Ecuador: The Royal Tour

How would you like to tour a Latin American country guided by no less than the country's president? In this PBS-aired travelogue directed by John Feist, viewers follow host Peter Greenberg on a royal tour with President Rafael Correa (who, according to the BBC, has described the private media as his "greatest enemy" and a major obstacle to implementing reforms). Correa's presence makes for a unique take on life in Ecuador, as the cameras visit both public and intimate gatherings, including jumping into waterways inhabited by piranhas (thankfully not in a biting mood). Ecuador: The Royal Tour depicts a land bordered by the Pacific Ocean that is both diverse and beautiful, with the remarkable Galapagos Islands (part of Ecuador), Amazon rainforest, and Andes mountains. Some will no doubt enjoy the scenery and company on this colorful roundabout, but others will likely be thinking about Ecuador's current political situation, where longtime President Correa is struggling. Recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)