Should I arrive in Ecuador a day before my Galapagos trip?

Yes, plan to. Flights to the islands usually leave Quito or Guayaquil in the morning, and cruises start soon after you land, so a late or cancelled international flight can mean missing the boat, which does not wait.

Arriving a day early also leaves time for the Transit Control Card counter and the biosecurity bag check, which you must clear before airline check-in.

Guayaquil is often the simpler overnight: it is at sea level and the island flight is shorter. Quito sits at about 9,350 feet (2,850 m), so some travelers like an extra day there to adjust to the altitude. Check whether your travel insurance covers missed connections and trip delay.