How safe is it to go backcountry camping in Ecuador?

I'm spending a semester studying in Cuenca, Ecuador this fall, and I'm hoping to do some camping. If I find a sweet place near the mountains and just pitch my tent with a friend, how likely am I to be ravaged by jaguars, cleared out by banditos, or kidnapped by Colombian drug lords?

Are there some good specific places I can go to find good camping?

LOL!!! Ecuador is beautiful. Cuenca is known to be a very historical place for its architecture. Jaguars? I really doubt it. Bandits, eh maybe. Drug lords, really I don't see why they would be after your, but then again, I don't think so either. I lived there for 15 years, went hiking, although not so much camping. Ecuador is a bit dangerous, depending on where you go, but I don't think this could happen to you on your first night out. I am sure you will find someone there or meet a person who knows their way around who will be able to guide you. Unless you are involved in a riot or people have problems against you, I don't think you would be harmed. But also don't go wandering off in the bad neighborhoods alone.
If you can check out all the mountains, most of them will not have much snow this time of year, but you can still hike them and thye have a refuge there too... Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Cayambe! Oh so beautiful! Take the train to the Nariz del Diablo, ride on the top, take a sweater though, and have your camera with plenty of space :)
Don't miss out on the pueblo of Gold, very cheap 18K gold down there. Don;t recall the name but it is close to Cuenca!

what?????? OK well aren't you exaggerating just a tad with the Colombian drug lords?? lol Ecuador can be dangerous in some parts. i seriously don't think you have anything to worry about. your gonna go with friends it's not like your gonna be alone in the woods. I'm sure you'll love it Ecuador is really beautiful. good luck