Chilean Wine Country: The Next Best Vineyard Destination

Casablanca Wine Valley

The word is getting out about Chilean wine country, from established valleys like Aconcagua and Colchagua to up-and-comers like San Antonio. Chile is now challenging the best-liked wineries in California and France. With vineyards tucked into valleys between the jagged Pacific Coast and the foothills of the Andes, many within a short drive from Santiago, it is obvious to see why this wine region has been growing in popularity. For lovers of wine, food and culture, new wine routes are creating the perfect wine touring experience.

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Best Family Vacations in South America: Peru, Ecuador and Chile – $400 Off!

Your Next Family Vacation

There is no better gift you can give to your children than traveling together as a family. When you travel with your children, whether they are still playing in the sandbox, braving the high school hallways, moving out for their first year of college, or walking across the stage to get their college diploma, travel not only creates lifelong memories and family bonds, but it helps your children grow into well-rounded, confident, open-minded and brave individuals.

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Peru Trip: Amazon Jungle, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca & Lima

Peru Trip Travel

Discovering caimans in the Amazon, exploring Machu Picchu and cooking with a local Peruvian chef are just a few highlights from this fantastic Peru trip! Russell Phillips and Ron Thomas started their vacation at the relaxing Reserva Amazonica Lodge in the Peruvian Amazon Jungle. Traveling east to Cusco and the Sacred Valley they admired ancient Incan ruins and marveled at one of the most fascinating historical landmarks in the world, Machu Picchu. At the start of the third week Russell and Ron went to Lake Titicaca where they learned about the Uru culture and traditions. And lastly, the two spent a few days in Lima where they learned how to make ceviche with a local, award winning Peruvian chef and explored the city.

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Travel + Leisure’s ‘World’s Greatest Dream Trips’ Features Knowmad Adventures’ Patagonia Dream Trip

Patagonia Dream Trip

“If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? That’s what we asked our followers on Facebook and Twitter and the frequent travelers we interviewed on the streets of New York. Their answers spanned the globe, from an overwater bungalow in Bora-Bora to a South African safari to the beaches of Brazil. Here, our advice on how to make these dream getaways a reality—plus, the trips that are on T+L editors’ bucket lists.”

– Travel + Leisure Magazine, 50 Dream Trips Edition | Edited by Jacqueline Gifford and Brooke Porter Katz 

One of those traveler’s questioned was Rosemari Herrero, a 30 year old investment banker. She answered “I would love to see penguins, go horseback riding, and meet gauchos in Patagonia. The mountains there are so beautiful.” Travel & Leisure Magazine naturally chose Knowmad Adventures to put together the logistics for this Patagonia Dream Trip, as they recently named co-founder Jordan Harvey for the second year in a row as a T+L A-List winner, expert in Chile and Argentina. This adventure includes explorations of both Argentina and Chile with activities like ice-climbing on the massive Perito Moreno Glacier or horseback riding in the infamous Torres del Paine National Park. We also added stops in both countries’ intriguing capital cities, tastings at off-the-beaten path boutique vineyards and more. Look for the journey in the South America section of the October 2014 Issue of Travel + Leisure Magazine, 50 Dream Trips and get the full details below!

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South America Travel with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

South America Travel South America Travel Special Interest Group

Knowmad’s Jordan Harvey made an appearance with Peter Olin (of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum) in Lake Minnetonka Magazine‘s ‘Out and About’ section. They are pictured here in the Galapagos Islands, the Arboretum and Knowmad’s most recent South America travel experience together. Be sure to take a look at details for this year’s trip to Brazil on our blog!

Happy Birthday: Knowmad Celebrates 5 Years of South America Travel!

South America Travel

Five years ago Jordan and I tied the knot and shortly thereafter departed for adventures unknown in the land of Chile. There the seed of Knowmad Adventures was planted, nurtured and my, how it has grown! You’re not supposed to speak too loudly about the fact that you started a company with minimal industry experience, no business plan or, in our case, barely a plan at all, but I guess I’m having an overly honest moment.

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Staff Pick Itinerary: Machu Picchu + Galapagos Islands Tour

Peru and Galapagos Combo Tour

One of my favorite types of trips to plan is what we at Knowmad affectionately call a “combo trip”, where we pair two countries together so that our travelers can get the most out of their adventure to South America. I specialize in travel in both Peru and Ecuador, and pairing these countries together makes for such a wonderful combo trip, not just because they are neighbors, but because of how they compliment each other. In one trip you can walk along paths taken by Incans, dine with local community members as they teach you about their traditions, see the famed Machu Picchu, snorkel with sea lions, stand amongst the giant Galapagos tortoises, and so much more. Joining both the beautiful culture and majesty of the Incas of Peru with the stunning architecture of Quito and surreal closeness to the wildlife in the Galapagos Islands is most certainly a recipe for an awe-inspiring adventure to South America.

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Parting Shots: Chile + Argentina Over 50 Travel Experience of a Lifetime

Senior Chile Travel

“We are a group of ‘seniors’ who love to travel, and are considering a South America destination for our next trip,” wrote Kathy when she first approached Knowmad. So, how is it that her group of adventurous ‘seniors’ ended up choosing Patagonia as one of the focal points of what eventually became a unique, 3-week trip to Argentina and Chile? Their route spanned from Buenos Aires to the jungles of Iguazú falls in Argentina and Brazil, down to the lush Bariloche area of Northern Patagonia, onward to the glaciers of Southern Patagonia, crossed through the Andes Mountains over to the jagged peaks of Chile’s Torres del Paine before ending in the Central Chile to explore bohemian ‘Valpo’, Santiago, and wine country. Read on to find out what makes Patagonia an outstanding destination for over 50 travel as well as for younger, adventurers alike.

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Central Chile Travel Guide: From Santiago to Valparaíso + Wine Country

Santiago to Valparaiso

The central region of Chile offers travelers a balanced blend of culture and scenic vistas where the traditional and modern live side by side. Inside of the artsy and bustling neighborhoods of Santiago, find deep history, green park oases, and caring people. Just outside of Chile’s largest city, find ocean to the west, mountains to the east, and wine valleys to the south. The nearby bohemian port city of Valparaíso draws artists and adventurers to its cascading hills, while the nearby wineries draw aficionados and soon-to-be wine connoisseurs alike.

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