[GadgetKen]

Actually United Mobile does work there now, but it's US$2.09 outgoing and US$.99 incoming for Ecuador to the US. Mike's suggestion of a local prepaid sim chip is a good idea. Probably best purchased there because major dealer websites I checked don't usually stock this particular country (other than in a multicountry card with high rates in Ecuador, or as a costly SatPhone rental).

GSM World shows 2 carriers serving Ecuador, Movistar and Conecel

http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/cou_ec.shtml

Both would serve a larger city like Quito.

She could buy a prepaid sim card and phone combo there inexpensively for as little as US$39 (in 2000 Ecuador converted from the Sucre to the US dollar). This includes the sim chip and activation. Could be unlocked once she returns to the US, and used with a US or other country sim chip.

Alternative is give her an unlocked phone and she can get a sim chip in Ecuador (offer looks like $5 which gets a sim card, $3 airtime credit, and 10 cents a minute promotional long distance rate to the US, Spain or Columbia; my Spanish isn't really good...).

For the movistar offer, click on this:

http://www.movistar.com.ec/

then 01 Personas, then Prepago Movistar and the submenu you want (service with or without a handset), tarriffs, etc. Rates look very reasonable, and refill cards are for as low as $3.