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.
A detailed look at Peru’s three climate zones; the tropical Amazon, the variable Andean highlands and the arid western desert. Read on for useful Peru weather information and to find out why the “shoulder” season is a great time to visit Peru.
Take a journey through some Patagonia luxury lodges with Knowmad Co-Founder, Jordan, to learn about their subtle differences in location, excursions, spa amenities, dining, and more, to discover which lodge is best for you.
The phrase study abroad has become such a commonplace in our vocabulary that people tend to skim it in conversation. I can see why, whenever I am asked about Buenos Aires, I respond with “it was amazing!” A short, to the point sentence. I can hardly think of a way to elaborate because in a five month period, living in a different country, I experienced so many different emotions that there isn’t even a word in this world to describe how I felt.
Having been intrepid travelers all over the world, we were honored when John and Diane came to Knowmad Adventures looking for a vacation focused on Patagonia travel, one that was an incredible adventure involving plenty of hiking, kayaking, and outdoor activities with great photo opportunities, but one that would also leave them feeling rested and rejuvenated. We welcomed the challenge and were happy to receive John’s email following the trip; “I would say the unanimous judgment was this was one of the best trips we have ever taken.” And now, we’re so happy to have just planned another adventure for this amazing group, an Ecuador and Galapagos trip next year.
Truth: Great photos have very little to do with the camera and almost everything to do with the photographer. Even with the fancy Instagram filters and the handy “enhance” button on iPhoto, it’s the person behind the lens that’s making the difference between a mediocre image and a masterpiece. I’m nowhere near the masterpiece side of the spectrum, but can offer a couple of tips on photography for the amateur photographer looking to experiment with their SLR camera on their next trip abroad.
The central region of Chile offers travelers a balanced blend of culture and scenic vistas where the traditional and modern live side by side. Inside of the artsy and bustling neighborhoods of Santiago, find deep history, green park oases, and caring people. Just outside of Chile’s largest city, find ocean to the west, mountains to the east, and wine valleys to the south. The nearby bohemian port city of Valparaíso draws artists and adventurers to its cascading hills, while the nearby wineries draw aficionados and soon-to-be wine connoisseurs alike.
Chile has become a hub for many travelers planning to visit South America with its stunning natural landscapes, delicious wine, and local culture. The capital city of this diverse country, Santiago, has often been known as just a stop-over city on the way to explore all that Chile has to offer, but this thriving metropolitan city should not be overlooked.
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?
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.
I have organized travel groups for over 25 years and Knowmad Adventures is one of the best trip operators I have worked with. They recently put together a trip to Chile and Argentina for me and the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum that was exciting, fun, and one that was appreciated by all of our 19 participants. I will be using them for all future trips to South America.
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.
