Explorer’s Corner: A Journey in Cochamo, Chile


Even the incredible pictures that I saw on Facebook and the great stories I heard from travelers had no chance at properly preparing me for the magnificence I was about to see and experience in the Cochamó Valley.  It is beyond description, the only way to really appreciate it is to go there.  It all began with a gray rocky beach where we plunged our kayaks into the emerald green waters of the Rio Cochamó.  We had a beautiful sunny day outside of Puerto Varas, Chile, which allowed us to see volcano and mountaintops outlining the landscape.  We paddled all day on the beautiful fjord de Reloncaví passing horses, lush green lands and towering mountains.  After a stop for lunch we paddled straight for the town of Cochamó accompanied by curious seals and porpoises swimming along side of us.

‘Tis the season for travel…

…and Knowmad founders Jordan and Tara can’t resist the bug…so we’ll be heading down to Chile this March. Don’t be surprised when one or both of us – alongside our charismatic and knowledgeable local guides – accompanies parts of the March 26th departure of the Countryside, Culture and Coast trip through central Chile, as well as the April 2nd Northern Patagonia Odyssey departure. These trips are nothing short of awesome and we hope to see you there! For more details on these and our other adventures visit the new website at www.KnowmadAdventures.com.

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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.

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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.

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The Fu

 
Next up was a trip further south to the world-famous Futaleufu river (a.k.a the Fu); home of hands down the best rafting in South America. With long stretches of rapid-filled, turquoise waters, it’s a natural paradise. Rafting is just the beginning; test your hand at fly-fishing, mountain bike through the temperate rainforest, gallop along the riverbank on horseback, and watch the stars from the riverside hot tub. The best part is you’ll share this wilderness playground with Patagonian cowboys, self-sustaining homesteaders, the birds, and very, very few other lucky souls. We’ve found the best guides on the river, luxury camping that will make you never want to leave, and a team of people that elevate a trip to Patagonia’s river country into a life-changing experience. Seriously people, who’s ready for the trip of a lifetime.

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.

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Trek Check: Peru Treks Comparison – Inca Trail, Salkantay + Choquequirao

Most Popular Peru Treks - South America

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.

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3 Phenomenal Things to do in Ecuador: Hidden Gems + New Experiences I Discovered on My Recent Trip

Things to do in Ecuador

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.

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Parting Shots: Possibilities of Patagonia – Four Friends’ Custom Chile Trip through Northern & Southern Patagonia!

Knowmad Adventures Travel South America

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.

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