
Steve Wilson
I love Peru! Its culture, history, food, people and incredible scenery. And I love talking about Peru with culturally-minded travelers and helping them create an experience that reflects their desires. My travel philosophy is that life and travel are about personal reflection and growth, and I'm passionate about sharing that with our guests.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Peru. We specialize in real human encounters, real adventure, and taking our guests off the tourist track and under the surface of these places, meeting locals and sharing their lives. We also run adventure trips in Vanuatu and New Zealand."
How did you get involved in travel?
"Like many young Kiwis, I set off for my big OE (overseas experience) straight after finishing university. By the time I got back from Europe, a year later, I knew I'd found my life's path. The experience of immersing myself in other cultures made my life and the whole world feel so much wider and richer, and I wanted to share that with others so I started guiding adventure tours in New Zealand's rugged South Island.
I rose up quickly in the ranks of New Zealand's adventure travel industry, and soon found myself managing 70 people and an operation that spanned New Zealand, Australia, and South America. Here I met Katy Shorthouse, an Australian travel operator very much embedded in Peru, who shares my philosophy and vision, and is a fount of knowledge about lesser-known things to do in Peru. We joined forces in Aspiring Adventures with a focus on cultural adventures off the beaten track in Peru. We also run - and in many cases, I personally guide - trips in New Zealand and Vanuatu.
I have explored over 50 countries and my favourite activities are hiking, snow boarding, paragliding, scuba diving, and hanging out with my two kids."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"In 2009 I went to Peru to set up Aspiring Adventures with Katy. Before starting on that she was winding up another project - authoring the Lonely Planet guidebook to Peru - and she invited me along on her travels. In one memorable stint, we got stranded in the altiplano for a night and ended up the main attractions in a local parade, danced with broken glass crunching underfoot at a gangster bar the next night, and in-between discovered an abandoned church with a skull and crossbone-filled catacomb (where we still take our guests!)."
Featured trips & expertise

Sacred Valley Hiking and Homestay - 9 Days
Explore Southern Peru's most famous region through a uniquely immersive local experience. This tour will allow you to experience the trails, traditions, and daily lives of subsistence farmers while still making time for the more well-known highlights of the Sacred Valley.

Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu By Bike - 8 Days
In the span of just over a week, bike across Peru's most famous region and see the Sacred Valley from a different perspective. This itinerary uncovers both the natural beauty of Southern Peru as well as the historical legacy of the Incas.

Peru Family Tour - 13 Days
This 13-day family adventure includes all the top, must-see highlights of Peru. From the Andes to the Amazon, the itinerary is specifically designed to satisfy and accommodate both children and adults.

Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Adventure - 8 Days
Explore the essential highlights of Peru on this 8-day itinerary. Begin in the metropolitan capital city of Lima, and explore the vibrant city by bike. Then, head to the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, and get a taste of the local culture on a culinary tour. Next, discover the beautiful textiles and incredible ruins of the Sacred Valley, and spend a full day taking in the majesty of Machu Picchu. Top it all off by summiting the colorful rainbow mountain - the perfect photo op!

Sacred Valley, Short Inca Trail & Amazon Adventure - 9 Days
This 9-day itinerary brings you to Peru's most stunning landscapes. Head to the Inca capital of Cusco to explore the colorful textile markets and small towns of the Sacred Valley and take the short Inca Trail to the famous Machu Picchu ruins. Next, travel east to Puerto Maldonado, your launch point to the lush Amazon. Spend three days viewing wildlife, like the giant river otter, river cayman, and vibrant parrot species, while enjoying a comfortable stay at an eco-lodge.

