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.
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.
the people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education
Located on the eastern tip of Guatemala, tucked under Belize and at the mouth of the Rio Dulce is the town of Livingston, an often forgotten part of Guatemala, but one of great contrast.
On the Caribbean coast and only accessible by boat, Livingston is a Garifuna village more akin to Caribbean isle than a Guatemala town. The Garifuna are a mix of indigenous Caribs and shipwrecked slaves from the seventeenth century. The town is fairly basic with painted clapboard houses and one main street that winds down to the sandy beach below. Their language (creole), culture and cuisine are all preserved, in part, by the town’s inaccessibility.
The Rio Dulce begins from Lake Izabal, the largest lake in Guatemala, and flows through a vast area of National Park to the Caribbean coast. The river is the main access route to Livingston and is used to ferry supplies. Thatched roof villas dot the banks, with hidden thermal springs in the jungle. Turtles and lily pads bob on the water. The mangrove swamps are also home to the elusive manatee.
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’s most recent trip to Guatemala was for Semana Santa (Holy Week), a heady mix of colourful processions where huge swaying floats are carried on the shoulders of purple-clad brotherhoods in high pointed headgear who shuffle through billowing clouds of incense.
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.
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