Charles Darwin Research Station

Estación Científica Charles Darwin

A research and conservation base east of Puerto Ayora, where you can see giant tortoises of different island subspecies and land iguanas up close, bred in captivity, along with the preserved specimen of Lonesome George.

The Charles Darwin Research Station, founded in 1964 by the Charles Darwin Foundation, works with the Galápagos National Park Directorate on breeding giant tortoises and land iguanas and on controlling invasive species. The part open to visitors is mainly the Fausto Llerena Giant Tortoise Breeding Center in the national park. Wooden walkways lead past a nursery for young tortoises of different ages and adult tortoises from various islands, showing different subspecies such as the saddleback and domed types. You can also see the yellow Galápagos land iguanas. The museum holds the preserved specimen of Lonesome George (died 2012), the last tortoise of the Pinta Island subspecies, a symbol of conservation education. Entry to the station is free. It is about a 20-minute walk from the center of Puerto Ayora along Charles Darwin Avenue, and at the end there is a small beach, Playa de la Estación, where you can rest. Visiting in the morning is recommended, when it's cooler. On the way, you can stop by the fish market (Muelle de Pescadores), where sea lions and pelicans gather around fishermen hoping for scraps.

Charles Darwin Research Station

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