Our Team
Our Tour Experts
Heroes and Heroines
Belize
A country with conservation at its heart. Diligently explore the massive chunks of its dense jungle that have been reserved for the…
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![Amy Waters snow biking]()
Our Team
Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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![William Dalrymple]()
Our Tour Experts
We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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![Liz Bonnin]()
Heroes and Heroines
The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Central America
Sandwiched in between this surreal landscape are pockets of rich colonial splendour and the remnants of ancient civilisations from the Aztecs to the Maya buried deep within the tangled jungles of Central America.
For the wildlife enthusiast, it is worth noting that Central America alone lays claim to 10% of the world’s biodiversity. Costa Rica is a top destination for nature lovers as it has the richest diversity of flora and fauna on the planet. During a Central America holiday, you can dive with nurse sharks and stingrays along the Northern Cayes of Belize, glimpse hummingbirds and resplendent quetzal in the cloud forests of Costa Rica and Panama, and observe thousands of Olive Ridley turtles descending upon the Pacific shores of Nicaragua to lay eggs.
Costa Rica
There's a saying that runs right through Costa Rica: 'pura vida', or 'the good life'. We can help you to truly tap…
El Salvador
El Salvador - also known as 'the half-an-hour country'. Spend a little more time than that here with Steppes Travel and you'll…
Guatemala
A small country with a booming ecosystem. Among the breadth of animals in its forests, the calls of howler monkeys and blaring…
Honduras
An ever-present union of Indian, Spanish and Carib influences pervades this Central American favourite. Copan, unquestionably one of the most beautiful of…
Mexico
Many great civilisations have left their mark on Mexico. Be sure to trek through vine-covered pyramids around the Yucatan Peninsula and wander…
Nicaragua
A fresh face on the travel scene - but one that you cannot afford to miss.
Panama
One of the world's eco-tourism hotspots. Speak to our travel experts and create a Panama experience that certainly isn't recycled - there's…
A slice of paradise
Holiday in Central America and choose your slice of paradise from miles of pristine sandy beaches lining the Caribbean Coast or grab your surfboard and head towards the Pacific Coast renowned for its tremendous surf. Mexico’s Riveria Mayo takes some beating for beach holidays or the Belize Cayes with its wildlife-rich waters offers fantastic snorkelling. These are merely a handful of highlights Central America has to offer. Steppes Travel has the inside knowledge and passion to create a truly thrilling tailor-made holiday to Central America for you.
Idea
Mexico
Highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula
An exploration of Mexico’s idyllic Yucatan Peninsula, from its Mayan ruins and turquoise ocean to its wildlife reserves and colonial cities, this journey strikes the perfect balance between ocean-side relaxation and archaeological discoveries.
Idea
Belize
Conservation & Wildlife in Belize
Designed to appeal to wildlife enthusiasts and keen ornithologists, this itinerary takes in the dense jungles of the north, the wildlife sanctuaries that protect jaguar and the marine diversity of the second largest barrier reef on Earth. Utilising carefully selected properties as…
Idea
Honduras
Highlights of Honduras
Our classic adventures through Honduras incorporate the highlights of the Central American country on the Caribbean Sea – from discovering archaeological ruins and trail hiking to white water rafting and flying to tropical islands. With its wonderful mix of culture, wildlife and…
Idea
Mexico
Epic Maya Journey: Mexico, Guatemala & Honduras
An exploration of the ancient Maya sites of Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, this route strikes the perfect balance between ancient temples, dense jungles and dazzling lakes. Unveil some of the most visually stunning landscapes in the Americas and a series of world-renowned…
Idea
Mexico
Mexico’s Silver Cities & the Pacific Coast
Unveiling the enchanting Silver Cities of Mexico, this route journeys from bustling Mexico City to coastal Punta Mita. Encompassing coffee stops in sunny plazas, expertly guided tours of Teotihuacan and even private visits to artists’ homes, this customisable itinerary is designed to…
Idea
Costa Rica
Remote Hiking in Costa Rica
Unveiling some of the unknown highlights of Costa Rica, this itinerary takes in the cloud forests of Monteverde and the ancient indigenous paths of Chirripo National Park on a journey that seamlessly blends down and dirty hiking with a 3,821-metre summit attempt.…
Idea
Costa Rica
Journey through Costa Rica & Nicaragua
Combining the prolific wildlife and outdoor pursuits of Costa Rica‘s Carribean coast with the colonial architecture and volcanic islands of Nicaragua‘s Pacific coast, this customisable trip is suited to intrepid travellers who seek a balance of exhilarating explorations with time spent unwinding…
Idea
Panama
Private Sailing in the Guna Yala
Travel around Panama‘s little-visited territories, utilising trains and private charter boats to reach the swashbuckling historic city of Portobelo and the paradisaical Guna Yala Archipelago. With the opportunity to see the Panama Canal and sail its Gatun Lake in search of endemic…
Idea
Panama
Animals of the Canopy
In a remarkable journey through the forests and wetlands of Gamboa and the volcanic crater of El Valle de Anton, scout for a plethora of birds and curious mammal species from the vantage points of high canopy towers and open-top off-road vehicles.…
Idea
Costa Rica
Highlights of Costa Rica
Through a combination of protected areas and community-based, sustainable tourism, Costa Rica has successfully restored its forest cover to over 52%. Suited to thrill seekers, nature lovers and those with a curiosity to learn more about conservation, this holiday dips a toe…
Idea
El Salvador
Highlights of El Salvador & Honduras
Our classic combination of the “half-an-hour country” El Salvador and neighbouring Honduras unveils the highlights of these often overlooked nations. From dining with an archaeologist to trail hiking Mayan islands, we can curate a fully-tailored trip bursting with extraordinary experiences.
