I really like the freedom and reality Ecuador offers. Both my divorced parents have retired here (in Tumbaco and Cumbaya) and really enjoy it. My dad has set up an Inn for people to stay at while investigating Ecuador.
He bought a big house in the country 30 minutes outside of Quito and his hobby is gardening and visiting with Americans over coffee. The best advice I can give you is come down for 2 - 4 weeks at least and really get a feel for the country. When I came down in 1994 as a chiropractor nobody wanted to help me out. Now I am well established and semi-retired. I find it really satisfying to help others make good decisions and avoid all the mistakes I had to make. You should rest assured, I am not selling anything. There are still some people in the world that enjoy helping people just for the sake of helping.
Take care,
Patrick