Knowmad gets my highest recommendation from our initial phone conversation to having a Knowmad specialist see us off at the airport for our return trip home. We spent an unforgettable 10 days hiking the (express!) Inca trail to Machu Picchu and visiting Lima, The Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes and Cusco. I could write 10 pages about how much we loved traveling with Knowmad so I'll try to stick to the highlights. My husband and I usually handle all of our own travel planning, but when we came across Knowmad while researching how to visit Machu Picchu we realized we would probably get a lot more out of a trip to Peru traveling with specialists from the country. This was 1000% true and working with Knowmad made planning our trip so easy and fun. Our travel specialists Renee and Shannon found a way for us to do everything we wanted to do (and so much more!) while staying within our budget. They were remarkably thorough with answering my countless questions and we could not have been more prepared for our visit, with very minimal effort on our end. Once we met up with our Knowmad guide, Fernando, in Cusco every day of our trip was amazing and we learned so much about the Inca culture and the Andes while having a ton of fun and going at our own pace. By the time we made it to Machu Picchu it was so much more meaningful because we had an understanding of what makes it such a special and mystical site. The Inca trail was absolutely breathtaking (and I'm not talking about the altitude ) and we couldn't have done it without Fernando as our fearless guide. He looked out for us every step of the way and made us feel like family throughout our time with him. Our trip wouldn't have been nearly so memorable without him. Another highlight was our e-bike ride through the Sacred Valley with our awesome guide Kirvi, who was so kind and on top of making sure we were safe and even getting some awesome photos and videos along the way. Our driver Abraham made us feel so welcome and kept us moving along and safe throughout our trip. The restaurants and hotels Knowmad arranged for us were excellent, and our picnic in the Sacred Valley and Pachamanca experience were unbelievable. Thank you Knowmad for making our trip such an incredible experience we will never forget! read more

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Knowmad planned our trip to Argentina in March. They listened to what we wanted and then arranged a flawless trip. They were also very responsive whenever I had questions. I highly recommend them if you wish to have a special excursion to a South American country. read more

Knowmad helped my husband & I plan a custom trip to Chile. From start to finish, we found them knowledgeable about the region, responsive, and quick to offer a suggestion that made the trip run as smoothly as possible. Our trip wouldn't have been half as fun without their help. We recommend them wholeheartedly! We'll certainly be contacting them again when we return to South America. read more

I would highly recommend using Knowmad Adventures for your travel plans to South America. My husband and I recently traveled to Patagonia and Rapa Nui and everything was perfect. Knowmad was the only travel agent that took the time to meet with us to understand what we wanted out of our vacation and they were able to build a trip that met our needs 100%. Every transfer was perfect and all drivers and tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable. The hotel recommendations were spot on. read more

Knowmad Team, my husband and I must tell you that we cannot get Peru off our mind! You couldn't have selected a better guide for us. Maybe it was his rotation, or maybe it was something in our profile that you made a connection with, whatever it was, Neptali is now like family. Having the private experience was an honor. We have not experienced this type of service that the crew and Neptali provided. Rain, sleet, or a little snow did not stop our drive for the experience that was in front of us. Thank you for all of your efforts in making this trip possible. Thank you for providing us with such wonderful accommodations, and yes even the camping was fantastic. Thank you for getting us hooked on Peru and South America. read more

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My husband and I traveled to Patagonia October 2022--a long awaited trip delayed because of the pandemic. It was an extraordinary, unforgettable experience. Some things we really appreciated about working with Knowmad: 1. Planning the trip with Colin, our trip specialist, could not have been easier. He made great recommendations and he was always ready with a prompt reply when we had questions, wanted to make changes to our itinerary, etc. 2. Being respectful/mindful of our budget. 3. Using/supporting small boutique hotels which were always so lovely. 4. Giving us the opportunity for private transfers and tour guides--very much appreciated in light of the ongoing pandemic. 5. Arranging amazing local tour guides in El Calafate and Valparaiso. 6. Noting/remembering my birthday without me even mentioning it! 7. Being available during the trip to answer my questions and provide confirmation/reassurance. 8. The general attention to detail. It was our first time working with Knowmad Adventures but it certainly won't be our last. We look forward to working with Knowmad Adventures again! read more

They deserve 10 stars! Top notch service from start to finish. -Communication was fantastic. We started with a phone call of vague things we wanted to do and ended with a fantastic 2.5 week trip to Peru, Chile, and Easter Island. -Timing of first contact to booked/confirmed trip was about 2 weeks. -They helped us book domestic flights through another agency, saving us time and money. -They confirmed our international flights would work with our ground schedule prior to booking. -They were very patient with my 654051521 questions and didn't flinch when I requested a call prior to our trip to confirm everything. So accommodating. -Their recommendations for the trip were wonderful. They had so many good tips for making the trip more enjoyable. Staying in the Sacred Valley before Cusco allowed you to acclimate to the elevation slowly, I would not have thought of this if I booked the trip on my own. Most people go to Machu Picchu in one day, we stayed two nights so it wasn't such a long day (drive from Cusco, train ride to MP). -We got to do things most travelers would know even know about, as they were for Knowmad travelers only. -Their guides are locals and know where to stop if you need things. I needed to do some laundry and our guide knew someone that would come to the hotel, do the wash, and bring it back in the same day...cheaper than if you went to a shop in the city. -The guides know the best places to eat, shop, everything. They will let you know if you shouldn't do ABC, when to hold onto your bags a little tighter, when to avoid street vendors, etc. You would not know these things if you traveled independently. -Travel to Easter Island is a bit more complicated than other places, and they were there for us along the way, doing the required paperwork and making sure everything was in order so we didn't get hung up at the airport. -They send a survey after you return so you can give them feedback. I also followed up with my agent and gave more tips about Easter Island, as she had not been there before, and welcomed my experience. I can't wait to go to SA again, I will be sure to have Knowmad plan my next adventure. read more

