From Ecuador to Antarctica: How Marcel Perkins, CEO of Latin Trails, Inspires Purposeful Travel to the Edge of the World | Travel Blog

Travelers who love adventure and adrenaline are captivated by Ecuador's breathtaking landscapes and Antarctica's unspoiled nature, as they provide experiences that will test both their bodies and spirits.

In this special edition, we spoke with Marcel Perkins, travel writer, entrepreneur, and CEO of Latin Trails, who has written a blog specifically for Voyagers Travel Company that discusses what to pack for a trip to Antarctica. Marcel has over 20 years of experience creating experiences and connections with purposeful travel experiences, even predating the term. He shared his vision of transformative tourism based on personal experiences, and how each trip can be set in intention. 

Continue reading and be inspired to experience the wonder of these remarkable destinations in intention, with Latin Trails as your guide.

A life marked by travel

 

You are probably passionate about travel and are reading this blog because you want to discover more enchanting places. Marcel Perkins shares how his passion began and how it inspired him to start his own company.

The beginning of his passion for travel

 

Certain individuals have a wanderlust inclination built into their DNA, and Marcel Perkins is one of them. Born in the United States, his father was American and his mother Ecuadorian, so she hoped that his whole family would get to know all of South America, and so they began to travel to different countries.

Marcel that his first trip was going to Ecuador as a baby. They visited different destinations, but Ecuador captured his heart.

His professional career began more than 20 years ago at Klein Tours, a cruise company. These early experiences inspired a new vision for Marcel: to create a company focused on transformative travel with tailor-made itineraries, giving rise to Latin Trails.

Latin Trails, a company focused on purposeful travel

 

Currently, travelers now view their trips differently; they don't just want to have an authentic trip. They purposely want to travel to have a transformation. This is how Latin Trails was created, a DMC with offices in Ecuador and in various destinations that doesn't just want people to travel, but to go beyond that.

“At Latin Trails, we create tailor-made experiences that transform both the traveler and the destination,” shares Marcel.

ILLA Experience Hotel: One of the products that Latin Trails represents is the ILLA Experience Hotel located in the city of Quito, which seeks to apply the same philosophy. ILLA aims to be more than just a hotel and to connect with each guest through immersion. For example, in the San Marcos neighborhood where the hotel is located, travelers can interact with artisans and artists, which gives them the opportunity to connect with the real culture and prevent it from being lost with the passing of generations.

Seaman Journey: Another of Latin Trails' products is the Seaman Journey catamaran, which offers expeditions to the Galapagos Islands where, through its Citizen Scientist program, it allows guests, with the support of guides, to participate in gathering information for the scientific community for the conservation of the Galapagos Islands.

“We educate passengers about the environment so that children and young people understand how their actions can help conservation and the good practices that can be implemented even at home,” Marcel shared enthusiastically.

Hakuna Matata Lodge: Finally, Marcel also mentioned that another important place to visit, even for the most conscious travelers, is the Amazon. He mentioned Hakuna Matata Lodge, one of the products they represent, which has a reforestation project. In this way, travelers not only travel, but also support communities with their visit and the environment with their actions.

What to Pack for Antarctica: A Blog by Marcel Perkins

 

In addition to being a travel enthusiast, Marcel Perkins is also a travel writer. Today, he shares a blog post titled Essential Packing List for an Antarctica Cruise, which he wrote for fellow travelers who read Voyagers Travel Company magazine.

His trip to Antarctica: The seventh continent that surprises

 

At the end of February, Marcel traveled to Antarctica during the coldest season with his wife. Although he had traveled there before, this time it was a unique experience that put them both to the test, because they had to stay on the expedition ship for 14 days and cross the Drake Passage. But in the end, everything was impressive, with landscapes and animals that cannot be seen anywhere else. 

 “I recommend it for people who want to do something totally different and think that nothing can surprise them. Antarctica surprises you in every way,” Marcel said with a smile.

The inspiration behind the blog

 

The blog, titled “Essential Packing List for an Antarctica Cruise”, is a short list of what travelers should bring on their trip to Antarctica. Marcel shares that the inspiration came when he was planning the trip with his wife and that his son Matías helped him write the blog. They asked themselves, “What do we need to make Mom feel comfortable in Antarctica because she doesn't like the cold weather?” They even tested which clothes work best to keep the body warm. And finally, today he shares this blog with us, so that travelers going to Antarctica have a complete list of equipment, because less is more, but always with the right things.

They made this trip on the Ocean Endeavour, which was the last voyage of this cruise ship, but they also had the opportunity to be aboard the Magellan Explorer and the Ocean Nova.

A unique anecdote that isn’t included in the blog. 

 

Anecdotes are stories we remember more than once. Marcel shares his favorite one from his trip to Antarctica. The trip was planned to cross the Antarctic Circle, and during the expedition it was announced that they would have one more day of expedition to the south. However, due to the weather, the captain told them that they would not reach their destination, but that they could take advantage of a zodiac ride to explore the icebergs, whales, and different species of sea lions. But that's not where the story ends...

The incredible part begins when Marcel recounts: “We were in the zodiac and, a meter and a half away, on an ice floe, an emperor penguin climbed up.” From the ship, he had spotted a pair of emperor penguins, and it seems that one of them had become separated and was looking for its mate.

Finding an emperor penguin in that area at that time of year is extremely rare; the guides, who had made 25 to 20 trips to the same area, had never seen anything like it. It was an incredible surprise for them, and without a doubt, it became the highlight of the trip for the travelers. 

Marcel concluded that “it was the highlight of the whole trip, and that's when you realize that nature always surprises you,” he said excitedly.

Featured in Voyagers Travel Company's SCAPE magazine

 

Latin Trails is currently one of the suppliers working with Voyagers Travel Company. 

“We at Latin Trails are privileged to be one of the suppliers working with Voyagers. They are a very good client, and we hope to continue this relationship. Now, through their magazine, they are giving us a voice,” says Marcel.

He even comments that it is an excellent initiative because it is original content, now that everything is artificial, and he is grateful because not everyone has the opportunity to appear in a major magazine with other responsible suppliers.

A look to the future

 

Marcel shares that, as someone who is passionate about travel, he hopes to continue promoting various destinations, especially tours to the Amazon or areas that are at risk and can help protect the environment. He mentions his top three favorite lodges, including Hakuna Matata, Napo Wildlife Center, which is community-run, and Tree House Lodge in Iquitos, a unique place that is a dream come true for children.

Finally, he mentions that he would like to write more about the Galapagos tours and how to explore it aboard small cruise ships such as the Seaman Journey, which has farm-to-table initiatives, citizen scientist programs, and other new initiatives. He will also share tips for improving visits to Quito or small cities such as Cuenca, which is a treasure within Ecuador, so he invites all readers to stay tuned for more blogs and surprises. 

FAQS

 

Who is Marcel Perkins?

 

He is the General Manager of Latin Trails, a travel writer, a visionary, and focused on creating meaningful trips in every destination.

Where can I check real-time availability for Antarctica?

 

You can check real-time availability for Antarctica and more last-minute deals at Antarctica Deals.

Where can I check real-time availability for the Galapagos Islands and more tours?

 

You can check real-time availability for the Galapagos and more last-minute deals at Galapagos Deals.

Are there any offers at Hotel ILLA, Seaman Journey, and Hakuna Matata for SCAPE magazine readers?

 

Yes, there are exclusive offers for readers who wish to book their trip with Hotel ILLA Experience, Catamaran Seaman Journey, and Hakuna Matata by simply clicking on each name.

And you've got your exclusive promotion!