Chile is a country of contrasts, stretching from the desert in the north to the glaciers of the south, and with the natural borders of the ocean to the west and the Andes mountains in the east. There are lush, temperate rainforests and volcanoes, and wine valleys abound. When planning my own first trip to South America with Knowmad I faced the same question that the travelers I work with every day do: how could I make the most of two weeks in Chile?
What makes someone worthy of the Condé Nast Traveler Experience Makers award? This person is not just an expert in their field, but a person that views crafting the perfect trip as an art form. A person who is considerate, taking the time to listen their travelers’ interests, style, and needs; a person who is knowledgable, always on the pulse of new activities, cultural opportunities, and remote lodges; and a person who is passionate, someone who understands that the each trip is a unique reflection of the traveler that ultimately gets to embark on the journey. We’re proud to say that Jordan Harvey, Knowmad’s Co-Founder, is this person.
The Galapagos Islands is the perfect place to charter a small yacht or catamaran expedition for just you and your group of family or friends. This allows for a more private and even personalized experience, where the guide and crew are dedicated entirely to your group. As there are many boats in the Galapagos meant for just 16 – 20 passengers, a Galapagos charter boat is often the best choice for large groups of friends, clubs, and multi-generational family vacations, and it’s easier than some may think. There are also a variety of boat types available: you can charter a private luxury boat, a tourist superior, or a first class boat. Additionally, some nice discounts come into play when you are able to charter a full boat instead of buying the individual cabin spaces. Keep reading to journey alongside this Knowmad group and learn more about Galapagos charter boats.
Peru has been a favorite in the world of cuisine for some time now, and its food only continues to impress and attract patrons from near and far. Part of its charm is that Peru’s culture is so well represented in its cuisine, making each dish a celebration; from fusion blends like Italian-Peruvian and Japanese-Peruvian, to unique incorporations of the fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains harvested locally. Peru’s restaurants and chefs are creating inventive new dishes all the time for fans of food everywhere to enjoy.
Because of the attention surrounding Peru’s food scene, its restaurants are growing in both quantity and popularity: many of them have been favorites for years, some of them are newer and spearheaded by beloved chefs, and there are also the gems that are known only by the locals. As some of the best restaurants in Peru are also the top restaurants in the world, we wanted to create a list of some of Knowmad’s favorites to help you navigate the delectable world of Peruvian dining!
As you read on below, if you are interested in making a reservation for your trip to Peru at any of the restaurant featured here, you can either use the links within each restaurants’ details to reach their website, or you can let your Trip or Operations Specialist know if you would like help, and we would be happy to assist in making those reservations for you.
It’s a series of moments that have lead Jordan to his 7th Travel + Leisure A-List win. It all started with a big dream in a small cabin nestled in the Patagonian countryside. Here, Tara and Jordan spent many hours, days, and weeks developing their travel company. And today we take a moment to reflect on some of the triumphs and challenges that ultimately make Knowmad, Knowmad.
We’re so thrilled that Knowmad was mentioned as the company to call for your Choquequirao trekking plans by Condé Nasts’s Traveler magazine! Traveler explains how the multi-day trek to the the lesser-travelled but equally magnificent Choquequirao indeed stands up to comparisons to Machu Picchu. Our founders, Tara and Jordan Harvey, have journeyed to the archaeological site themselves – affectionately called “Choque” – and came out of it more impassioned than ever, affirming that it makes trekkers feel about as much like Indiana Jones as possible.
Inca Trail permits for 2019 will be going on sale in just a few months. Some of the most popular travel dates sell out as soon as the permits go on sale, so don’t miss your chance to hike the famed Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2019, and start planning today. Book before July 31st, 2018 and receive $200 off per person for trips 1 week or longer, and $300 off per person for trips 2 weeks or longer!* Contact a Trip Specialist today about booking this trip of a lifetime!
One of the greatest compliments we can receive is when past travelers come back to us for another adventure in South America. Barbara, Eric, Kathy, and Lenny had done two previous trips with Knowmad, to Easter Island & Patagonia and to the Galapagos Islands. So when they came back looking to go off the beaten track for their third trip, exploring the contrasting deserts of the Atacama in northern Chile and Antarctica, we were really excited to help them plan this awesome multi-generational Chile + Antarctica family adventure.
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.
With the help of the Knowmad team, I put together a round-up to help you set the stage for the perfect South America inspired day and evening full of fun activities for the whole family.
A letter from Knowmad co-founder, Jordan Harvey.
What is the Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist award, and what does it mean to earn a spot on this prestigious list? Join us as we extend a hearty congratulations to two of our Trip Specialists, Jordan Harvey and Renee Davies, for each earning this extraordinary award – their knowledge of South America travel is absolutely unmatched!
Experience Colombia’s diversity as you explore the metropolitan capital of Bogota, discover the vibrant music and Caribbean costeño culture of historic Cartagena, and marvel at the coffee region’s lush landscapes and sweeping mountain views.
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.
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.
Experience Colombia’s diversity as you explore the metropolitan capital of Bogota, discover the vibrant music and Caribbean costeño culture of historic Cartagena, and marvel at the coffee region’s lush landscapes and sweeping mountain views.
