Watch Ecuador: The Royal Tour

Ecuador: The Royal Tour is a documentary film from 2016, hosted by journalist Peter Greenberg and Ecuador's President Rafael Correa. It is part of the Royal Tour series, produced by Peter Greenberg Worldwide Productions and broadcast on PBS. The film takes the viewers on a journey through the diverse landscapes and cultures of Ecuador, a South American country bordered by Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Ecuador is a country with a rich history, dense rainforests, high Andean peaks, beautiful colonial cities, and unique wildlife.

The film begins with a brief overview of Ecuador's geography, history, and politics, as President Correa introduces himself and his country to Peter Greenberg. The two men then embark on a journey across Ecuador, starting with a visit to the Galapagos Islands, a wildlife sanctuary famous for its endemic species, such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Peter and Rafael explore the islands by boat, observing the wildlife, and learning about the efforts made by the Ecuadorian government to protect the environment and promote eco-tourism in the region.

Back on the mainland, the duo travels to Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, and one of the first cities to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, they visit the old town, a beautifully preserved colonial center with cobblestoned streets, Spanish-style buildings, and quaint plazas. They also get a chance to meet some of the locals, learn about Ecuadorian cuisine, and delve into the country's indigenous culture.

Moving south, the film takes the viewers to the Cotopaxi National Park, home to the Cotopaxi volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Ecuador. Peter and Rafael hike up to the base of the volcano, taking in the panoramic views of the Andean highlands and learning about the geological history of the region. They also meet some of the park rangers and learn about the challenges of managing a national park in a developing country.

The film then highlights the importance of Ecuador's Amazon rainforest, the largest expanse of tropical forest in the world, which is home to an estimated 10% of the world's biodiversity. Peter and Rafael travel to the Yasuni National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where they encounter a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, parrots, and snakes. They also meet with representatives of the indigenous tribes who live in the region, learning about their customs, beliefs, and struggles.

In addition to the natural wonders, Ecuador: The Royal Tour also delves into Ecuador's political and economic realities. Peter and Rafael visit some of the country's leading industries, such as flower farms, cocoa plantations, and the Panama hat factory. They also talk to several Ecuadorian citizens about their views on the government's policies, including its emphasis on social welfare and environmental protection.

Overall, Ecuador: The Royal Tour is an informative and visually stunning documentary that showcases the diversity and beauty of Ecuador while shedding light on the country's political, economic, and environmental challenges. With Peter Greenberg as a knowledgeable and engaging host, and President Correa as an insightful and charismatic guide, the film offers a unique and intimate glimpse into one of South America's most fascinating countries.

Ecuador: The Royal Tour is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 59 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.