Knowmad Adventures - Cusco, Peru - Travel Services Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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We have used many travel agents over the years and Knowmad is one of the best. The pre-departure planning for our customized, three week trip to Argentina was very useful and informative. Carmen listened carefully to our ideas and thoughtfully tailored a trip to match those interests, ranging from lovely lodging and terrific food to unique and memorable experiences. During the trip itself the meticulous attention to detail and entertaining expertise of the guides was remarkable. We felt very well taken care of from start to finish. We would highly recommend Knowmad Adventures to anyone considering travel to South America. read more

The owner of Knowmad Adventures allows only positive reviews on his website and Facebook page. As my experience is so very different from those allowed on the site, I have asked for expert help in an attempt to make this visible. Two years ago we hired Knowmad for a trip to Patagonia and Atacama desert. The desert was canceled due too COVID. We just retook that part of trip. The company and services are totally changed in two years. Poor advice, no help with our arrangements which were to be the same and were not. The message was that the staff could not waste their time helping us. We were paid. There was no current revenue to be had. We managed - handled and corrected things ourselves. Two years ago-- good service and a good trip. Today, not the same company. I would not go back to Knowmad for travel anywhere. Update- In response to Jordan: Jordan, I have read you response and unfortunately it is not at all factual. Counter to your response, VIP service is very much available at the Santiago airport and, without any help from Knomad, which I requested several times, we hired a wonderful company who met our plane and got us through customs, avoiding long lines and much red tape. We would have been lost without them- especially as almost no one even ar the airport speaks English-- all counter to what you told me. I would think your company, and most of all you, would have been better informed. Further, accommodations at Explora had also been lessened. We fixed that ourselves - no help from you or staff-- fortunately, the manager at Explora was wonderful! She helped us. As to offering to send someone to the airport, Jordan you told me you would send a guide and it would be VERY expensive. I spend all day listening and responding to people for a living. I am neither hostile nor do I misunderstand what is communicated to me. You and your company could not have been less interested or less helpful. And, yes Jordan. I do have your direct line and email. After your initial curt response to my request, my calls and emails were never returned. read more

Still a huge fan of this travel agency. They booked our trip to Argentina and almost everything was perfect. We started in Buenos Aires, flew to Patagonia, headed to Mendoza. The hotels, excursions and guides for the majority of the trip were excellent. Our last day we had a 10 hour layover in Santiago, Chile. They booked us a guide who walked us all over the city. If you're heading to S. America, I highly recommend this agency. read more

My husband and I had a trip of a lifetime and are recommending Knowmad Adventures to everyone! We did the Inca Trail and Beyond Honeymoon package exploring Cusco, Amaru, 4-day Incan Trail hike and spent one day in Machu Picchu Pueblo. The day spent in Amaru was the first highlight. It enhanced the trip and gave us an insider's peek at the native culture which is one of the reasons we had selected Knowmad out of the mass of travel agencies available. The villagers had prepared demonstrations of their agriculture and textile customs that astounded us and made the day very memorable. The 4 day hike was another highlight and what pushed this trip from amazing to over the top trip of a lifetime. We received 5-star treatment throughout the whole excursion from the guides and porters from ExploreAndes. The scenic landscape was breathtaking - My husband and I fell in love with the terrain and had a blast exploring the ancient ruins along the way. Arriving to Machu Picchu on the last day of the hike was a surreal experience that pictures don't do justice. We were treated exceptionally well throughout the trip. Each accommodation had its own special offering and beautiful people who graciously shared their culture while treating us to the best that Peru has to offer. The commitment to sustainability throughout the trip was apparent and vital to preserving the area which was another important factor that made the experience that much better. Knowmad Adventures succeeded in making us travelers, not tourists and I am very grateful for that. After traveling with them and talking with other travelers who went through other agencies I am sure that this would not have been possible without their expertise. They gave us the adventure we were looking for plus more. Thank you! read more

I wish I could give them 10 stars! If anyone wants to visit South America in the most amazing way, please check out Knowmad Adventures! I promise you will NOT find a more culturally unique, authentic, adventurous, personable, & off the beaten path kind of company out there! We cannot thank them enough for making our trip to Peru one my family & I will be talking about for a lifetime! I just got home & I'm already going to start saving for my next trip with Knowmad! Thank you Jordan, Tara, & Renee! read more

