Hola Arepa: Latin American Cuisine At It’s Finest

Latin American Cuisine

Christina Nguyen and Birk Stefan Grudem are the proud creators and owners of Hola Arepa, the Minneapolis born food truck and brand new Latin American cuisine restaurant on 35th and Nicolette in South Minneapolis. Tara and I were lucky enough to enjoy a quick bite and drinks there a few weeks ago and, after having such a good experience, we’re excited to get to know Christina, Birk and Hola Arepa a little better!

Read Full Post

Adventures of the Louis Family: A Patagonia Vacation

Patagonia Vacation
Traversing Patagonia, staying in one of the world’s greatest lodges in Patagonia, doing a bit of ice-hiking on Perito Moreno Glacier, and jet boating to the base of Iguazu Falls before relaxing in a jungle retreat were just a few of the highlights on the Louis and Hulburd family trip. What a way for this extended family of 10 to create more memories and to live life! Sound like fun? Check out their photos and complete itinerary below to get ideas for your next family trip to South America!

Read Full Post

Awasi: Torres Del Paine’s Newest Patagonia Luxury Lodge

Patagonia Luxury Lodge - Awasi Hotel

Created in 2013, Awasi Patagonia is the new kid in town and their unconventional approach to Patagonia lodges seems to be winning guests over 12 villas at a time with unique design, location and services. Following in the footsteps of its sister lodge, Awasi Atacama, it was given the stamp of approval by Relais & Chateaux, an association of the world’s finest hoteliers.

Read Full Post

Galapagos Cruise Vacation Deals: Huge Savings on Galapagos’ Best Small Ship Cruises

San Cristobal South America

Book your Galapagos cruise vacation now and save up to $1,400 per person on some of the finest luxury yachts in Galapagos! 

Read Full Post

Henson Chile Family Vacation

Chile Family Vacation - Horseback Riding Joanie and Jeff wanted for their kids to have a great time in Patagonia, but it was equally as important to them that they have impactful cultural experiences adding to their expanding world view. Their Patagonia family trip had them horseback riding into the remote Cochamo Valley and learning of the homestead culture with our friends Tatiana and Horacio, along with time for whitewater rafting, hiking and more.

Read Full Post

Reflections from Peru: A Salkantay Trail, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca Travel Tale

Salkantay Trail Peru Travel Hike
I’ve always felt that more important even than great memories, an amazing trip should leave you with a refreshed perspective and renewed spirit. Traveling to Peru earlier this month for a two-week adventure with a wild group of Texans (mostly) left me with all that and more. Seeing how our group – diverse in ages and many facets – grew closer together throughout the trip was revitalizing and inspiring.

Read Full Post

2014 Brazil World Cup Party Inspiration / Caipirinha Recipe

 Brazil capirinha recipe

A couple of years ago, at the end of my study abroad experience in Argentina, I traveled to Rio de Janeiro for 10 days of Brazil beaching bliss. Now, with the World Cup in full swing, I keep catching myself daydreaming about Caipirinhas (Brazil’s national drink), my toes in the sand and the warm ocean air. So, today we are sharing a fun and simple way to bring Brazil home with a simple Caipirinha recipe and World Cup party themed drink flags. 

Read Full Post

Knowmad Adventures at the Midwest Mountaineering Outdoor Adventure Expo in Minneapolis

Outdoor Adventure Expo Minnesota

Mark your calendars for the 67th Bi-Annual Outdoor Adventure Expo! Hosted by Midwest Mountaineering, “The 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. Chat with fellow adventure travel and outdoor enthusiasts, learn about new gear, and find great deals.

Read Full Post

Staff Pick Itinerary: Machu Picchu + Galapagos Islands Tour

Peru and Galapagos Combo Tour

One of my favorite types of trips to plan is what we at Knowmad affectionately call a “combo trip”, where we pair two countries together so that our travelers can get the most out of their adventure to South America. I specialize in travel in both Peru and Ecuador, and pairing these countries together makes for such a wonderful combo trip, not just because they are neighbors, but because of how they compliment each other. In one trip you can walk along paths taken by Incans, dine with local community members as they teach you about their traditions, see the famed Machu Picchu, snorkel with sea lions, stand amongst the giant Galapagos tortoises, and so much more. Joining both the beautiful culture and majesty of the Incas of Peru with the stunning architecture of Quito and surreal closeness to the wildlife in the Galapagos Islands is most certainly a recipe for an awe-inspiring adventure to South America.

Read Full Post