This moderate half-day tour takes you to Montecristi where you can shop for the coveted, luxury item that originated not in Panama but in Ecuador: the Panama hat. Those who love the look and feel of ivory can find an alternative to purchase that comes straight from the Ecuadorian rain forest. It's all part of a fascinating journey to the charming colonial village of Montecristi. It is here where skilled artisans take toquilla straw, hand-split it into strands not much thicker than thread and then weave it so finely the finished product seems to be made from the softest linen or silk. Nearby, at a tagua factory, you can see how this tropical tree nut is harvested, dried and hand-crafted into delicate figurines, jewelry, and buttons reminiscent of animal ivory. To complete your adventure, explore Montecristi's Central Plaza and artisan markets and enjoy the narrated drive past forest and sea.