Idea
Nicaragua
Highlights of Nicaragua
Uncover the highlights of Nicaragua while travelling between crescent-shaped bays and colonial-era cities, taking a ferry to the nation’s iconic volcanic island, hiking through cloud forests, interacting with friendly fruit-selling and fabric-weaving locals and sipping sundowners on sun-drenched beaches.
Idea
Belize
Highlights of Belize
Our classic adventures through Belize incorporate the jewels of the tiny country that packs a punch – from tracking jaguar and river tubing to exploring manatee-inhabited lagoons and barrier reef snorkelling. With its wonderful mix of culture, wildlife and history, we can…
Idea
Mexico
Mexico’s Southern Route
Uncover the secrets of southern Mexico while travelling between ancient Zapotec capitals and fertile valleys, taking a boat journey through a 1,000-metre-deep caiman-filled canyon, interacting with friendly market-sellers and touring one of the most important Mesoamerican sites in the Americas.
Idea
Mexico
Copper Canyon & Baja California
Travel to Mexico’s little-visited Copper Canyon, exploring its extraordinary network of passageways on foot and horseback, before moving on to the place that explorer Jacques Cousteau called “the world’s aquarium”. This is the archetypal adventure for whale-loving wayfarers and those seeking to…
Idea
Guatemala
Highlights of Guatemala
Unveiling some of the most visually stunning landscapes in vibrant Guatemala, this trip journeys from dazzling high altitude lakes to ancient Mayan ruins. Encompassing Shaman ceremonies, traditional textile weaving workshops and an expertly guided tour of Tikal, this customisable itinerary is designed…
Idea
Mexico
Highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula
An exploration of Mexico’s idyllic Yucatan Peninsula, from its Mayan ruins and turquoise ocean to its wildlife reserves and colonial cities, this journey strikes the perfect balance between ocean-side relaxation and archaeological discoveries.
Idea
Belize
Conservation & Wildlife in Belize
Designed to appeal to wildlife enthusiasts and keen ornithologists, this itinerary takes in the dense jungles of the north, the wildlife sanctuaries that protect jaguar and the marine diversity of the second largest barrier reef on Earth. Utilising carefully selected…
Idea
Honduras
Highlights of Honduras
Our classic adventures through Honduras incorporate the highlights of the Central American country on the Caribbean Sea – from discovering archaeological ruins and trail hiking to white water rafting and flying to tropical islands. With its wonderful mix of culture,…
Idea
Mexico
Epic Maya Journey: Mexico, Guatemala & Honduras
An exploration of the ancient Maya sites of Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, this route strikes the perfect balance between ancient temples, dense jungles and dazzling lakes. Unveil some of the most visually stunning landscapes in the Americas and a series…
Idea
Mexico
Mexico’s Silver Cities & the Pacific Coast
Unveiling the enchanting Silver Cities of Mexico, this route journeys from bustling Mexico City to coastal Punta Mita. Encompassing coffee stops in sunny plazas, expertly guided tours of Teotihuacan and even private visits to artists’ homes, this customisable itinerary is…
Idea
Costa Rica
Remote Hiking in Costa Rica
Unveiling some of the unknown highlights of Costa Rica, this itinerary takes in the cloud forests of Monteverde and the ancient indigenous paths of Chirripo National Park on a journey that seamlessly blends down and dirty hiking with a 3,821-metre…
Idea
Costa Rica
Journey through Costa Rica & Nicaragua
Combining the prolific wildlife and outdoor pursuits of Costa Rica‘s Carribean coast with the colonial architecture and volcanic islands of Nicaragua‘s Pacific coast, this customisable trip is suited to intrepid travellers who seek a balance of exhilarating explorations with time…
Idea
Panama
Private Sailing in the Guna Yala
Travel around Panama‘s little-visited territories, utilising trains and private charter boats to reach the swashbuckling historic city of Portobelo and the paradisaical Guna Yala Archipelago. With the opportunity to see the Panama Canal and sail its Gatun Lake in search…
Idea
Costa Rica
Highlights of Costa Rica
Through a combination of protected areas and community-based, sustainable tourism, Costa Rica has successfully restored its forest cover to over 52%. Suited to thrill seekers, nature lovers and those with a curiosity to learn more about conservation, this holiday dips…
Idea
El Salvador
Highlights of El Salvador & Honduras
Our classic combination of the “half-an-hour country” El Salvador and neighbouring Honduras unveils the highlights of these often overlooked nations. From dining with an archaeologist to trail hiking Mayan islands, we can curate a fully-tailored trip bursting with extraordinary experiences.
