Below is a rendition of Peru’s Rocoto Relleno “Stuffed Hot Pepper” Recipe.
Below is a rendition of Peru’s Rocoto Relleno “Stuffed Hot Pepper” Recipe.
The Knowmad Adventures Annual Photo Contest has come to a close, and our 2013 winners have been chosen! There were so many incredible traveler photos from all over South America, including Patagonia, Machu Picchu, and the Galapagos Islands, it was truly hard to choose. See our top picks for Adventure, Culture, Landscape/Scenery, Portrait, and Wildlife below. And, although video was not a category this year (but will be for 2014!), we posted some of our favorite traveler videos at the end. Thank you to our Knowmad travel photographers and all 2013 Knowmad travelers for an amazing year!
Working for a travel company is eye-opening in so many ways. Not only do you come across some of the most beautiful places and people but you are also exposed to the other side.
Just a year after returning from a whirlwind holiday adventure in Patagonia, Easter Island and Central Chile, the Olson Family was already hungry for their next great South America vacation. They were looking for a place exciting yet accessible to a wide range of ages with great weather over the Christmas holiday and offering brilliant landscapes and exotic cultures. An Ecuador and Galapagos Islands vacation fit the bill and then some, as it has all that and much more including the some of the world’s greatest biodiversity.
The best thing about my trip to Peru was not Machu Picchu. It may sound odd, seeing that Machu Picchu is on almost every “Top 10” list and is considered one of the “Seven Wonders of the World,” but my favorite moments during my time in Peru were those spent hearing stories and learning about Peruvian culture.
In my life thus far, I’ve more or less been following a pre-paved path. Up until now, I have always had the next move mapped out in my head, making the years float by blissfully and continuously with no real beginning or end.
This year, having graduated from college in May of 2013, my head is in a different place. As the reality of graduation started to sink in, I began to do a lot of reflecting.
Communications Arts featured Knowmad Adventures as their WEBpick of the day for our creative web design.
Doing the pilgrimage to Machu Picchu may push you, will likely help you know yourself better, and will certainly be an amazing experience. Doing the Inca Trail with a well planned itinerary and with an excellent outfitter means you’ll hike away from crowds, that you’ll have charismatic fun guides, and that you’ll do it all in style with great equipment and food.
Lake Titicaca, or in Spanish Lago Titicaca, is a dazzling body of azure water located at 12,507 feet above sea level, making it the highest navigable lake in the world. It’s located on the border of Peru and Bolivia and steeped in history and culture. A visit to Lake Titicaca can either leave you in awe of the authenticity that still exists in this remote land or frustrated by the “dog and pony show” created by the harsh clash of tourism.
It isn’t that uncommon to do Machu Picchu and Galapagos combination trips, in fact it works awesomely to pair Peru and Ecuador in one trip visiting both Machu Picchu and Galapagos, which are two of South America’s true highlights; but it is quite rare to see travelers combining Peru and Chile, or more specifically a Patagonia and Machu Picchu combo trip.
Chile is a country of contrasts, stretching from the desert in the north to the glaciers of the south, and with the natural borders of the ocean to the west and the Andes mountains in the east. There are lush, temperate rainforests and volcanoes, and wine valleys abound. When planning my own first trip to South America with Knowmad I faced the same question that the travelers I work with every day do: how could I make the most of two weeks in Chile?
What makes someone worthy of the Condé Nast Traveler Experience Makers award? This person is not just an expert in their field, but a person that views crafting the perfect trip as an art form. A person who is considerate, taking the time to listen their travelers’ interests, style, and needs; a person who is knowledgable, always on the pulse of new activities, cultural opportunities, and remote lodges; and a person who is passionate, someone who understands that the each trip is a unique reflection of the traveler that ultimately gets to embark on the journey. We’re proud to say that Jordan Harvey, Knowmad’s Co-Founder, is this person.
The Galapagos Islands is the perfect place to charter a small yacht or catamaran expedition for just you and your group of family or friends. This allows for a more private and even personalized experience, where the guide and crew are dedicated entirely to your group. As there are many boats in the Galapagos meant for just 16 – 20 passengers, a Galapagos charter boat is often the best choice for large groups of friends, clubs, and multi-generational family vacations, and it’s easier than some may think. There are also a variety of boat types available: you can charter a private luxury boat, a tourist superior, or a first class boat. Additionally, some nice discounts come into play when you are able to charter a full boat instead of buying the individual cabin spaces. Keep reading to journey alongside this Knowmad group and learn more about Galapagos charter boats.