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Charles Darwin Research Station

Galapagos Islands, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
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Ranked #12 of 19 attractions in Puerto Ayora
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Owner description: Headed by a team of more than two hundred scientists, educators, research volunteers and support staff, this world-wide foundation is dedicated to... more » Owner description: Headed by a team of more than two hundred scientists, educators, research volunteers and support staff, this world-wide foundation is dedicated to preserving the Galapagos ecosystems. « less
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385 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Dover, Delaware
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

This was a great place to see tortoises of all ages and sizes. It was also very interesting to hear about their breeding and release programs and there were a lot of educational displays that were entertaining. A nice man who worked there even brought out a 1-month old tortoise so we could see the size; it was very tiny... More

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See 2 more reviews by Jenn Z for Puerto Ayora
dave303
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

must-visit for Cruise ships, free entrance, it worth a visit but do not expect a zoo or something like this. RIP lonesome gorge

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See 3 more reviews by dave303 for Puerto Ayora
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013 NEW

This place is amazing. A free attraction that will blow your mind. There is no shortage of wildlife and information about why and how the center is doing what it is doing. Don't miss this part of Peurto Ayora.

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See 4 more reviews by Mclouts for Puerto Ayora
Chicago, Illinois
Top Contributor
73 reviews 73 reviews
33 attraction reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013

We saw the research center first, which was probably a good thing because the wild animals on the other island were much better. The research center was nice, but the signs were worn down and dirty. I was a little disappointed.

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brighton, ma
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013

The Darwin Center could be a stellar attraction in Puerto Ayora, but unfortunately it is seriously lacking as an educational venue. I visited 20 years ago and it was much nicer then. The displays were run down, very poor signage, and almost no educational information. Staff was nowhere to be found, in fact, the one building where staff offices are... More

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Toronto, Canada
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

We went here at the end of our week long tour and after seeing tortoises in Florena and Isabella Islands this research centre was a little dissappointing. Great to learn about the rehab efforts of the island though. We stayed at The Red Mangrove Lodge so this centre was really close by. We had a guide who was able to... More

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See 3 more reviews by giddygal19 for Puerto Ayora
London
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
33 helpful votes 33 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

We arrived in Puerto Ayora around midday and our hotel suggested that we walk to the Darwin Centre as we were leaving fairly early on a cruise the following day. We headed at 3pm and spent two very nice hours walking around a circular trail that is the research centre. The entry is free which is highly unusual in major... More

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HMB,CA
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

Don't be put off by the slightly run down appearance of some of the buildings and the interpretation center. They a putting their funds where it has greatest impact and they have been severely affected by the financial downturn, esp. From Spain. The information is good and the turtle and inguana areas are worth visiting. A nice, easy walk from... More

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See 2 more reviews by HMBDog for Puerto Ayora
Scottsdale, Arizona
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

Nice place to visit, free and one can learn much about the Islands good and bad history. The Tortoise nursery was pretty cool.

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See 3 more reviews by Eric W for Puerto Ayora
NJ
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

We did expect more from the research station. The educational information is quite limited. What you get is to see large turtles. They are really intersting to watch. It's certainly a good trip if you are staying in town. Its an easy walk from the center of town. Worth spending a couple of hours. There is also a beach near... More

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See 4 more reviews by GJaffe for Puerto Ayora

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