RE: ot-ot-ot- ecuador.When I was in Ecuador, the wealth I carried on my person was re-distributed to shop-keepers, official, pick-pockets and short men wearing masks, pointing guns at me. I really did get to out-of-the-way places, though. As you say, to each their own. Refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs website for safety tips and places you should avoid.
Again, you may really enjoy the Moritz Thomsen books. The first one he wrote is called "Living Poor" A Peace Corps Chronicle". One of the top books in my reading experience. The next book he wrote is called "The Farm on the River of Emeralds".