In Ecuador you won't need that much if you stay in Cuenca (the retirement capital of the country which is full of expats from all over the world). However, if you intend to leave extensively, you should have some Spanish.

The Ecuadorian culture is fairly educated and most people speak some English. The country is amazingly beautiful. The people are kind.

Do, however, take very seriously the warnings to avoid taxis. I was kidnapped in one, sexually assaulted and they nearly killed the friend that I had with me. The driver and several heavily armed accomplices (2 cars and a motorcylce) wanted our money, but, wanted to terrorize us and make us beg for our lives as well. They held us for several hours- and when they finally threw me from the taxi (while moving) they proceeded to beat my friend severly. They shot at us at we ran. Long awful story... But, FYI- anywhere in Latin America you decide to go, only go in taxis that a business calls for you. This was a registered 'real taxi' that the Embassy suspects was stolen.