Did you know that the famed Inca Trail, taking you to the Inti Punku sun gate and down to Machu Picchu, is actually just a small portion of the tens of thousands of Incan roads built throughout South America? Or how about that Cusco is higher in elevation than Machu Picchu? Peru is a fascinating country with a rich history.
Knowmad Adventures’ very own Jordan Harvey has landed himself a Travel + Leisure Top Travel Advisor hat trick. For the third year in a row, he’s proven that he has a depth of knowledge beyond other operators in some of the most adventurous regions in the world. Jordan’s knowledge of Argentina, Chile, Peru and Ecuador (including the Galapagos Islands) comes from his passion for sharing these culturally rich, breathtakingly beautiful areas and using his expertise to customize experiences that fit the uniqueness of each family, couple or group of friends that chooses to travel with Knowmad. When you speak with Jordan, you may be tempted to ask him to tagalong on the trip with you, given his enthusiasm and excitement in planning your experience. The whole Knowmad team is honored to have our very own South America Trip Specialist, Jordan, recognized again by Travel + Leisure for his talents.
We share discounts at some of South America’s most prominent lodges. Don’t miss these deals, many of them are ending soon!
Capturing a city in all its essence is a difficult task – the vivacity of porteños laughing loud above the noise of city buses and bustling foot traffic, brightly colored buildings and intricate architecture, fruit stands on every corner and vibrant street markets. However, your kitchen is a good place to start. Let your taste buds wander and cook up the flavor of Buenos Aires at home with our traditional beef Argentine empanada recipe below.
How does one go about picking a name? It’s a strange concoction that comes together…a little bit impulse, but also thought out. Something that sounds good, but also encompasses meaning. Something that defines you, but also speaks to many. It takes pondering. It takes time.
Perhaps it’s the mysterious history of the Rapa Nui or Polynesian People, the huge Moai stone statues, or the remoteness that is drawing you to visit Easter Island. Whatever your interests may be for visiting Easter Island, we’ve highlighted 5 tips for anyone planning a trip to this once-in-a-lifetime destination to ensure a high quality experience.
“I feel like the journey to get there made me appreciate the experience all the more,” says Lisa of her and Brittany’s hike up the Inca Trail to the famous Machu Picchu ruins this past March. During their time in Peru they found themselves exploring the Sacred Valley, sharing stories with the Amaru community, and treading lightly on the same path the Incans forged centuries ago. After returning home Brittany expressed that their “trip was perfect. It couldn’t have been any better!” and she exclaimed she will “definitely be going back in the future.” We are thrilled their South American adventure was everything they hoped it to be.
Everything that Patagonia is can be gleaned from the gaucho. At once raw but majestic, serene until not, beautiful yet callused, dignified while disenfranchised, timeless but threatened.
We are so excited to introduce the newest member of the Knowmad Adventures team – welcome Molly Stern! Molly is a Minnesota native who has always been curious about other countries and cultures. After living in Costa Rica for a semester in college she was inspired to make travel a big part of her life and traveled to Venezuela, Peru and more. Today she aims to “take [her] passion for adventures and create meaningful international experiences” for others.
Nestled in the Ecuadorian Andes at around 9,600 feet above sea level lies a property little known to the world at large. A place where long standing traditions continue to be practiced and weaved into the pattern of daily life. A place where they are less concerned about the latest Apple product and more concerned with preserving the unique aspects of their community and the environment around them.
***Grand Prize Winners of the 2023 Annual Knowmad Photo Contest receive a free stay at Hacienda Zuleta. Subscribe to our newsletter for more details.***
Antarctica is unlike any other destination in the world: a vast expanse of nearly untouched, pristine wilderness, striking blue glaciers, and incredible marine wildlife. Once you’ve decided to travel to Antarctica, the question then becomes “What’s the best Antarctica cruise for me?” What are the options, and where do you begin? How can you seamlessly integrate your cruise with the logistics involved in reaching one of the most remote regions on the planet? Below, Knowmad Trip Specialist Krista helps you navigate different vessel and expedition options while outlining important factors to consider and, ultimately, will get you the best savings and rates.
A story told an infinite amount of times, crossing centuries, cultures and borders. Boy meets girl. Girl meets boy. Love. Marriage. Kids. And, if you’re especially blessed, growing old together. And yet, there is always a sense of awe, gratitude, and sheer luck when one’s found it. Love, actual love.
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.
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.
Our trip could not have been better. You attended to every detail, no matter how small. Being met at every airport, hot tea and water in the van, all the charming hotels. How special you made Tripp’s birthday 3 times during the day! All our guides and drivers, the experience in Amaru and the Amazon. And of course our guide, Harry, who really is the best!
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.
