Crown, wildlife viewing at Punta Cormorant, and its mysterious history. We chat with Claudio, the owner of Lava Lodge and a Floreana native, about the island’s storied past.
Antarctica: 12 Lessons From My Journey to the White Continent
Of my many travel goals, and there are many, the top one has been to visit every continent. And while I still have yet to complete this goal, when presented with the opportunity to travel to Antarctica, I jumped at the chance. The journey was everything I expected and more, and along the way I was surprised by my experiences and the lessons the White Continent had to teach me.
Parting Shots: 12 Day Trip to the Galapagos Islands + Cloud Forest
For their anniversary, Dan and Kim chose to celebrate by discovering the natural beauty of Ecuador. They spent time in Quito, the Cloud Forest and the Galapagos Islands. Their itinerary offered excellent wildlife viewing, adventurous excursions, and even a kiss at the center of the Earth!
A Refreshing Pisco Sour Recipe
Celebrate spring with this refreshing pisco sour recipe. I share the simple cocktail recipe, a bit of history, and how you can incorporate learning how to make an authentic pisco sour in Chile or Peru on your next South American adventure.
Events in Minneapolis: Knowmad at the Midwest Mountaineering Outdoor Adventure Expo
Are you an adventure enthusiast? The annual Midwest Mountaineering Outdoor Adventure Expo is here! Come visit the Knowmad Team (along with other outdoor-loving adventurers) from April 28th – 30th, 2017 at one of the best outdoor events in Minneapolis. 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.
Travel + Leisure A-List Award: Bright Future Award
We’re extremely proud to announce that Knowmad and Co-Founder Jordan Harvey have earned the Travel + Leisure A-list honor for being the top Patagonia, Chile, and Argentina specialist. Our 7th year running taking home the hardware, you may think as time goes on our excitement would begin to fade but rather it builds, striking a different chord each year. This year it feels especially significant. It’s a simple, yet profound symbol of Knowmad’s bright future.
We are proud to be one of the only companies in the world to receive both the Condé Nast Top Specialists and Travel + Leisure A-List awards, and also have two award-winning Specialists (Renee Davies is Condé Nast’s top Ecuador & Galapagos Specialist).
Safety & Flexibility Pledge
6 Blow-Your-Mind Colombian Stays
It feels extra special to have a luxurious, private space to relax and unwind at the end of the day, especially if you’ve spent that day exploring and having new experiences in Colombia! Keep reading to find out why these boutique properties and private villas are the perfect Colombian basecamps to explore all that the country has to offer.