Ecuador and Galapagos Islands Vacation

Galapagos Islands Vacation - Traveler Photo

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.

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Visiting Machu Picchu

Adventure Treks

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. 

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Make It Happen: A List of Inspirational Adventure Treks for 2014

Outdoor Adventure

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.

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How To Plan a Great Inca Trail Hike

inca trail
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.

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Lake Titicaca – Journeys to Uros & Taquile Islands, A Kayaking Adventure & Community Building

Peru Treks

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.

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Peru and Chile Vacation

Peru and Chile Vacation

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.

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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.

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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.

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Parting Shots: Chile + Argentina Over 50 Travel Experience of a Lifetime

Senior Chile Travel

“We are a group of ‘seniors’ who love to travel, and are considering a South America destination for our next trip,” wrote Kathy when she first approached Knowmad. So, how is it that her group of adventurous ‘seniors’ ended up choosing Patagonia as one of the focal points of what eventually became a unique, 3-week trip to Argentina and Chile? Their route spanned from Buenos Aires to the jungles of Iguazú falls in Argentina and Brazil, down to the lush Bariloche area of Northern Patagonia, onward to the glaciers of Southern Patagonia, crossed through the Andes Mountains over to the jagged peaks of Chile’s Torres del Paine before ending in the Central Chile to explore bohemian ‘Valpo’, Santiago, and wine country. Read on to find out what makes Patagonia an outstanding destination for over 50 travel as well as for younger, adventurers alike.

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