
Marcel Perkins
General Manger
Tell us a little about Latin Trails:
Latin Trails is a leading incoming DMC and Tour Operator specializing in tailor-made, luxury travel across Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, and Antarctica. With 24/7 concierge support, owned Galápagos yachts, boutique properties, and a strong commitment to responsible tourism, we create distinctive experiences for discerning travelers.
Our webinars and training programs provide travel advisors with valuable destination knowledge, product updates, and the latest information from Latin Trails. We also offer API integration, allowing partners to connect our services with their own systems and streamline access to our products, making it easier to sell and manage Latin Trails experiences.
Do you have a Travel Advisor Specialist Program?
https://southamericaspecialist.onlinecoursehost.com/courses
Our online specialist courses provide travel advisors with in-depth knowledge of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands, and Peru. Advisors can learn about the destinations, travel experiences, and key product highlights while earning a certification upon completion.
Please share a little about the culture of your organization and what resonates with you most as a team member:
We foster a healthy, collaborative workplace where people, nature, and responsible tourism are highly valued. We are especially proud of combining luxury travel with sustainable practices, creating meaningful experiences while contributing positively to local communities and the environment. Learn more about our sustainable tourism initiatives
What unique value proposition sets your brand apart from the competition?
Our key benefits for Travel Agency Owners include real-time Galápagos cruise availability, competitive confidential agency rates, tailor-made itineraries at wholesale rates, and access to exclusive, off-the-beaten-path experiences. Partners also benefit from 24/7 concierge support, B2B tools, customizable marketing materials, destination training and webinars, and our commitment to quality and sustainable tourism.
What is new and exciting that you are looking forward to sharing with this year's delegates?
We are excited to share the latest developments at Illa Experience Hotel in Quito, including 7 new rooms - 2 Suites and 5 Master Suites plus a new 360° rooftop viewpoint, December, and three restaurants across the hotel’s editions. We will also showcase the M/V Zafiro Amazon Cruise, offering 4D/3N and 5D/4N programs, available for FIT travelers, private groups, and full charters in 2027.
The travel industry is forever evolving. What are some of the trends you're seeing, and what initiatives is your brand developing to support travel agency owners and their teams' sales efforts?
We are seeing increased demand for authentic, tailor-made experiences, sustainable tourism, and unique destinations beyond traditional offerings. In response, Latin Trails continues to develop new products while investing in training, webinars, B2B tools, real-time cruise availability, and customizable marketing materials. These initiatives give travel advisors the knowledge, resources, and support they need to confidently sell South America and grow their business.
Share a success story you have from working with travel advisors.
One of our most rewarding partnerships has been with Sandra Borello of Borello Travel, who shared the following about her experience working with Latin Trails:
“Working with Latin Trails has been one of the most rewarding partnerships. Over the years, they have consistently demonstrated the highest standards of service. Their Island Hopping programs are a true standout: meticulously organized, seamlessly executed, and crafted with genuine passion. Our clients come back feeling they experienced something extraordinary, and that speaks volumes about the care and professionalism that Latin Trails brings to every detail. It is rare to find a partner that combines operational excellence with such a heartfelt commitment to the experience. I recommend them wholeheartedly.”
This testimonial reflects the long-term relationships we strive to build with travel advisors and the level of service we aim to deliver to their clients.
What are your traditional commission structures?
Our traditional commission structure is 15% commission on rack rates for our land programs. For our cruises, commissions range from 10% to 20%, depending on the cruise and product.
Why should travel agency owners encourage their frontline sales force to book your brand as a preferred partner?
Travel advisors should work with Latin Trails for our strong B2B focus, destination expertise, and portfolio of high-quality, unique travel experiences across South America. From our Galápagos fleet and Amazon programs to tailor-made cultural and wildlife experiences, we combine reliable operations, high service standards, safety, comfort, and responsible tourism with dedicated support for our partners.
When communicating with your company, what can travel advisors expect (ie turnaround time, dedicated point person, etc.)?
Travel advisors can expect 24/7 personalized support from our team, with a prompt response within the first 24 hours. We provide dedicated attention to each request, along with knowledgeable sales support to assist advisors throughout the planning and booking process.
How and where can Travel Advisors book or get support when selling your product?
They can check real-time cruise availability through our B2B Partner Area and submit their cruise requests directly. For additional assistance, they can also contact our team at travel@latintrails.com, where our specialists can provide support throughout the booking process.