Peru Adventure & Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu - 10 Days
On this Peruvian adventure, you'll start in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. Embark on a rewarding trek to the ancient ruins of Choquequirao, the “sister city” of Machu Picchu, passing through jungles and snow-capped peaks en route to Machu Picchu. If you’re up for a challenge, this is one of the most beautiful treks in the Sacred Valley.
Recent trip reviews for Steve
Amazon/manu adventure, Peru - Nov 10 - Nov 15, 2018
Steve was very responsive. Nestor, our guide, Alex and Guido as well as our boat crew were excellent. The trip accommodations were more basic than expected. The definition of our overnight accommodations as lodges was stretching it. Hot water did not exist for the entire trip. The activities were outstanding!
Hi Chris
Thanks for taking the time to review your trip to Manu for us! I’m disappointed you rated your trip only four stars and will be contacting you privately to discuss how we can improve. All I’ll say here is that accommodations in Manu are more basic than elsewhere in Peru, and we do try to set expectations accurately, for example with mentioning there are no hot showers in the introduction to the trip here in kimkim. Anyway, I’m glad the awesomeness of Nestor, Alex and Guido and the activities they facilitated helped make up for the basicness of the accommodations!
Cheers
Steve
The amazon & inca trail - 12 days, Peru - Aug 31 - Sep 11, 2018
I contacted Steve with KimKim travel after striking out with other agencies who were unable to build an "off the beaten path" adventure to Peru. Steve listed and then executed an amazing itinerary which far exceed our expectations.
Hi Bill!
Thanks for your review, and thanks for being such awesome off the beaten track explorers - it's thanks to you that we discovered an awesome new waterfall to include in our trips to Quillabamba! We loved hosting you, Adam and Lauren, and hope to share another adventure sometime! (In fact Katy said something about joining you in Patagonia?!)
Cheers!
Steve
Trip to peru for family with two older teenagers, Peru - Jul 22 - Aug 2, 2018
Steve and Katy and the Aspiring Adventures team did a great job. They helped plan and set up a highly custom tour of Peru for us and really dealt with a lot of added complexity and changes when the weather impacted the original trek we had planned; and then when one of us had some health issues and had to change plans. Really appreciated their hard work and expertise. Very happy with the trip.
Our guides arranged by Aspiring Adventures (Arturo in Lima, Justino in Sacred Valley/Trek/Machu... read more
Wow, thank you for the detailed review, and recommendation, David! I'm so happy you and your family had a marvellous time in Peru, especially given the necessary changes from plan A to plan B (because the Lares Pass was impassable due to the snow level during an unexpected cold snap), and then from plan B to plan C when one of your family had a health issue. This kept us on our toes for sure, but I'm delighted you maintained a positive mindset and created such wonderful memories together. And... read more
Peru 2018 vacation, Peru - Jun 15 - Jun 26, 2018
We were in great hands with our guides Aldo (Sacred Valley) and Yuri (Jungle)! We enjoyed their knowledge of the history, animals as well as what was likely to change given current environmental threats. Since our teenage boys moved quite a bit faster than their parents, they spent a lot of time ahead with the guides on some hikes. The notorious hard-to-please teens were also thrilled with this trip. They really enjoyed the mountain biking and the bits of knowledge they gained along the way in both parts of the trip. We'll be back to Peru!
Hola Leanne,
Thank you for writing a review - I'm delighted that your whole family had a ball in Peru with Aldo and Yuri. Designing and running trips that fit for both parents and teens is a fine art and I'm glad we've succeeded - when the teens are thrilled that tells me we did a great job - yay!
Drop us a line when you're keen to explore Peru again, we'd love to help you explore another region of this wonderful country!
Kind regards, Steve, Aspiring Adventures
Our guides, Aldo and Yuri, were absolutely awesome. They were both very focused on giving us a good experience and sharing the best of their country with us. All of the food we had on the trip was either very good or excellent. Peruvians definitely care about the quality of their food. Yum!
The one area for improvement would have been a little better information on appropriate clothing and expected whether. Our packing list suggested 3 pair of shorts and 2 pair of long pants. We never wore... read more
Hola Jeff,
How fabulous that you enjoyed experiencing Peru with Aldo and Yuri! We take great care in designing the various meal options on each trip so I'm delighted that you loved the Peruvian cuisine - yum alright!
Thank you for your feedback about the packing list, it's super important to me that we get the small details like that correct. I agree with you that pants are the best option when in the jungle. I've taken a look at the list we created for your trip, and it actually says: "2... read more
Group departure - salkantay trek to machu picchu - 5 days, Peru - May 30 - Jun 6, 2018
Aldo, our local guide, was a wonderful, knowledgeable leader and kept the many pieces of our trip in order while also making sure we were all safe and comfortable and that we learned about Peruvian history, culture and natural resources. I cannot speak highly enough of his skills and what a special person he is.
