MN Landscape Arboretum Trip Returns from Chile and Argentina
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.
The Other Side of Sustainability
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.
Feliz Navidad and Happy New Year!
Knowmad News: All New Peru Trips and Expanded Website!
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.
Parting Shots: Peru Active Explorer
Parting Shots: Northern Patagonia Odyssey
Parting Shots: Atacama Desert, Chile
Peru Unveiled
Gastronomy: Mate
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.
Parting Shots: Anniversary Adventure to The Inca Trail & Sacred Valley, Peru

Explorers through and through, Deb and William decided to spend their anniversary trekking the Inca Trail. Spending their first few days in the Sacred Valley, Peru, they got to behold some of the incredible local culture, explore Inca sites, visit with community members, and learn about the history and traditions that make Peru such a uniquely beautiful country.
Jordan wins Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist for the 3rd Year in a Row!

We’re so proud of Jordan, and the entire Knowmad Team, for winning a spot on the Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists We Trust list for Argentina, Chile, and Peru for the 3rd year in a row!
Trek Check: Peru Treks Comparison – Inca Trail, Salkantay + Choquequirao

An incredible country with gorgeous, sweeping landscapes, Peru has long been revered as a destination for hikers and adventure-lovers from across the globe. All Peru treks can vary in difficulty, climate, scenery, and sights, so it’s important to find the perfect trek for your travel style and interests. Three of the most popular Peru treks are the Inca Trail, Salkantay, and Choquequirao. Each attracts experienced hikers for a different reason, and whether it’s the archaeological sites, the incredible surroundings while on the journey, or the thrill of a new challenge, they all offer an unforgettable and unique experience.