Explore the delightful sites, culture and people of Manta during this visit to picturesque Montecristi. Depart the pier for an introductory tour of Manta. Begin with a 10-minute visit to the Cancebi Museum, which highlights the local culture and ethnic origins of the area. Next, you'll drive along the scenic seaside promenade and through the suburbs to Montecristi's central square where you will find many artisan stalls selling straw baskets, jewelry, colorful handicrafts and Panama hats. This beautiful little town is one of the highlights of the tour, it still retains the atmosphere and faded elegance of its Spanish heritage. Here we will have a demonstration of how the toquilla hats are made and then have some free time for shopping.

We proceed to a Cabuya plant weaving factory. This is truly a once in a lifetime experience as this traditional art is, unfortunately, quickly dying out. In the past, a vibrant industry existed where approximately 4,000 Cabuya plant bags were produced per day in the Manta area. Today there remains only this last remaining factory, producing 200 bags per week. After a short demonstration of the process, we are presented with our small natural bag – a unique reminder of beautiful Ecuador, and a perfect eco-friendly bag for carrying our items of our choice. Before returning to the ship, you'll visit a Tagua workshop. Tagua phytephas equatorialis is the nut of a 15-18 foot tall palm tree found in the tropical rain forests on the coast and Amazon lowlands of Ecuador. Tagua nuts were originally used as buttons because they have a color and consistency very similar to ivory, and could be dyed. Although button manufacturing is still the main source of income for the workshop, this unusual natural material is now fashioned by skilled craftsmen into a variety of small, reasonably-priced sculptures that provide a distinctive and unusual souvenir of your day.

Coastal Ecuador is largely covered in dry forest, which makes the lush green Pacoche Forest all the more unique and ecologically complex. Forests such as Pacoche once covered vast areas of the coastal region and were home to an enormous wealth and diversity of species. Now they have been reduced to a dispersed chain of forest remnants under constant threat and facing an uncertain future.

We depart the quayside and travel via the coastal route to the Pacoche trailhead. Along the way, we take note of the predominant dry forest and the stark contrast between the dry and wet forest areas delineated by what looks like an invisible boundary, the change is so radical.

The Pacoche Lodge, located next to the Pacoche Wildlife Refuge, offers a private glimpse into this fascinating ecosystem. During our guided hike through the forest around the lodge, we’ll keep our eyes out for howler monkeys and dozens of bird species.

We will also see a “trapiche”, the machine used to extract juice from sugar cane, enjoy a quick demonstration of Panama Hat weaving techniques and see how the Ivory nut is used to produce a number of different eco-friendly end products – from traditional handcrafts, jewellery to shirt buttons.

After this visit we return to the ship.

We depart the quayside and drive north to Bahía de Caráquez, where we board launches that will take us to Isla Corazón (Heart Island). This heart-shaped island (hence its name – “corazón”, meaning heart in Spanish) is located a few kilometers upstream in the Río Chone estuary and is a must-see for birdwatchers. There is an estimated number of 60 bird species on the island including native, migratory and congregational species during different periods of the year. Isla Corazón is part of an eco-tourism project, in which local fishermen have nurtured the mangroves and expanded their habitat on the island. This has been done to prevent further eradication of the mangrove swamps by the industry of shrimp farming. This private initiative, which was started by the local fishermen, is now a protected area by the government, the island can be visited on a guided tour led by the local fishermen. The Frigate bird colony has moved to a smallest islet called "Isla Fragatas" and it is only possible to be seen from the boat.

We return to the mainland to enjoy lunch at local restaurant.

With the pounding waves of the Pacific on one side, and the tranquil Río Chone River with its estuary on two other sides, Bahía has long lured visitors eager to be near the water. In 1998 this changed when the city was devastated by two natural disasters. Landslides caused by the intense El Niño storms of that year damaged -many homes. Shortly thereafter, a major earthquake struck, damaging more of the city's homes and businesses. More than simply rebuild, however, the community decided to reinvent itself, and in 1998 Bahía was proclaimed one of the world's first eco-cities. With a focus on sustainable development and tourism, recycling and reforestation, the city has won plaudits from around the world.

Enjoy a fun-filled bus ride during this transfer via Chivas Bus to the sites and shops of picturesque Montecristi. The brightly-painted Chivas Bus was the most important means of transportation used by the local populace. They crisscrossed the country,offering reasonably-priced transportation between the towns along the coast and interior sections of Ecuador. Most will know a Chivas because of the small ceramic models sold in craft stores that are typically depicted overflowing with produce, suitcases and the odd basket of chickens tied to the top.

Today, a local band will ride atop one of the buses as you set off in a convoy for the short, 30-minute ride to fascinating Montecristi, home of the famous Panama hat. This beautiful little town is indeed the highlight of the tour, and still retains the atmosphere and faded elegance of its Spanish heritage. At Montecristi's central square, visit a Toquilla Hat workshop to learn about the hat making process, then we will visit many artisan stalls selling straw baskets, jewelry, colorful handicrafts and Panama hats.

Our tour today begins with a drive along Manta’s “malecón” or promenade. Our guide enlightens us on the history of this area, which was home to pre-Columbian peoples such as the Valdivia culture, whose fragments of pottery are the oldest found anywhere in South America.

The archaeological site of Cerro Jaboncillo is unique because it allows observation of a distinct and complex society that was established in the area between 900 and 1500 AD. This developed society controlled large areas of Guayas and Manabi provinces in Ecuador. The Cancebí-Manteños acquired highly developed levels in their society practices and with their control of the sea extended their culture to the California Gulf, Mexico, Chile and Peru.

Visiting this place is an experience that mixes culture, tourism and nature. Located on the eastern slope of Cerro Jaboncillo, the area around the archaeological site features a variety of plants and animals that survive in a unique ecosystem that depends on water cycles, especially in the summer fog.

Immerse yourself in the Ecuadorian culture at an afternoon tea and traditional dance performance at the lovely Montecristi Golf Club. Depart from the pier for a brief drive through downtown Manta to Montecristi Golf Club or similar venue. While the canapés and sweets will vary depending on which ingredients are freshest, take your time savoring the flavors, which are representative of Ecuadorian cuisine. Following the tea, an Ecuadorian dance troupe will perform a variety of modern and traditional dances that reflect the multicultural character of the country. You'll notice the influence of African rhythms and Andean beats as the performers gracefully dance across the stage in brightly colored costumes. It's a captivating experience, so much so that you may be encouraged to try these ethnic Ecuadorian dances yourself. Feel free to step out on the stage after the show, as the dancers will be happy to teach you some of the steps. Afterwards, you'll drive back to the pier.

Relax on magnificent San Clemente Beach, a pristine stretch of sand where you are free to do whatever you please, from beach combing to simply lying in the sun.

Although San Clemente Beach is close to the equator, the temperatures here usually remain in the 70's and 80's because of the cooling Humboldt Current, which runs up the west coast of South America from Antarctica. During your time at this pristine beach, you might sunbathe, read, swim or do nothing more energetic than sip a cool drink.

While there isn't much natural shade on the beach itself, you will have access to the Palmazul Hotel, whose property is dotted with palm trees. On the beach, shaded lounge chairs are provided by the hotel, or if you prefer you may relax on the sand or next to the pool. Three complimentary soft-drinks will also be provided. After your time at San Clemente Beach, you'll transfer back to the pier.