Although a skyscraper sized plume of volcanic ash interfered just a bit with our crossing the border back from Argentina to Chile, it only heightened the excitement of this year’s University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum trip to South America with Knowmad.
Fellow Knowmad, frequent contributor, and ocean conservation guru Devin Harvey weighs in on the sustainability discussion.
Sustainability—the term, the concept, the practice—is now firmly implanted in the modern, global zeitgeist. No longer is it some radical, hippie-dippie theoretical construct reserved for the zealous environmentalist. Today, even corporate is climbing on board the sustainable train (though perhaps they waited a bit longer to see if that train was chugging—on renewable energy—toward Cashtown). Companies that value the lifespan of the commodities they buy, trade and sell, as well as the stakeholders and resources involved, will more often than not reap long-term financial benefits. While corporate buy-in to the sustainability mantra is essential for reversing global environmental decline, individuals play a significant role in steering public discourse when they shop, eat, and even travel.
Announcing the all-new Knowmad Peru section of our website! With great pride and excitement we invite you to check out photos, information on Peru and its regions, and a variety of innovative Peru trips.
Mate is a tea infusion made from the leaves of the coca plant as well as other plants. Slightly bitter in taste, it’s drunk throughout many South American countries including Chile, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. The culture of mate, which differs from region to region, is steeped in tradition. In the high Andean cultures, what used to be the Incan empire, it’s tied closely to religion and often used in ceremonies thanking the earth for its fruitfulness.
Just 10 years ago, the Atacama Desert was almost completely unknown to the North American traveler. Accessible only to backpackers and the savviest of travelers, this unique area—which reminds me of Yellowstone, the American Southwest, and Mars all rolled into one—was a hidden gem.
Today, the gorgeous landscapes combined with the fascinating pre-Columbian indigenous cultures have turned the region into one of Chile’s top attractions alongside Patagonia and Easter Island. Its rising popularity among discerning adventurers is thanks in part to a blossoming of luxury lodges in the area that offer a tantalizing combination of world-class comfort and active adventure.
Four friends took to the trails with Knowmad for a journey through Peru unlike any other. In ten days, they visited the Huchuy Qosqo ancient ruins, kayaked beautiful lakes, and camped at one-of-a-kind sites to experience spectacular Peru a wide variety of ways!
Are you wondering where to stay at Machu Picchu or which places are the best Machu Picchu hotels? Staying in Aguas Calientes, the town in the shadow of Machu Picchu, lets you maximize your visit at what is undoubtedly one of the most majestic and inspiring sites in the world. Knowmad Trip Specialist Renee compares the best Machu Picchu hotels for different budgets and travel styles below.
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.
