Wondering what to get the kids and grandkids for Christmas? 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.
Season’s Greetings: To the Journey Ahead!
Pictured above, upper left photo: Krista Erdahl, Carmen Mancino, Renee Davies, Tara Harvey, Jordan Harvey, Amanda Bjorge, Kayli Kirkegaard, Jena Davison, Lisa Kellenberger (not pictured: Colin Bennett, Dan Luedke, Elizabeth O’Brien, Nikki Fox)
As summer fades to fall and fall to winter, we’re reminded to take a step back and reflect on our past year.
South America’s Best Kept Secret: Machu Picchu & Patagonia Shoulder Season Travel
Well-heeled and adventurous travelers have long favored shoulder seasons when the amount of travelers in a destination dips (often times along with prices) and weather is still good (and in some locations it could be argued better than high season). Fall shoulder season for Peru / Machu Picchu and Chile / Argentina / Patagonia is in March and April and the best spots and some hikes, such as the Inca Trail, are booking up fast. The time to plan for these seasons is now!
How to Choose Between the Argentine and Chilean Sides of Patagonia: El Chalten vs. Torres del Paine or Both
From remote, vast landscapes dotted with iconic peaks and bright glaciers to unique wildlife and historic haciendas; for nature and adventure lovers Patagonia is unparalleled. But all that makes it magnificent can also make planning Patagonia trips a bit overwhelming. This article breaks down Patagonia’s main locations, helping you navigate the choices in planning the perfect Patagonian journey for your travel style, time frame, and budget.
Travel + Leisure A-List Award Winner!
We’re beyond excited to announce Jordan’s recognition on the 2019 Travel + Leisure A-List – a collection of the world’s top travel advisors – for the 7th year in a row! As with every big accomplishment, it takes a village: for Jordan (and Knowmad) it’s the combination of like-minded travelers and a rockstar team of Trip and Operations Specialists that made this award possible. Thank you all!
Custom Ecuador + Galapagos Islands Trip: Two Weeks in Quito, Cloudforest, Galapagos & Zuleta
Exotic wildlife sightings, the cobblestoned city of Quito, misty cloud forest, and historic hacienda life come together in this custom Ecuador + Galapagos Islands trip. Travel alongside this adventurous group of five couples as they embark on a journey through Ecuador.
What is the best Antarctica Cruise for Me?
Antarctica is unlike any other destination in the world: a vast expanse of nearly untouched, pristine wilderness, striking blue glaciers, and incredible marine wildlife. Once you’ve decided to travel to Antarctica, the question then becomes “What’s the best Antarctica cruise for me?” What are the options, and where do you begin? How can you seamlessly integrate your cruise with the logistics involved in reaching one of the most remote regions on the planet? Below, Knowmad Trip Specialist Krista helps you navigate different vessel and expedition options while outlining important factors to consider and, ultimately, will get you the best savings and rates.
What’s Love Got to Do with It? Knowmad Founders Toast 10 Years with South America Anniversary Trip
A story told an infinite amount of times, crossing centuries, cultures and borders. Boy meets girl. Girl meets boy. Love. Marriage. Kids. And, if you’re especially blessed, growing old together. And yet, there is always a sense of awe, gratitude, and sheer luck when one’s found it. Love, actual love.
Beyond Machu Picchu: Explora Sacred Valley, Luxury Hotel in Peru
Unless stated otherwise, the images or videos used in this blog post belong to Explora
The Sacred Valley is often overlooked; sometimes folded into itineraries as a region to traverse on your way to the infamous Machu Picchu or merely a place to acclimatize before a trek on the Inca Trail. Truly the cultural and natural heart of Andean Peru, the valley has so much more to offer. Discover why a stay at Explora’s newest luxury lodge may be just the reason you needed to jump start planning your trip.
Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists We Trust Award
Starting a business takes courage and leadership, tireless dedication and a steady vision even when faced with challenges, and a team devoted to the same values and ideals. Receiving the Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist We Trust award gives us the opportunity and reminder to slow down and congratulate each other on all of the goals – big and small – that we accomplish each day. We are so grateful Jordan has been recognized on this list for the 5th year in a row, thank you!
Knowmad Wins Condé Nast’s Top Honor for Galapagos, Peru, Patagonia, Argentina, & Chile
Knowmad is proud and humbled to once again be one of the few operator/agencies in the world to have not one but two of our specialists awarded with the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Experts accolade. Knowmad General Manager Renee Davies is recognized as the top expert of Galapagos, Ecuador & Peru; while Co–Founder Jordan Harvey for Patagonia, Argentina and Chile.
Travel + Leisure A-List Winner for the 10th Year in a Row!
This is a big one folks!! Knowmad Co-Founder Jordan Harvey won a spot on the Travel + Leisure A-list for the 10th year in a row.
It doesn’t seem that long ago that Jordan “almost fainted right there in the Dallas / Ft. Worth customs,” after finding out he had won the T+L A-List award for the very first time in 2013. A lot has happened in the last 10 years, we’ve grown, expanded into new territories, helped more and more travelers and at the same time, not much has changed. Our commitment to unparalleled levels of knowledge and operating capabilities in our regions has only strengthened and we continue to work hard to build innovative and unique travel experiences for our travelers.
We asked our past travelers to help us in congratulating Jordan by sharing some of their favorite travel moments, keep reading to take a trip down memory lane with us.
Travel + Leisure Spotlights Knowmad’s Peru Epic 9-Day Active Adventure & Inca Trail
Open for travel, sharply declining covid numbers, and a dearth of crowds has us pumped for Peru travel. We were honored when Travel + Leisure recently featured one of Knowmad Co-Founder Jordan’s favored Peru trips, which packs in big adventure in a short period of time. Are you ready to craft your own Peru experience?