If you’re headed to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora to see the giant tortoises, there’s an important change: as of 2024, visitors must have a certified naturalist guide to access the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center (also called the “Ruta de la Tortuga”).
The exhibition hall and the general parts of the Research Station remain open for self-guided visits without cost, but the tortoise center, which houses juvenile tortoises in the breeding facility, requires paying a nominal fee (≈ US$10 per person) with a guide included.
This was introduced to ensure wildlife protection and give visitors a more informative and respectful experience.
Your guide will help you learn why this center is so critical: how tortoises are bred, raised, and eventually released; how different species are distinguished; and how the breeding programs battle threats like invasive species, disease, and habitat loss. They also ensure visitors stay on approved paths and don’t disturb sensitive areas.
For planning:
Hire a certified guide in advance through agencies in Puerto Ayora.
Bring cash USD for the $10 fee. Card payments may not always work at the center.
The guide-led visit to the breeding center usually runs during the Station’s opening hours (08:00-18:00), including holidays.
This requirement helps balance visitor interest with conservation needs, ensuring tortoise programs remain sustainable and the animals and habitats are respected.
