Merken is a spice found in Chile, South America. It’s made primarily of a long, pointed chili pepper called “aji”, or “cacho de cabra” in local dialect, and coriander. However, it’s surprisingly not that spicy.
Lake Minnetonka Magazine
A big thank you to our friends at Lake Minnetonka Magazine for featuring us in their February issue. To read the article request a copy of the magazine here.
Parting Shots: Places to Visit in Chile
Explorer’s Corner: A Journey in Cochamo, Chile
‘Tis the season for travel…
A New Beginning – Knowmad Adventures
If You Build It, They Will Come
A big thanks to everyone who helped make March 2010 an incredible month for Knowmad Adventures! After many months of making strong partnerships throughout Chile and Argentina and designing what we feel are incredible travel experiences, we had our first big wave of travelers come and test the waters. Knowmad Adventures will always remember the Ladies in a Lower Latitude, Bama & Co., the Bottani Mafia, the Harvey Marathoners, and Crew Kellenberger. Thanks for believing in us and being the first Knowmads.
And the Earth Shook
The dogs barked around four a.m. Their persistence awoke me, gently. Quieting suddenly, the house began to shake. Not a hysterical shake or a seizing fit, but a deep and distant trepidation lasting for minutes. “It’s your first earthquake baby,” I said as we drifted back to sleep.
The Fu

Chiloe
When one decides to start an adventure travel company it’s not because they envision spending sixty hours a week staring at a computer. Researching, calling, emailing, circling back, requesting quotes, revising, crunching numbers, crunching again, doing data analysis, until the day arrives that you realize you haven’t walked outside, left the desk or changed out of your pajamas and it’s ten o’clock…in the evening. And that’s when it’s time to hit the road.
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.
3 Phenomenal Things to do in Ecuador: Hidden Gems + New Experiences I Discovered on My Recent Trip

Part of my job as a Knowmad Adventures Peru + Ecuador Trip Specialist is to scout out new and exciting experiences for our travelers. I stay at the new hotel everyone’s talking about, dine at that hot, up-and-coming restaurant, and experience the latest adventure that’s getting all the press. But I also search for the unknown: the tucked away restaurant only the locals know about; the small, five-room property that’s so welcoming you feel like you’ve found your long-lost family; the handicraft workshop where you will learn about culture and tradition from a local; and all of those hidden gems that turn a good trip into a great trip, one that’s completely authentic and unique.
Parting Shots: Possibilities of Patagonia – Four Friends’ Custom Chile Trip through Northern & Southern Patagonia!

Travel alongside Nancy, Jeff, Mary, and Kevin as they embark on an unforgettable custom Chile trip to Patagonia and Valparaíso. They explore both Southern and Northern Patagonia, venturing to Torres del Paine and Puerto Varas to discover the breathtaking sights and possibilities of the region.