More than 20 years ago, the Perkins family began organizing customized travel to South America for family and friends. What was a hobby, however, quickly became a passion and today, Marcel Perkins operates the specialty tour company Latin Trails, offering the same unique travel philosophy inspired by his parents, to Ecuador and Peru.

Focusing on the rich, natural and cultural experiences of Ecuador and South America, Latin Trails offers inbound tours to the Galapagos Islands, Andes, Amazon, Ecuador Coast, Amazon and Machu Picchu. Guided tours, transportation, lodging and cruises are all aspects that can be easily handled by Latin Trails for individual tourists, tour operators, wholesalers, travel agents and tourism organizations. Each individual or small group trip is customized to create intimate travel experiences, cultural immersion and an up-close look at the natural world.

A sustainable tourism operator, the company continues to abide by the responsible travel practices set in motion 20 years ago, allowing travelers a glimpse into exotic cultures through local people, organizations, boutique hotels and fine cuisine. 

Famous as a “living laboratory,” the Galapagos Islands team with biodiversity both above and beneath the water’s surface. From playful sea lions to giant tortoises and marine iguanas, nature runs abound, creating a haven for wildlife-loving tourists.

Travelers that seek an escape from the typical will identify with Latin Trails’ specialty Galapagos Islands cruises aboard the unique and upscale Galapagos Journey Fleet. Offering the speed of a larger cruise ship with the comfort and spaciousness only available on a yacht, both the Galapagos Journey I and Galapagos Journey II Catamarans present a true alternative within the luxury travel segment.

Constructed in 2006 and completely refurbished in fall 2008, the Catamaran fleet features luxurious details, including:

• Double lower berth cabins with private bathrooms, hot water showers and air conditioning
• Standard oceanview and panoramic views with windows that open
• Outside observation decks that grant stunning, scenic views
• Fine dining room and alfresco dining areas
• Hot water Jacuzzi and sun bathing chaises on the sun deck
• Certified naturalist expert guides trained to lead each specific tour

Featuring all of the above amenities and more is the third boat in the Latin Trails’ fleet, the new Galapagos Odyssey. A 16-passenger boat, the Odyssey offers extremely spacious cabins and caters to the most discerning Galapagos travelers.

Please find additional interior and exterior photos of the entire fleet under the Photos and Logo tab located at the top of this page.

No “canned” tours here. Latin Trails strives to offer a unique itinerary for every tour booked, including the company’s hallmark Ecuador tours, as well as exotic Peru tours that explore the Inca Trail and beyond.

Working hand-in-hand with local communities, Latin Trails is able to serve up the best of local culture, tradition and natural wonders that can be seen, felt, smelled and even tasted by curious travelers. Whether travelers are solo or part of a small group, everyone is privy to the history, sights, customs, cuisine, and arts of each destination.

In Peru, Latin Trails operates an exclusive Inca Trail offering, which takes travelers on a camping and hiking adventure trek along alternative routes to Machu Picchu. With gourmet meals and experienced guides, it is an experience that appeals to the sophisticated traveler, who can also choose from pre- and post-trip extensions to: Lima, Trujillo, Kuelap, Amazon rainforest, Arequipa and the Colca canyon, Lake Titicaca and Puno among other locations.

Off the beaten trail is Latin Trails’ boutique travel options for discerning tourists who seek experiences beyond the ordinary. Blending elegant hotel accommodations with fine cuisine, top-of-the-line guides and luxury transportation, these upscale tours can be arranged for either individuals or small groups.

Lodging for such tours is arranged by a collection of the finest independent hotels in Ecuador, Ecuador Boutique Hotels, which offer authentic lodging that feature the utmost in luxury and customer service. Hand-selected by Latin Trails, each property included as an Ecuador Boutique Hotel offers appealing amenities, including: superb location, extraordinary service, local flair and ensured safety.

As a responsible ecotourism operator, Latin Trails also offers the unique opportunity for Ecuador travelers to immerse themselves in a culture by staying in an indigenous family home in the Andes. Grassroot family run lodges, these accommodations are separated from actual family living while allowing an inspiring and educational experience.

Travelers can choose from single or double occupancy, and are granted access to a private bathroom, hot water shower, small social area and fireplace.

This is an excellent option for voluntourists seeking a true travel experience.

Among its diverse lineup of offerings, Latin Trails also features Amazon Journeys:

Amazon Journey – El Arca
The newest of the cruise fleet, the El Arca is a 22-passenger ship made of iron that reflective of the true Amazon experience. On the El Arca, travelers can cruise the Maranon and Ucayali Rivers.

Amazon Riverboat Cruises
Amazon riverboat cruises include a Mamore River Cruise, Manaus Amazon Cruise, Upper Amazon Cruise, and Iquitos Amazon Cruise, designed for use on inland waterways to better reach remote trails in search of the region’s diverse wildlife.

Amazon Odyssey
Home to ancient tribes and millions of species, the Amazon holds a mysterious link to humans, nature and the power that exists between both. Latin Trails offers exploratories to the Amazonia regions of: Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, featuring jungle lodging, tented camps, access to National Parks and Reserves, and expert guide knowledge second to none.