"Knowmad Adventures planned every last detail of our trip to Chile and the Patagonia rich in adventure and culture with the perfect amount of breathing room, and were with us every step of the way! They made sure we had the experience of a lifetime that we came to Chile in search of. Rarely are outdoor pursuits so seamlessly married with cultural experiences and local culinary authenticity, absolutely incredible. We worked directly with Knowmad owners, who were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and also listened carefully to make sure the trip was just right for us. I would highly recommend Knowmad Adventures to anyone looking for a perfectly balanced, adventurous trip to Latin America!!" read more

We booked our honeymoon through Knowmad Adventures and were blown away by the team's regional expertise, dynamic trip planning, and unparalleled execution. We were on the road for 2.5 weeks and visited Brazil, Argentina and Chile. The trip was extremely active with lots of logistics and coordination required - and everything was absolutely perfect! Jordan, Kayli and the on-the-ground Knowmad team members made sure our trip was smooth, seamless, and enjoyed by all. Would definitely recommend! read more

The Northern Patagonia Odyssey trip, which is described at the following link: www.knowmadadventures.com/npo.html I did through Knowmad Adventures was one of the highlights in my 2 months of travel in South America. It was so well executed and I really felt I was off the beaten path. Tara and Jordan also provided great insight, expertise and recommendations on the other places I traveled to and on the overall culture of Latin America. I would highly recommend this tour and would love to go on any of their other adventures! read more

I traveled to Chile with Knowmad adventures in February of 2010. It was the most authentically planned trips I have ever been on or could ever plan to be on. Using all local chilean companies who welcomed you with open hearts, I traveled from the southern farm land, to the island of Chiloe off the coast, and up to an amazing base camp at the Patagonia by horse back! These guys know their stuff and have the connections to make it happen for you. They were very respected by all the people we came in contact with and I can only imagine it is because of the respect Jordan and Tara (co-founders) continue to show them. Traveling is not only their passion, but also their trade. If you want to experience an area that you have never been, but want to travel it the way the locals would, then I would definitely say Knowmad adventures is the way to go. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about my experience : Rachbweary@yahoo.com read more

I traveled with Knowmad Adventures to Chile. The trip they planned was well orchestrated and they took us to places I would have never had the chance to go had it not been for Knowmad. Jordan and Tara Harvey, the founders, made sure every last detail was planned. The cost of the trip was planned according to our friend's budget and they really did everything they could to get us the lowest possible price on all our activities. Their knowledge of South America is unmatched and the greatest part is that you aren't working with a large outfit, they cater your trip to your needs. You will not be dissapointed choosing Knowmad for your next adventure to South America! read more

Knowmad Adventures planned a trip of a lifetime for my family and I to Peru. All 8 of us can't say enough positive things about this experience. It was truly a perfectly planned and executed trip, thanks to Knowmad. Every step of the way was smooth- from planning it on through each adventure. All the hassles of traveling abroad were avoided thanks to the great care and attention to detail that Knowmad provided. I believe we were given the most authentic travel experiences possible and I can't imagine going to South America without Knowmad Adventures! read more

Knowmad Adventures planned an amazing trip for me and a friend to hike the Inca Trail and explore the rainforest of Peru. They work with responsible and high quality local guides to give you a "locals" feel for the country. Their selection of our hike was perfect, it was a small group and we were on a different timetable that most of the bigger tour groups so we were able to really enjoy the trail in all of its splendor. The next time I travel anywhere in South America I will not hesitate to book again through Knowmad. read more

I used Knowmad for my trip to Peru earlier this year. I could not have been happier with the level of service that was provided to myself and the other travelers. We were able to have Knowmad customize an itinerary based on our timeframe and feel that we got a great value for the money we spent. I would definitely uses Knowmad again in the future. read more

In November of 2015 I spent 2 weeks in Argentina on a custom trip designed for me by Knowmad Adventures. It turned out to be the trip of a lifetime. I wanted to see Iguazu Falls but spend most of my time hiking/walking in Patagonia. I had been to Patagonia several times in the past on hiking tours but this time I wanted to travel by myself. Jordan at Knowmad found me fantastic accommodations that included luxurious rooms with great views, good food & hiking guides when needed. Sometimes I hiked alone with my own personal guide, sometimes I hiked with several other lodge guests. It was the best of both worlds for me - being able to hike when & where I wanted, yet meeting other guests to socialize with. Since I was a 65+ year old woman traveling on my own, I really appreciated the airport transfers Jordan arranged. Not only was I met after every flight & taken to my hotel, but when I was taken back to the airport for my next flight, a local Knowmad representative stayed with me throughout the check in process until I had my boarding pass to make sure any issues were resolved. The local guides were all uniformly excellent - friendly, interesting and very knowledgable. Also, all spoke great English. Knowmad did an impressive job of fulfilling my expectations with respect to type of accommodations, activities, etc. I never would have found a couple of the lodges if I had tried to set up the trip myself. Knowmad was a dream to work with and always responded to any questions I had with impressive promptness. I definitely will use them again to plan my next South American trip. read more