For the past couple of weeks I have had the pleasure of living vicariously through our travelers while sifting through hundreds of photos taken in every nook and cranny of South America. What I love most about this process is seeing the world through another’s perspective, learning travelers’ stories through each image and in a little way, sharing in their joy. Throughout the selection process Krista and I commented several times just how difficult it was to pick only three top photos for each category, but, albeit challenging, we managed to pick this year’s Knowmad Adventures Annual Travel Photography Contest winners!
Reflecting On A Year of South America Travel: Travelers’ Reviews + Stories From Their South American Adventures
From the white sand beaches and wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, to the ancient Incan ruins of Peru, stunning mountain peaks of Patagonia, and the vibrant culture of Buenos Aires, Knowmad Travelers experienced a lot in 2016.
They snorkeled with sea lions and kayaked next glaciers. They hiked the Inca Trail, and camped under the stars at nearly unknown ruins. They shared stories with gauchos and savored a meal with indigenous leaders. They connected with different cultures, communities and people throughout South America.
Happy Holidays With Love From The Knowmad Team
Dear Fellow Traveler: Admittedly, we’ve been very focused on the day-to-day here at Knowmad Adventures. Yet, this time of year always reminds us to take a step back and remember the bigger picture.
Knowmad is Featured in the Wall Street Journal!
We’re excited to share Amy Tara Koch’s Wall Street Journal article, “Holiday Getaways for Picky Procrastinators,” with you! Koch cites Knowmad’s expertise about Patagonia and suggests that travelers looking, “for better deals and last-minute finagling, book through a travel [company], such as Knowmad Adventures.”
Click the link above for the full article and give one of our Trip Specialists a call at 612-315-2894 to start planning your trip to South America today!
New Year’s Eve Traditions in South America
Left photo via WikiHow.
This New Year’s Eve, citizens across the United States will be watching the ball drop in Times Square, singing a round of Auld Lang Syne, and ooh-ing and ahh-ing as fireworks light up the sky. Meanwhile, New Year traditions around South America will also take place, some very similar to our own and some unique to each region or country.
Parting Shots: Custom Atacama Desert + Patagonia Chile Trip
At the southernmost and northernmost boundaries of Chile lie two vastly different regions: Patagonia and the Atacama Desert. On their Custom Atacama Desert + Patagonia Chile Trip, Patrick and Becca explored the jagged peaks and turquoise lakes of Torres del Paine National Park before venturing north to the seemingly infinite and otherworldly vistas of the Atacama Desert.
We did it! Knowmad Adventures wins Condé Nast Traveler Experience Makers + Top Travel Specialist Award for the Second Year in a Row
I’ve been the Media Manager for Knowmad Adventures for over three years and I have been tasked with writing about our accolades and press several times. It has always been challenging, because it is really difficult to accurately describe what an accolade like the Condé Nast Traveler Experience Makers + Top Travel Specialist Award means to our company.
The Relais & Châteaux Difference
Imagine yourself in an idyllic setting, enjoying fresh air and a new sense of wonderment. Now, pair that with renowned cuisine that combines flavors rich in cultural influences, local ingredients, and trend-setting techniques. This experience is what the Relais & Châteaux fellowship calls the “Art of Living.”
Knowmad’s South America Small Business Micro Lending Tradition
As we come closer to the end of the year and the holiday season appears on the horizon, we at Knowmad are excited to continue our annual holiday tradition of supporting small, local businesses in South America. Through Kiva, anyone can lend money to low-income entrepreneurs throughout the world, and “connect people through lending to alleviate poverty.”
Argentina Weather, When To Go, What To Pack + More by Region
High peaks of the Andes give way to awe-inspiring glacial lakes, acclaimed vineyards, endless vistas of Pampas grasslands, and iconic Patagonian wilderness; this is Argentina. The thunderous Perito Moreno Glacier in the south to the immense Iguazú Falls in the north continue Argentina’s extensive list of natural wonders. A place where gaucho cowboys preserve the traditions of the estancias, and Argentine barbecue asados are prepared with pride and devoured in bliss. Soccer fans shout and the bold flavors of Argentine wine mix with the European-influenced stately buildings and culinary delights of the bustling streets of Buenos Aires.
Here we’ve compiled a list of essential information about Argentina, divided into 6 distinct regions. Read about Argentina weather, points of interest, when to go, travel tips and what to pack.
A Collection of Our Favorite South America Private Villas & Boutique Hotels
These incredible private villas and boutique hotels situated in remote wilderness, nestled in the middle of expansive vineyards, or on faraway islands have always been some of our favorite places in South America. Now, with privacy and space on the forefront of everyone’s minds, the amenities that these hotels already offered are striking us in a new and exciting way. Clear your head and relax in one of these breathtaking settings.
Property in Focus: Clos Apalta Residence
Nestled in the Colchagua Valley, this 4-villa residence is a classic, elegant, relaxed slice of paradise. Keep reading to discover Knowmad Co-Founder Jordan Harvey’s take on this incredible property.
How to Plan an Epic Patagonia + Antarctica Trip
A trip to Antarctica is a bucket-list-worthy adventure, and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get to some of the farthest reaches of the world. Learn why combining Antarctica and Patagonia, two incredible and dramatic regions, is an excellent choice making the most of your investments and also making your trip that much more spectacular.