James Kinard

Destination Specialist

James grew up in Ashland, Oregon and graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in International Studies, spending a semester abroad in Spain. After graduating James headed down to Chile and began his now very extensive travels throughout South America. In his spare time, James enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, playing futbol (aka soccer), reading, skiing, and getting outdoors.

Get in touch with James

Journal Entries by James Kinard

On the river

Andes to the Amazon: a Journey That is All About the Journey

By James Kinard
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Jun 06 2019

I really enjoy looking back at different trips I’ve planned for Vaya travelers. It’s amazing to [...]

How I Was Introduced to Antarctica

By James Kinard
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Jul 01 2018

Antarctica is a continent like no other, an ice-laden land that’s often misunderstood – or at [...]

The Paine Massif

Not Just a Day in the Park

By James Kinard
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Jun 06 2017

As a kid, I would lie awake in anticipation of the next day whenever a storm [...]

Dad looking over the Sierra Baguales Mountain Range

Experience Awasi Patagonia

By James Kinard
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Mar 16 2017

Yvon Chouinard, founder of the Patagonia clothing company, once said “You know where I wanna be [...]

Cartagena, a must-see city

By James Kinard
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Apr 05 2016

Throughout my life, I’ve had the good fortune of visiting many wonderful cities around the world. [...]

Time Flies but Memories Last

By James Kinard
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Aug 27 2015

Days can come and go in rapid succession. But while time whizzes by, when I stop [...]

Returning from a Vaya Trip to South America

By James Kinard
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May 15 2015

Wow, what a journey! Such diverse settings, from the history and architecture of Quito to the [...]

Planning a Vaya Trip to South America

By James Kinard
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Mar 05 2015

At Vaya Adventures we pride ourselves on firsthand destination knowledge that can only come from shutting [...]

Finding My Inner Juan Valdez

By James Kinard
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Jan 16 2015

Coffee, for me, is an essential part of the morning routine – and it’s a part [...]

World Cup Fever Hits South America

By James Kinard
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Jun 12 2014

It’s almost upon us and I can’t wait! While playoff basketball and hockey have been forefront [...]

Costa Rica’s Untamed Osa Peninsula

By James Kinard
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Feb 25 2014

Costa Rica has long been renowned for combining natural beauty with exciting activities, attracting visitors seeking [...]

Chile - Tierra Patagonia - Walking Trails

Environmentalism in Patagonia

By James Kinard
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Nov 28 2013

A few years ago, bumping along an unpaved road in Argentine Patagonia, I found myself reflecting on [...]

Peru, A Story of Growth

By James Kinard
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May 13 2013

My first trip to Peru in 2005 consisted of a 2 ½ week tour. Each day [...]

Awakened by Antarctica

By James Kinard
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Jan 28 2013

The day started with a landing at Half Moon Bay, our first opportunity to step off [...]

A Bird Like No Other

By James Kinard
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Jan 25 2013

Travel to me has always been an eye-opening experience, whether that’s exploring the local trails around [...]

El Chalten: My Patagonia Highlight

By James Kinard
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Nov 15 2012

Vaya Adventures is fortunate to serve so many travelers across the US and Canada. While it’s [...]

The Calchaqui Valley: Vineyards, Gorges & History in Northwest Argentina

By James Kinard
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Jul 25 2012

Argentina has a long history of wine cultivation, dating back to its colonial roots.  While the [...]

Returning from the Buenos Aires of Europe

By James Kinard
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Jul 25 2012

I just returned from a week in Paris and it’s interesting to compare notes on this [...]

James Kinard was incredibly helpful and did a great job. I would highly recommend him to others. Very understanding and accommodating.

Nathaniel Chin, La Jolla, CA

OUTSTANDING! James Kinard patiently answered all questions and concerns and queried hotels to assure any questions were addressed.

Mike Dube, Redondo Beach, CA

James Kinard was our rep from Vaya and was super helpful and great to deal with, especially on such short notice! Without him we wouldn't have been able to put this trip together. Thanks James!

Hoffman, North Potomac, MD

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