Few places compare to South America when it comes to wildlife photography. The continent is home to diverse wetlands, grasslands and islands full of animal activity. Three regions stand out for photographers looking for incredible wildlife encounters: Brazil’s Pantanal, Chile and Argentina’s Patagonia, and Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands.
Fresh off a return from a magical trip to the Galápagos, Knowmad ambassadors and sisters Joyce, Carol, and Gail couldn’t get enough and were looking for another South American adventure. This time, they set their sights on a Patagonia adventure that offered plenty of hiking but with flexibility, creature comforts in places that felt authentically Patagonian, and the chance to experience both the Chilean and Argentine sides. With only about ten days on the ground, the focus was entirely on Patagonia, with little time spent in cities or other regions.
I’ve long told travelers interested in off-the-beaten-path adventures that camping next to the remote and little-visited ruins of Huchuy Qosqo is the closest you’ll ever feel to being Indiana Jones. That was all it took for my 9-year-old Trey to be hooked. Peru offers stunning mountain landscapes filled with varied and fascinating indigenous cultures. Blend this with vast opportunities for adventures, luxurious and intimate properties, some of the world’s freshest and diverse cuisine, and great value, and you have one of the world’s best places for impactful and fun family travel.
Our time in Peru was filled with moments both adventurous and meaningful. We spent time with a local ceramist painting Pukara bulls to ward off evil spirits. We went horseback riding past ruins and villages. We stargazed and had morning coffee at a massive remote ruin complex we had all to ourselves. We planted potatoes with village elders and schoolchildren Knowmad has long worked with. We unearthed our pachamanca meal cooked on hot stones underground. We paddleboarded in the shadow of sacred peaks. And I’ll never forget seeing my kids’ faces during their first glimpses of Machu Picchu. Highlights abounded on this trip, creating lasting memories that blended adventurous days with luxurious properties by night.
While working with clients, it’s not uncommon for a traveler to tell me they’ve had a lifelong interest in visiting Easter Island, known as Rapa Nui in the local language. Whether it was spurred by Leonord Nimoy’s In Search of episode from 1977, a grade school project, or a recent friend’s trip, the fascination that this tiny, remote island can instill is deep and strong. Ever since visiting the island nearly 20 years ago, I’ve felt a consistent draw to return. On this recent trip, I went deeper into the archaeological sites, culture, and accommodations. This blog shares my insights to help you discover the magic of the island in a personalized and smooth way.
Chicha morada is one of Peru’s most recognizable drinks. You’ll find it served alongside meals in restaurants, sold by street vendors, or made from scratch in home kitchens. It’s non-alcoholic, caffeine-free, kid-friendly, refreshing, and made from purple corn rather than fruit.
“Spotting pink dolphins, being treated by a family of endangered giant river otters, caiman sleeping under our glass floor, seeing 18 macaws, and spotting birds and monkeys from the tower at dawn were highlights of Napo in the Amazon.
The Angel was perfect to explore the Galapagos. The yacht was beautiful, staff attentive, and food delicious. The adventures are what stood out most. We snorkeled with 4 giant manta rays, a large group of golden rays, hammerhead sharks, gorgeous fish, marine iguanas, and swam with penguins, sea turtles, and sea lions. The birds were not afraid of us and we got to see them up close. It is truly a magical place and I’d highly recommend it to anyone. Knowmad surprising us with a complimentary upgrade to a suite was amazing!
The planning and trip was so easy. After an initial call we were presented with several ideas and options with a range of prices. Krista, Carmen, and the Knowmad team handled every detail and it was perfect!
The Amazon, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands are incredible. If you are dreaming of a trip there, I’d say don’t wait! Two weeks was the minimum, as there was so much to see and do. It truly was an adventure vacation!”
