What is the Charles Darwin Research Center?

Most Galapagos trips will stop at the Charles Darwin Research Center, which is located on Santa Cruz Island.

The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) has carried out research for the conservation of the Galapagos ecosystem for almost 50 years.  It is a world-class research organization and the leader in scientific information on Galapagos.  The center in Puerto Ayora is part of the international, non-profit Charles Darwin Foundation.  Here visitors learn about natural history, issues concerning the islands, and see the tortoise breeding project at work.

At the center you will see an array of iguanas and giant tortoises.  You can also learn about the tremendous efforts made by the center and about how well they preserve the conservation of the environment and the biodiversity of the Galapagos Archipelago through scientific research and actions.  While the majority of Galapagos trips include a visit to the center, check your specific itinerary to see if a trip to the research center is included.