Ecuador
Tatiana Johnston *
Insider Clout: Johnston sends clients to the Antisana Reserve, in central Ecuador, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: seeing condors in the wild.
Years as Agent: 15.
Other Specialty: Africa.
Fee: None.
Mexico
Marianne Braly
Insider Clout: Braly books clients an unadvertised private tour of Río Secreto, one of Mexico’s cenotes (underground rivers), including a hike to some remote swimming holes, followed by lunch.
Years as Agent: 20.
Other Specialty: Paris.
Fee: $150.
Zachary Rabinor +
New Favorite: Rabinor is sending clients to Hacienda San Gabriel de las Palmas, outside of Cuernavaca, a 1529 conquistador’s mansion turned ultra-luxe hotel.
Years as Agent: 7.
Other Specialties: Guatemala, Belize.
Fee: Varies.
Peru
Marisol Mosquera +
New Favorite: Ticllabamba Maison d’Hôtes, a three-bedroom guesthouse in the village of Yucay, in the Sacred Valley.
Years as Agent: 14.
Other Specialties: Bolivia, Ecuador, Galápagos.
Fee: Varies.
South America
Carlos L. Fida *
Insider Clout: A longtime proponent of Lima’s culinary scene, Fida keeps a list of favorites, including reliable stalwarts such as Astrid & Gastón as well as lesser-known local haunts such as the innovative haute deli T’Anta.
Years as Agent: 31.
Other Specialties: Brazil, honeymoons.
Fee: $350.
Eric Sheets *
Special Booking: A surprise two-day excursion as part of a Brazilian honeymoon, involving a private helicopter tour of Angra dos Reis followed by a transfer via yacht to one of the archipelago’s private islands.
Years as Agent: 16.
Other Specialty: Galápagos.
Fee: From $150.
Icon Key
* Tour Operator
** T+L’s Travel Agent Advisory Board, 2010
+ New to List