Luxury Ecuador Voyages

Ecuador's vibrant river-port capital of commerce. Amble the palm-lined Malecon 2000 boardwalk, climb the 444 painted steps of Santa Ana hill through the bohemian Las Penas quarter, and share Parque Seminario with its resident troop of land iguanas. This is the cradle of the world's finest cacao, so a tasting of single-origin Ecuadorian chocolate is a must. A lively, characterful counterpoint to the coastline's wild anchorages.

Often called the Galapagos in miniature, this island off Machalilla delivers the wildlife without the airfare. Trek the clifftop trails past comical blue- footed boobies nesting at your feet, watch frigatebirds inflate scarlet throats, and spot Nazca boobies on the wing. Back aboard the tender, snorkel clear water alive with sea turtles and tropical fish. SeaDream III anchors right in the bay, delivering guests ashore before the day boats arrive.

A sun-bleached fishing town that is the gateway to Machalilla National Park. Between June and September, humpback whales court and breach just offshore on some of the world's finest whale-watching grounds. Walk the wild cliff-backed sands of Los Frailes, one of Ecuador's most beautiful beaches, then watch the day's catch land as pelicans squabble on the pier. Lunch is spanking-fresh ceviche de camaron under a thatched palapa.