Welcome to South America, nothing runs on time and stores are open when they're open. Travelling in Ecuador is definitely a challenge, it was the last time I was there and it sounds like things have only gotten worse. Glad you made it that nice little tranquilo town with so much beach, I love those kind of places. The big cities are probably a good place to avoid right now with the political mess and drug gangs.

Enjoy and safe travels down there, Ecuador is a beautiful place with so many nice people!