In fact, entire trip, including airfare, fee for guide on Chimborazo, and everything else, cost $1040. That was for four weeks. How I kept it so cheap is a subject for another article.

More Information on Ecuador

The mountain towns (Quito, Riobamba, Loja, Cuenca, Otavalo, Ibarra, Ambato, Latacunga) have wonderful climates. Highs are in 60s to 70s fahrenheit year-round. Guayaquil and coastal cities can be hot, but temperature is moderated by Humboldt Current, which brings cool water along coast of South America.

If you like beaches, you have many options. In Salinas, for example, you can sit on a beautiful Pacific Ocean beach, while vendors bring you everything from beer to ice cream to chair rentals an music. For $20 you can rent a jet ski and have some fun in waves.

The Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador, and tour information is available in all major cities (It's cheaper to wait until you're in Ecuador to book a tour).

Good meals can still be had for under two dollars in most cities, if you eat where locals do. Hotels in most cities start at around $12 (less for a bed in a hostel). Cross-country travel by bus is cheaper and more comfortable than bus travel in U.S.

The people of Ecuador are almost universally friendly, and speak one of clearest, easiest to understand dialects of Spanish (A great place to learn). Ecuador is a safe, democratic republic, with a legal system similar to that of U.S.

5. Do your homework and shop around. We have found literally hundreds of online travel sites. Use well known ones that are recommended. Read consumer reviews, be patient, and make sure you read all terms and conditions, whether you book online of offline.

6. Join groups such as AAA or AARP. You can also save money by obtaining a frequent flyer credit card and earning points through spending. Just be smart with your credit and don’t go overboard.

7. Rent from an owner. Yes, there are options other than staying in a huge chain. Sometimes, best deals and nicest places are from someone who is renting out their vacation home.

8. Travel in off-season. Book early, book late, and name your own price at travel auction sites.

9. Referrals are oldest, and in my opinion, best way to do anything. There are people who will recommend hotels, things to do, places to go, that you would have never found otherwise.

10. Using credit cards can save you money and free up cash for other adventures. There is a right way and a wrong way to use them. A vacation is a necessity, not a luxury.

Also, prepare a budget, get all your necessities ahead of time and shop for them, and have fun while planning your trip. Yes, there are a few things you need to take into account, but if you follow a system of steps, planning will be easy. In addition, be realistic about prices, but don’t think you can’t get great deals on your vacations to Florida.