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Santa Cruz

South America

Ecuador

The Charles Darwin Research Station, located on Avenue Charles Darwin in Puerto Ayora, Ecuador, is a must-visit tourist attraction for anyone exploring the Galápagos Islands. This research facility plays a crucial role in the conservation of the unique wildlife of the islands, particularly the giant tortoises. Visitors can learn about the extensive conservation efforts and the fascinating evolution of the local flora and fauna. The center is easily accessible, just a 15-minute walk from downtown Puerto Ayora, making it a convenient stop during your exploration of Santa Cruz.

At the Charles Darwin Research Station, visitors can enjoy a variety of engaging activities and amenities, including:

Exhibits showcasing the evolution of Galápagos wildlife and the impact of Charles Darwin's research.

Guided tours available for an additional fee, providing deeper insights into the conservation programs.

A café and resting area where visitors can enjoy refreshments after exploring the facility.

Access to beautiful beaches nearby, perfect for relaxing after your visit.

Situated in the heart of Puerto Ayora, the Charles Darwin Research Station is surrounded by a wealth of attractions that enhance your visit to the Galápagos Islands. Nearby, you can explore:

The bustling local markets of Puerto Ayora, where you can find unique souvenirs and local crafts.

The stunning beaches of Tortuga Bay, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Other natural reserves and parks that showcase the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands.

Research facility housing an extensive collection of preserved specimens of Galápagos plant life.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmcG92RG1BRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJTTqfiVldqpoRbrdLducchus/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmcG92RG1BRRAB

Worth a visit if you are already in Puerto Ayora, but I wouldn’t make a special visit for this center.  If you do come here, getting a guide is worthwhile, IMO.  You will get more out of the visit.  Plan to spend 1-2 hours here, no more. I’m a bit surprised by the whining in other reviews about the $10 admission fee and the cost of a guide, considering the money supports the giant tortoise breeding and conservation program.  Really folks?

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmdWRmNGlBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJTTqfiVldqpoRbrdLducchus/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmdWRmNGlBRRAB

Only one building is open to visitors, while the rest are research facilities that are off-limits to the public. Visitors can explore exhibits about the evolution of animals in the Galápagos Islands and Charles Darwin’s visit. For an additional $10 at the park entrance, you can hire a guide to visit the area with tortoises, but I opted not to pay this fee since I toured the facility independently.

Outside the facility, there is a resting area and a café where you can buy simple drinks. Inside, you’ll find videos about the Galápagos Islands and model tortoise shells, which you can take pictures with. The facility is about a 15-minute walk from downtown, and since the path is flat, it’s easy to reach on foot.

The park also includes two beaches that are free to access, making it a pleasant addition to your visit.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2alppOVdBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJTTqfiVldqpoRbrdLducchus/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2alppOVdBEAE

Absolutely wonderful afternoon spent here touring the research station and enjoying a guided tour of the tortisess and learning about the local conservation efforts. I can't imagine coming to Santa Cruz and not saving a few hours to come here. Our guide Bayron was very patient and knowledgeable, allowing us to stop for photos along the tour of anything that caught our eye. While walking to the research station, you pass two areas where you may be approached by the businesses offering guides. The station is 100% free, but the tortise tour is $10 per person for the mandatory guide. The tortises and their stories are beautiful to learn about, and the conservation efforts here are remarkable. I'm grateful we decided to do the guided tour in addition to walking the area on our own.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYNHByWDdBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJTTqfiVldqpoRbrdLducchus/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYNHByWDdBRRAB

Exceptional experience! Gandhi gave us the tour and was passiomate , informative and funny.  I learned more than I expected and loved every bit. Got to see turtles from kindergarten through a hundreads of years old. $10 pp for tour and research center free. 100% worth it!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzbGMyWVBBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJTTqfiVldqpoRbrdLducchus/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzbGMyWVBBEAE

We expected way more from this! A lot of buildings were closed and empty. The one building with information had board with everything on it, but it didn't really get our attention. The short movie was nice.
At the start we were told we needed a tour for the turtle breeding ground. We decided to first do the other thing. When walking around we came to the enclosures with turtles. We walked the pathway in between them and found some more information. This time nicely designed and informative. At the end of the path it seemed we had been walking the path which required a guide backwards. We didn't get why you should need a guide. The breeding ground is not out in the open, it's enclosures.

Explore Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, Ecuador

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The Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora is a hub for conservation and scientific exploration, dedicated to preserving the unique species of the Galápagos Islands. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing efforts to save iconic tortoises and experience the vibrant flora and fauna of this delicate ecosystem.

Charles Darwin Research Station

Discover the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora! Explore groundbreaking conservation efforts and meet incredible wildlife. Visit today!

Explore Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, Ecuador

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