Our Team
USA 
Canada 
Argentina 
Chile 
Ecuador
Galapagos Islands 
Peru Clients place their trust in my ideas and knowledge, knowing that I have not only understood their brief but also grasp what can make a holiday truly special. Building rapport and connection is important, but paramount is conveying that what you are purchasing may be one of the best investments you make. It’s often said that you can’t buy a memory – but, invest in a trip with Steppes, and many can be created.
It was never my plan to work in travel, but after four round-the-world trips in my earlier years, my career aspirations quickly changed. Having travelled extensively through South America during that time, it’s a privilege to now help others experience the continent for themselves. From wildlife encounters in the Galapagos Islands and the dazzling salt flats of Bolivia to the mighty Iguazu Falls and the archaeological wonders left behind by the Incas, South America offers an eclectic mix of experiences.
Perfect for first time visitors or if you’re looking for a well-rounded trip, combining Chile’s north and south offers travellers two diverse geographical gems to explore.
After a night in Santiago, head south for a four night stay in Torres Del Paine, a mountainous environment complete with lakes, glaciers and unique fauna and flora. Juxtapose the experience by consequently travelling north to the very top of the country, to see salt flats teeming with flamingos, pre-Colombian petroglyphs, volcanic landscapes, geysers and some of the best astronomy in the world.
Conclude your trip with a two night stay at one of Chile’s beautiful rural wine hotels. Spending some time wine tasting, relaxing by a pool or gently hiking brings a classic Chilean adventure to a wonderful end.
If you’re looking for deeper immersion, this South American itinerary is perfect. Begin with a couple of nights in Rio to explore the city’s most iconic sights. Then, fly to Iguazu and stay at the Das Cataratas Hotel, set within the national park and overlooking the falls.
Next, travel overland to the Ibera Wetlands – often called Argentina’s Pantanal – where you can immerse yourself in the sounds of nature. Fly south to El Calafate to witness the largest glaciers in South America: the Upsala and Perito Moreno glaciers. A boat trip is a must to truly appreciate the scale of these colossal giants.
Heading back north, unwind in Mendoza. Internationally renowned for its wines, this is the perfect place to sample a wide variety before concluding your adventure in Buenos Aires – Latin America’s standout capital.
The trip I’d love to do begins in Peru, with time to explore Lima before travelling to Arequipa, where I’d board the luxurious Belmond Andean Explorer for a scenic overland journey to Lake Titicaca and on to Cusco.
From here, I’d trek the iconic Inca Trail in comfort via mountain lodges, arriving at Machu Picchu on foot before enjoying time at leisure in the ancient Inca capital.
Flying north to Ecuador, I’d head deep into the Amazon from Coca for three nights of wildlife encounters. Then I’d take to the highlands to hike among the dramatic peaks of the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Rounding off the journey, I’d spend a week cruising the Galapagos Islands, navigating from one wildlife-rich shore to the next in one of the world’s most remarkable natural sanctuaries.
Set deep within Patagonia Park is perhaps the centrepiece of Doug Tomkins’ legacy, a legacy that Explora’s team have recently become the custodians of.
Arriving at Explora Patagonia Park, I was invited to join one of their leading guides for a drink and to start planning my stay. It soon became clear that my visit would only provide a taste of what’s on offer.
Ecuador is perhaps not the first country that comes to mind when thinking about a visit to the Amazon, but on a recent trip I discovered a region that is quite possibly the most pristine biologically diverse on earth.
The Yasuni National Park is situated in the middle-eastern part of the Ecuadorian Amazon between the Napo and Curaray rivers. Over 2,450,000 acres, over 173 mammal species, 567 bird species, 83 reptile species, 97 amphibian species and 249 fish species can be found.
Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.
The Rest of the Team
With a combined total of more than 180 years working in travel, we are a small and immensely knowledgeable team of experts. Having driven vintage cars in Havana, climbed granite domes in Yosemite, snorkelled with sea lions in the Galapagos and camped in Antarctica, our passion lies in curating bespoke journeys for our clients, balancing our in-depth local knowledge with a penchant for picking up on the little details that make you tick.
Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.
Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?
