Emma Byrne

Country Director

Email: Emma@steppestravel.co.uk
Phone: 01285 885 333

Having travelled extensively around the world visiting all continents and having worked for over 5 years at Steppes my passion for travelling has increased with new destinations being added on a regular basis - the list seems somewhat endless! Since joining Steppes Travel in September 2006 I have embarked upon several trips to South America including Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Galapagos, Argentina, Chile and Brazil whilst also achieving a life-long ambition to visit Antarctica encountering penguins in their natural habitat.

In 2011 I finally studied my Scuba Schools International course on my holiday to Thailand, it was incredible and made me realise how much the East has to offer!

Over the past few years I have covered a great deal of nature destinaions here in the UK, inspiring me to explore all the wildlife the rest of the world has to offer. These experiences, along with my subscription to the BBC Wildlife and being a member of both the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust has helped heighten my knowledge and ability to look after some of our sister company Steppes Discovery's group tours.

My travels continue to open my eyes and enhance my passion for wildlife, photography, culture and dramatic scenery. My most memorable experiences of South America include holding a baby spider monkey in Bolivia, swimming with turtles and sea lions in the Galapagos, driving across the immense Salar de Uyuni, kayaking on the world’s highest lake – Lake Titicaca, and climbing snow-capped mountains and glaciers during the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in Peru.

Countries you sell?
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands and Uruguay.

What has been your favourite travel experience?
It remains watching the sunset over Laguna Chaxa in Atacama whilst flamingos grazed, simply incredible, even after numerous visits!

The best hotel/lodge that you have stayed in?
Hotel Inkaterra La Casona (Peru) for luxury and Estancia Rincon del Socorro for wildlife experiences.

What has been your most remote travel experience?
Trekking along the Salkantay trail and feeling the affects of the altitude.

Most embarrassing travel experience?
In Bolivia a spider monkey jumped on my shoulder in the pool and tried to undo my bikini in front of my male guide.

Your one luxury when you travel?
A good moisturiser!

What’s your best piece of travel advice?
Always ensure that your camera batteries are charged and your memory card is not full as you never know what may happen!

Where you would like to visit next and why?
Uruguay to see what all the fuss is about, and head up to Central America.