We’ve already run two Galapagos tour stories in the past, but though the animals and itineraries may be similar, all Galapagos cruises are not created equal. This time one of our writers went out with the most eco-friendly company plying these waters: Ecoventura.

As a company that’s maintained Smart Voyager certification since 2000, you know that biodegradable shampoos, detergents, and sunscreen are going to be required and the company goes far beyond the norm with community programs and carbon offsets for their (reduced as much as possible) emissions.  While our writer admits that keeping up with all the rules in the Galapagos can inspire a headache, they’re necessary in such a unique and fragile environment. “If not to bring the islands back to the state in which Charles Darwin found them in 1835, then to prevent the archipelago from being further damaged by human impact,” Giannina says.

Not to worry though, here it’s all about nature, animals, and evolution and the Flamingo I passengers see it all in its full glory. Swimming with sea lions, walking past sneezing iguanas, and getting close to Blue-footed Boobies that aren’t a bit bothered by humans—it’s all on tap in the Galapagos no matter who you ride with. Going with Ecoventura though, you know those animals are getting the maximum protection from our presence.

Last post I put up a slideshow of photos from Mashpi, a special cloudforest reserve I had the pleasure of exploring last week. But what does the resort itself look like?

It’s not some bamboo bungalow place in rustic jungle style, that’s for sure. Magazine photographers have gone gaga over Mashpi because it’s a hip, contemporary showpiece that looks like it could have been plucked out of Berlin or Miami. Walls of glass (better to see the forest), sharp lines (in contrast to the wild vines and swirling clouds), and hip furniture for lounging in style after a hike. But see for yourself.

Need some more convincing to take two minutes and change out of your day to check this out? You get to see what it’s like to ride a sky bike through the canopy. One person pedals—probably not you—and the other just kicks back and takes in the view, with birds providing the soundscape.

I’ve done a lot of cool things in 20 years of exploring the globe as a travel writing and editor. But this was a first.

Update December 2012 – We now have a detailed review up of Mashpi posted, but see more and make a booking at MashpiLodge.com.

I just spent two blissful days at the new Mashpi Reserve Lodge in Ecuador, on a huge private nature reserve about three hours northwest of Quito. Part of the area still has original first-growth forest, while other parts are a mad jungle of plants that have sprung up since logging ended a few decades ago.

The animals are coming back as logging and poaching have both slowed and motion-sensor cameras have spotted ocelots and pumas. You’re not likely to see those when you’re out for a walk in the woods. but there’s plenty of wildlife in the form of birds, lizards, butterflies, and interesting insects. Here’s a slideshow of a few scenes and critters I managed to capture with the camera.

(Note that if you’re on an Apple mobile device you may not be able to see it. View it on a device that doesn’t restrict your access to Flash.)

We’ll be posting a video tour of the resort itself and the skybike ride through the canopy next week. Meanwhile, learn more about Mashpi at their website. There you’ll see some better nature shots from photographers with giant lenses and more patience than me.

Update 12/7: you can now see the full Luxury Latin America review of Mashpi Lodge.

One big reason Quito, Ecuador gets photographers so excited is that you have a constantly shifting play of light around you. Quito is often sunny during the day, with clouds drifting by occasionally, then part of the year predictably rainy in the afternoon. This means a shot of one scene can vary quite a bit depending on when you’re there.

Sometimes you want to visit a place where the weather is sunny and predictable most of the time. Or at least while you’re there. But the shifting light and shadows are what make other places so intriguing. In the first UNESCO World Heritage site ever designated–the historic center of Quito–the view from one hotel room is a great illustration.

The photos here are from a 20-hour period in Casa Gangotena, the city’s newest luxury hotel. All were shot from room 206.

The one at the top was upon arrival, when all traces of the sun were gone and artificial light took over. The second is just after dawn the next morning.

Above is a photo from later on, when the sun was more intense. Then below is just as the day’s light is starting to fade completely, with the surfaces all wet and rain clouds overhead.

I can’t wait to see what the next six days in Ecuador will bring.

For more information on the city, see the Quito Tourism site. To book a tour of Ecuador, Quito, or the surroundings, get in touch with Metropolitan Touring, part of the same holding company of Casa Gangotena.

Want to kick back in style between your visits to Blue-footed Boobies and giant tortoises?

Touring the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador is one of those “bucket list” experiences that many dream of doing at some point. Unlike seeing the Great Pyramids or taking a gondola ride through Venice, this one actually lives up to expectations. One of our correspondents just came back raving from her recent trip to the Galapagos, where she went island-hopping on the luxurious Evolution yacht from Quasar Expeditions.

Visits to the islands of the Galapagos are very restricted, with humans only allowed on a tiny portion of each land mass. The rest is for the animals. So it’s the ship and the naturalists that determine what kind of trip you’re going to have. With Quasar, you’re getting plenty of pampering to go with your education and exploration.

“For all of the cruise line’s sophistication—the white linen tablecloths, stylish terraces, gourmet cuisine and spacious accommodations—their main priority remains the environment itself. They want you to revel in the magic and the mystery of the islands, but they just want to make sure you have a cold cocktail in your hand while you think about it, and a soft pillow to rest your head on at night while the yacht journeys onward.”

See the full tour story here: Aboard Quasar Expeditions Luxury Yacht in the Galapagos