Welcome to the Casa Oficina. That is the house that is an office, or the office that is a house. Not technically – we don’t actually live here (although during the busy season, many of us feel like that!). We affectionately call it the Casa Oficina because it’s an old Minneapolis house that we remodeled into the new Knowmad Adventures office, and although filled with desks and computers and coffee makers and such, its underlying texture is that of a light-filled home.
With all the possible places to stay when traveling, it can be difficult to know which one is the best one for you and your fellow travelers. Your accommodations can be such a big piece of your trip; letting you relax that much more during your vacation, or immersing you further into the culture. We know it can be difficult to know all of the features of each hotel option, so we wanted to highlight a few of Knowmad’s favorite hotels in Peru’s Sacred Valley, and share the characteristics that make each one a top Sacred Valley hotel on our list.
We’re so excited to welcome Carmen to the Knowmad Team! She is a joy to have in the office, exuding positivity wherever she goes and helping Knowmad meet its goals and grow. Read on to find out Carmen’s best kept travel secret, her favorite activities and more.
Fellow adventurers, it’s that time of year again – join us at the bi-annual Midwest Mountaineering Outdoor Adventure Expo this April! “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.
Snorkel in the Galapagos Islands, marvel at the stars on the Inca Trail, and meet penguins in Antarctica in this year’s Knowmad Adventures Annual Photo Contest.
Sprinkled with photos of mouth-watering meals and spectacular destinations, Instagram is a great place to go for inspiration. We like to share daily happenings and big highlights from near and far on Knowmad’s Instagram. A round-up of our most liked photos from 2017 reveals the year’s most exciting moments and travel destinations.
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and, after Machu Picchu, one of the most popular destinations in Peru. Straddling the Peru-Bolivia border at over 12,000 feet high, the lake is a sacred place for many Peruvians. According to ancient Andean mythology, the first Inca king and descendant of the sun surfaced from this lake to create the Incan Empire. It is also said that the sun, moon, and stars rose from Lake Titicaca and into the sky. These days, it’s a wonderful spot to get off the beaten path, connect with Peruvian culture and mythology, and have a truly unique experience in the high plains of Peru.
Lindsey and Jim celebrated their new marriage on their Argentina / Patagonia honeymoon by exploring the dazzling sights, rich culture, and breathtaking wilderness of Argentina. They started out in Buenos Aires, getting the chance to attend one of the country’s most famed cultural highlights: a Tango & Folklore Show. They also took several guided walks around the city, exploring the unique neighborhoods, learning about the culture and history up-close, and seeing the incredible street art that gives Buenos Aires part of its vibrant feel. Continue reading to learn more about the Patagonia portion of their honeymoon.
Pictured above, top row: Renee Davies, Jordan Harvey, Tara Harvey, Krista Erdahl, Dan Luedke | bottom row: Lisa Kellenberger, Carmen Mancino, Kayli Kirkegaard.
As the weather changes and we’re whisked into the holiday season, we’re reminded to take a step back and reflect on the exciting developments and events of this past year.
St. Olaf Alumni & Family Travel, in conjunction with Knowmad Adventures, is proud to announce an incredible Argentina and Chile group trip to South America. This 15-day trip, from August 5th to August 19th, 2018, is available to anyone who wishes to register and will highlight the breathtaking landscapes and fascinating culture & history of Argentina and Chile.
Craving sunshine? See why Jordan absolutely loves our Hidden Beaches of Brazil: Costa Verde + Rio de Janeiro trip (hint: hidden beach paradises).
Get to know Amanda Bjorge, one of Knowmad’s Operations Specialists! She loves to experience new cultures and has a passion for South America. Find out which travel memories are Amanda’s favorite, her must-have travel item, and more.
There’s no better gift than the gift of travel and shared adventures. Here at Knowmad Adventures, a company dedicated to creating custom travel experiences in South America, we believe that travel makes better people, and better people make a better and more compassionate world. We also know that travel and shared experiences bond people together and make better relationships; and authentic, close relationships are the key to a full and happy life. Helping people bond with their loved ones is one of the greatest joys of my job, and why I love putting together custom, multigenerational trips to South America.
Extensive and luxurious, this adventure highlights all the best. Stay in a restored colonial mansion in Quito, spot wildlife in the lush cloud forest canopy, island hop the Galapagos aboard a small-ship expedition, and finish at the former president’s cozy hacienda nestled in the highlands from where you'll experience Ecuador’s fascinating indigenous cultures.
Everything went perfectly and all 8 of us enjoyed every element of the trip. The guides were all excellent, everyone was always on-time and the hotels were exactly what we wanted. The Estancia turned out to be exceptional and I would say a highlight – the real thing, and right in the park. We ate the trout we caught one day for dinner and everyone loved the horse riding. I would say the unanimous judgement was one of the best trips we have ever taken.
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.
Extensive and luxurious, this adventure highlights all the best. Stay in a restored colonial mansion in Quito, spot wildlife in the lush cloud forest canopy, island hop the Galapagos aboard a small-ship expedition, and finish at the former president’s cozy hacienda nestled in the highlands from where you'll experience Ecuador’s fascinating indigenous cultures.