Idea
Nicaragua
Highlights of Nicaragua
Uncover the highlights of Nicaragua while travelling between crescent-shaped bays and colonial-era cities, taking a ferry to the nation’s iconic volcanic island, hiking through cloud forests, interacting with friendly fruit-selling and fabric-weaving locals and sipping sundowners on sun-drenched beaches.
Idea
Belize
Highlights of Belize
Our classic adventures through Belize incorporate the jewels of the tiny country that packs a punch – from tracking jaguar and river tubing to exploring manatee-inhabited lagoons and barrier reef snorkelling. With its wonderful mix of culture, wildlife and history,…
Idea
Mexico
Mexico’s Southern Route
Uncover the secrets of southern Mexico while travelling between ancient Zapotec capitals and fertile valleys, taking a boat journey through a 1,000-metre-deep caiman-filled canyon, interacting with friendly market-sellers and touring one of the most important Mesoamerican sites in the Americas.
Idea
Mexico
Copper Canyon & Baja California
Travel to Mexico’s little-visited Copper Canyon, exploring its extraordinary network of passageways on foot and horseback, before moving on to the place that explorer Jacques Cousteau called “the world’s aquarium”. This is the archetypal adventure for whale-loving wayfarers and those…
Idea
Guatemala
Highlights of Guatemala
Unveiling some of the most visually stunning landscapes in vibrant Guatemala, this trip journeys from dazzling high altitude lakes to ancient Mayan ruins. Encompassing Shaman ceremonies, traditional textile weaving workshops and an expertly guided tour of Tikal, this customisable itinerary…
Where to Stay
Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.
Costa Rica
Le Cameleon Hotel
Hotel Le Cameleon is a very comfortable modern boutique hotel on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast at Puerto Viejo, near the Panamanian border. The property is surrounded by tropical forest and wildlife. Lots of activities are available…
Mexico
Casa Las Tortugas
Casa Las Tortugas is a family-run hotel on Isla Holbox offering a variety of accommodation from elegant rooms to ocean-view suites and beach bungalows. The 21 rooms are beautifully decorated with bright colours and traditional Mexican…
From the blog
Thoughts. Opinions. Experiences
Stories
Here be Sea Monsters: The Giants of Baja California
I’m at the half way point of a 12-day whale watching trip that started in San Diego and has just rounded…
Stories
World Heritage in Danger?
I had prepared myself for the saddening scene of a marine ecosystem on its knees. A once remarkable coral reef, the…
Stories
The Story of a Leopard from Kaingo
A true Kaingo or leopard – bed-time story for the kids. By Derek Shenton – Owner of Shenton Safaris, Zambia As…
Stories
Rediscovering Central America
I have just returned from a fantastic familiarisation trip to Central America – my home from home, visiting three fascinating countries…
Stories
Swimming with Whale Sharks in Mexico
“This is not an everyday experience” reminded our guide when asked if we want to go in again. The last time…
Stories
Jungle Boy Escapes: The Incredible Story of Carlos
Born in 1976, Carlos had an idyllic childhood growing up in the village of Uaxactun in the jungles of northern Guatemala.…
Stories
Mighty Mombacho
Flying over Nicaragua, it's easy to see why locals refer to it as the 'land of volcanoes'. After all, this is…
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
John Faithfull
My love affair with travel began in a vintage Italian train carriage at sunset on a hot and sticky September evening in 1983. Sardined into a two-bench compartment, I’d spent five hours sharing sweaty thighs, broken-Italian pleasantries and furtive glances while rattling towards Turin, stopping at every wisteria-draped village along the way.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
Sue Grimwood
I was inspired to travel south from an early age. My form teacher when I was nine made us listen to tapes from Shackleton’s expeditions, I didn’t know it at the time, but it obviously left a deep impression on my psyche.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
Start planning your trip
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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