Paul Bird
Reaching the sun gate and marvelling over Machu Picchu unveiled one of the most impressive landscapes that Paul has seen in his global travels.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
Cusco
Sitting at over 3,000 metres, the once capital city of the Inca Empire is a web of elaborate pulpits and gold-leafed altars that contrast with colourful Quechua street vendors, lilting pan-pipe music and frequent parades and festivals.
Of particular interest is the temple of the sun Koricancha (courtyard of gold in Quechua), which was said to be the most sumptuous temple built by the Inca Empire as it was purely dedicated to Inti, the sun.
Explore Cusco
Our specialists' 'must do'
As with Machu Picchu, Cusco needs little introduction, but there are many places that are often missed as tourists rush through to Machu Picchu. Head up to San Blas, Cusco’s bohemian district, visiting the Inca Museum and continue further up to pass artisans in their workshops. Stay in a typical Cusquenan colonial house for an authentic experience with fantastic personal service.
Try and coincide your visit to Cusco with the Inti Raymi festival which takes place over the summer solstice in June, re-enacted amongst the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
Weaving through Cusco
Textiles and Embroidery
Take time to visit Cusco’s Textile Museum, which helps continue Peru’s heritage of the ancient technique of back strap weaving. The museum works closely with villages in the Sacred Valley, to which we can organise local artisan visits.
Similarly, the project Polleras de Agustina has taken the world by storm. What started out as an effort to preserve the traditional embroidery techniques of Cusco has become a worldwide style phenomenon.
Experiences
What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.
Idea
Peru
Highlights of Peru
Encompassing the highlights of Southern Peru, this holiday through the land of the Incas is one of extremes; from one of the deepest canyons in the Americas, to the highest navigable lake in the world, it takes in dramatic scenery, indigenous communities…
Idea
Peru
Family Amazon & Inca Adventure
This family-focused adventure journeys between the thrilling Amazon Rainforest, heaving with mysterious mammals and camouflaged creatures, and the dramatic Inca sites and cities of Machu Picchu and Cusco, considering everything from pizza nights to gentle acclimatisation.
Idea
Peru
Machu Picchu & the Galapagos Islands
Encompassing the highlights of Peru, a stay in Quito and a Galapagos Islands cruise, this adventure tracks from colourful Cusco to the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu before moving to Ecuador’s historic capital city and the enchanting Galapagos Islands.
Idea
Peru
Family Amazon & Inca Adventure
This family-focused adventure journeys between the thrilling Amazon Rainforest, heaving with mysterious mammals and camouflaged creatures, and the dramatic Inca sites and cities of Machu Picchu and Cusco, considering everything from pizza nights to gentle acclimatisation.
Idea
Peru
Machu Picchu & the Galapagos Islands
Encompassing the highlights of Peru, a stay in Quito and a Galapagos Islands cruise, this adventure tracks from colourful Cusco to the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu before moving to Ecuador’s historic capital city and the enchanting Galapagos Islands.
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.
Roxy Dukes
If your passion is the outdoors and you are looking to delve into South American culture, Roxy recommends one of the lodge-to-lodge hiking programmes to explore the Sacred Valley and beyond. Hopping between the quiet mountain towns, meet the locals that live off the grid and immerse yourself in the welcoming spirit of Peru.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
Explore other regions
Colca Canyon
This barren and largely inhospitable landscape is carved by the powerful Rio Colca as it snakes its path through an enormous volcanic…
Lake Titicaca Peru
At 4,000 metres altitude, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, it is also one of the most beautiful…
Machu Picchu
Both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is one of the most…
Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a fertile valley that follows the Urubamba River from Pisac in the east to Ollantaytambo…
Arequipa
Perched spectacularly on the flanks of El Misti, Chachani and Pichu-Pichu Volcanos and beneath the predominantly blue skies of southwestern Peru, Arequipa…
Huaraz and Central Mountains
The city of Huaraz is known as "the Switzerland of Peru" due to the beauty of the spectacular Cordilleras Blanca and Negra…
Lima
Founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, in colonial times Lima was considered the City of Kings, and UNESCO designated it as a…
Nazca and Southern Coast
Tucked away on the southern coast of Peru and overlooked by the enormous Cerro Blanco sand dune, this sleepy town was hastily…
Northern Peru
Northern Peru is a fascinating area of the country that very few tourists visit. It is rich and varied in terms of…
Peruvian Amazon
The sparsely populated Peruvian Amazon Rainforest blankets more than half of the country in northern Peru and is quite literally teeming with…
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?
Featured in the press
