Hey, I read this book a little while ago that would be good for both
newbies and experienced PAP members. I've been to Ecuador twice and
this book taught me a lot of things I still didn't know as well as
explained a lot of the behaviors and practices I witnessed and didn't
understand the first or second time around. Its called Culture Shock:
Ecuador. Its part of a series of books but it is a step by step guide
to Ecuador-specific customs and etiquette rules: what to do, what not
to do, and how to survive culturally in the country. You can find it
on amazon for literally ten bucks and it tells you a hell of a lot
more information than you will find in any of the lonely planet or
moon guidebooks, written by some guy who has lived there for 25 years.
It might help you make some Ecuadorian friends and understand the
culture a little better.
http://www.amazon.com/Culture-Shock-Ecuador-Survival-Etiquette/dp/0761424954/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243433699&sr=8-1
See ya in country,
Matt