Spent 3 months in Ecuador. Wanted to stay another 3 (visa requirements made this a no-no but I did leave on Day 89 ). Loved it. Cannot say enough good things about it. The art and architecture was gorgeous. The natural environment (Banos waterfalls, Cloud Forest, the Galapagos, Bahia) were incredible. Cuenca was interesting, the markets were great, food, although bland as could be, was CHEAP. $3 for a complete lunch. Lodging was inexpensive. Make Airbnb your friend as you're travelling. If you want to do a Galapagos cruise (I did my 9 day trip by myself; no cruise) book it IN Ecuador and not from the States.

Learn to speak Spanish or go to school/have tutoring. If you would like more information feel free to post here on PM me. I truly adored my trip big time and Ecuador just blew me away. Cannot wait until I am able to return.