– Heather, Custom Ecuador, Amazon, & Galapagos Adventure
“The toughest part is trying to find something we didn’t love! The entire trip was amazing. The people who picked us up, drove us around, took us on tours of the cities and those who guided us on our hikes; every single person was awesome and shared so much fascinating culture and history. We had the best seats in the house at the tango house with the dancers three feet away from us. All our accommodations were excellent. The owners at Aguas Arriba were always checking to make sure we had everything we needed and Diego our hiking guide was wonderful.
Rick and I have been traveling the world for 35 years, and traveling on a trip planned by Knowmad was the most incredible experience of our lives.” – Newby and Rick, Custom Argentina and Uruguay Adventure
Much like its wildlife, the experience of exploring the remote islands of the Galapagos by boat is entirely unique. Small ships with a maximum of 16 passengers allow for flexible and tailored experiences, and the catamaran layout increases stability and offers generous common spaces. The Elite Galapagos catamaran is one of our top picks, known for its top-shelf naturalists, spacious design, and exceptional itinerary routes.
With its emblematic granite towers, pristine turquoise lakes, and immense glaciers, Torres del Paine National Park is internationally recognized as one of the most beautiful national parks in the world and a hiker’s paradise. Despite its remote geographical location in southern Patagonia, it is much easier to reach than a map may suggest and connects seamlessly with other popular destinations in both Argentina and Chile.
Few places compare to South America when it comes to wildlife photography. The continent is home to diverse wetlands, grasslands and islands full of animal activity. Three regions stand out for photographers looking for incredible wildlife encounters: Brazil’s Pantanal, Chile and Argentina’s Patagonia, and Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands.
Fresh off a return from a magical trip to the Galápagos, Knowmad ambassadors and sisters Joyce, Carol, and Gail couldn’t get enough and were looking for another South American adventure. This time, they set their sights on a Patagonia adventure that offered plenty of hiking but with flexibility, creature comforts in places that felt authentically Patagonian, and the chance to experience both the Chilean and Argentine sides. With only about ten days on the ground, the focus was entirely on Patagonia, with little time spent in cities or other regions.
I’ve long told travelers interested in off-the-beaten-path adventures that camping next to the remote and little-visited ruins of Huchuy Qosqo is the closest you’ll ever feel to being Indiana Jones. That was all it took for my 9-year-old Trey to be hooked. Peru offers stunning mountain landscapes filled with varied and fascinating indigenous cultures. Blend this with vast opportunities for adventures, luxurious and intimate properties, some of the world’s freshest and diverse cuisine, and great value, and you have one of the world’s best places for impactful and fun family travel.
Our time in Peru was filled with moments both adventurous and meaningful. We spent time with a local ceramist painting Pukara bulls to ward off evil spirits. We went horseback riding past ruins and villages. We stargazed and had morning coffee at a massive remote ruin complex we had all to ourselves. We planted potatoes with village elders and schoolchildren Knowmad has long worked with. We unearthed our pachamanca meal cooked on hot stones underground. We paddleboarded in the shadow of sacred peaks. And I’ll never forget seeing my kids’ faces during their first glimpses of Machu Picchu. Highlights abounded on this trip, creating lasting memories that blended adventurous days with luxurious properties by night.
Journey through the rugged and otherworldly terrain of Southern Bolivia, exploring lagoons, volcanoes and Uyuni salt flats before ending in the capital of La Paz, perched atop the Andes Mountains, stopping at the historical rich communities of Potosi and Sucre along the way. Ideal connection with Chile’s Atacama Desert or start and finish in La Paz.
Quite simply the best trip we’ve ever taken. Destinations astounded, logistics and planning flawless, and your intimate knowledge and relationships made for a trip that was personal every inch of the way.
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.
Journey through the rugged and otherworldly terrain of Southern Bolivia, exploring lagoons, volcanoes and Uyuni salt flats before ending in the capital of La Paz, perched atop the Andes Mountains, stopping at the historical rich communities of Potosi and Sucre along the way. Ideal connection with Chile’s Atacama Desert or start and finish in La Paz.
