Latin Trails

Story

Founded in 2002 by Marcel Perkins in Quito, Ecuador, Latin Trails is a South American Destination Management Company (DMC) and expedition cruise operator specializing in bespoke, high-end travel across the Andes, Amazon, Galapagos, and Antarctica. You experience transformative and sustainable journeys built on decades of regional expertise. Marcel Perkins, born to an American father and Ecuadorian mother, spends childhood traveling throughout Latin America before gaining experience with Klein Tours. That knowledge inspires the creation of Latin Trails as a boutique incoming tour operator focused on tailor-made, life-enriching travel experiences. Over the years, Latin Trails expands from a land-based travel company into a leading expedition cruise and river operator. You explore the Galapagos aboard expedition yachts such as Seaman Journey and Galapagos Sea Star Journey, while Amazon adventures grow through the M/V Cattleya riverboat in Peru and the Hakuna Matata Amazon Lodge in Ecuador. Membership in the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and sustainable development practices reinforce a long-term commitment to responsible tourism. Today, Latin Trails operates across multiple South American destinations with offices throughout Ecuador and Peru, while investing in renewable energy solutions that strengthen regenerative tourism and deliver ethical luxury travel experiences.

Mission

Latin Trails chooses to make travel to South America a dream come true through enriching life experiences. You encourage respect for the ecosystems and communities that surround each destination to help create sustainable economies. Tourism is not only Latin Trails' activity but also its passion, which is why the objective is to offer the highest standards in the industry.

Vision

Latin Trails aims to become the leading tour operator in Ecuador and South America. You experience innovative service standards through life-enriching journeys that promote local culture, protect the environment, and improve the living standards of local communities.

Travel with purpose while helping protect South America's cultural and natural heritage. Latin Trails recognizes the impact of tourism on local cultures and the environment and promotes travel that preserves the destinations you explore.

Support sustainable tourism through thoughtfully designed travel programs that continually reduce the environmental and cultural impact of every journey. Latin Trails takes responsible travel seriously by working with local communities and conservation experts to minimize the impact of every tour. Experience travel supported by a green office culture, environmental awareness, and respect for local traditions. Discover the Galapagos with special care for its fragile ecosystem, including operations aboard the Seaman Journey Catamaran.

Consume Local

Support local communities by choosing experiences that value regional craftsmanship. Latin Trails works with local artisans to create souvenirs used for international partners, helping preserve traditional skills while contributing to local livelihoods.

Promoting Sustainable, Responsible, and Participatory Tourism

Sustainable

Experience tourism built on the principles of sustainable development through the responsible use of natural, cultural, and human resources. Latin Trails follows the principle that sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability remains an essential part of tourism products, the natural environment, and every stage of service delivery.

Responsible

Travel with awareness of the impact every action has on destinations, communities, and tourism services. Responsible tourism encourages positive contributions to the people you meet, the places you visit, and the services you use while supporting personal growth through meaningful travel experiences.

Participatory

Become an active participant in every journey rather than a passive visitor. Participation means supporting tourism projects, sharing time and experiences with local communities, and engaging with destinations in ways that strengthen cultural understanding. Participatory planning and collaboration create stronger travel experiences for both hosts and travelers.

Together, these three principles transform travel into a genuine exchange between visitors and local communities. This approach encourages meaningful connections, promotes authentic cultural experiences, creates diverse opportunities for exploration, and supports sustainable development, particularly in developing destinations.

Commitment to Responsible Tourism

Latin Trails strives to:

• Protect the environment, including flora, fauna, and natural landscapes.
• Respect local cultures, traditions, religions, and built heritage.
• Benefit local communities through economic and social contributions.
• Conserve natural resources from the office to every destination.
• Minimize pollution by reducing noise, waste, and congestion.

Sustainable Purchasing Policy

Choose travel supported by responsible procurement practices. Latin Trails gives preference to sustainable suppliers and products whenever they are available and meet quality standards. Purchasing decisions consider environmental, social, and ethical standards while supporting broader sustainability commitments.

Internal Commitment and Staff Wellbeing

Experience responsible travel supported by a team that values sustainability and employee wellbeing. Latin Trails creates a safe, fair, and inclusive workplace where employees thrive personally and professionally.

The company complies with Ecuadorian labor laws while respecting workers' rights, diversity, gender equality, and fair working conditions. Staff receive ongoing training and professional development, including sustainability programs aligned with Travelife principles and specialized learning opportunities such as LATA training. Latin Trails promotes a healthy work-life balance, values every employee's voice, provides equal opportunities regardless of gender, background, or role, and encourages every team member to become an ambassador for responsible travel through continuous sustainability awareness.