Our chef, Jonah and his assistant Eduardo, also made this trip memorable. The food that they provided for us could have been served at any top-rated restaurant in the world. This was... read more
Hi Marianne
Yep, Aldo, Yohan and Eduardo are incredible... by sheer goodwill they turn what could be a difficult experience into an unforgettable adventure - exhilarating for you, and for us too, to receive a series of reviews like yours for what was clearly a very special trip!
Thanks so much for your review - we hope to see you again someday!
PS - Thanks for the photos you posted here - there are some real beauties!
Group departure - salkantay trek to machu picchu - 5 days, Peru - May 30 - Jun 6, 2018
I truly cannot say enough good things about this trip and the people involved in the experience. Before the trip, we coordinated with Steve and Katy and our questions were answered and last minute additions handled promptly and easily. I definitely recommend reading all of the information sent carefully and sticking to the packing recommendations. If you are a high information person, definitely call to get the scoop on when meals are, when you are stopping, etc, if you like that kind of... read more
Christine - wow, thank you! Detailed reviews like these are so helpful for other travellers thinking of taking a trip, and so awesome for us to read! Knowing you experienced and appreciated little touches like hot water bottles and detailed gear lists, makes all the hard work we put in behind the scenes worthwhile! We try hard to exceed expectations and it means the world to us to know we succeeded. Thank you!
Salkantay trek to machu picchu - 5 days, Peru - May 31 - Jun 5, 2018
Aldo was an amazing guide who went above and beyond all expectations!
Thanks for your review Alexie. Yep, Aldo is amazing, isn't he! We know we're lucky to have him!
Machapichi, hiking, adventures, good food. , Peru - Apr 7 - Apr 15, 2018
Tom and I had a wonderful experience in Peru. Every detail was taken care on so we could just relax and enjoy. Luis was very knowledgeable and so easy to be around. He spoiled us! Paul was our driver and he too was very helpful. Aspiring Adventures had every detail planned so that our trip was seamless. Love the bike ride down the Andes and this special group did a great job of making us feel comfortable. The value was terrific! Two recommendations. Try another accommodation in... read more
Hi Donna
Great to hear you and Tom had a wonderful experience - and indeed, how could you not, with Luis and Paul taking care of you!
I'm delighted you appreciated the planning that went into making sure the trip ran smoothly and apparently effortlessly, while avoiding allergens as far as humanly possible.. the Kuychipunku kittycat let us down there!
Thanks for travelling with us and we would love to host you and Tom again!
Cheers
Steve
The trek was the highlight of our 3 week trip to Peru. Food, cooks, overall trekking experience was great. All places we stayed were great, especially the overnight at the hot springs. There was an issue with my sleeping bag: The zipper in my $40 rental sleeping bag was broken from day one. I had to put extra layers on to keep warm on the 1st night. In the afternoon the guide was nowhere to be found and I told him at dinner. Someone went to fix it, but they didn't try the zipper and I went to bed and the clasp fell off so the zipper was broken.
Hi Marlynn
It’s taken me a few days to respond to your review because I’ve been getting to the bottom of how this came to happen with your sleeping bag. Simple gear failure is the answer, and I’m so sorry it caused you this experience .
Wilhen, our equipment manager, personally checked your sleeping bag before it went out on your Salkantay trek, but it evidently gave way on the way in and started opening itself. Aldo got it to close again, but then the clasp came off in your hand.
Our... read more
Excellent planning! Amazing guides!
Very organized! Well planned
Hola Sandy, thank you kindly for your review! I'm delighted that you and your family had an amazing time in Peru. What a stunning day you had at Machu Picchu - look at that sky!! It was a pleasure helping you design and plan your trip, and Katy and I are glad you enjoyed the company and leadership of Luis, your Aspiring Adventures guide. We hope you'll return to Peru some day!
Kind regards,
Steve, Aspiring Adventures
Archaeological sites in the sacred valley, Peru - Feb 4 - Feb 4, 2017
Steve was good at arranging the trip, dropping off the Tourist Tickets at our hotel the day before our tour, and finding us a good guide. Our guide, Aldo was just great. He was flexible and agreed to take us to Pisac earlier than planned, so we could see it while fresh. When a portion of the Pisac Inca site was inaccessible, he found a way for us to see the site by entering at a different place. No, he didn't break any laws doing so. It was a beautiful day, so he arranged for us to walk down... read more
Hi Jan, I'm delighted that you had a wonderful time exploring the Sacred Valley with Aldo! How terrific that you had a chance to meet the condors up close - they're very impressive birds aren't they?! Thank you for choosing to travel with us and for taking the time to write a review about your experiences. We hope to see you again some day!
Kind regards,
Steve, Aspiring Adventures