Since 2004, Campo Duro Ecolodge has been an important refuge for the iconic Galápagos giant tortoises, working closely with the Galápagos National Park and the local breeding centre in their effort to rewild all 13 extant species of these incredible reptiles.
Padrino and partnership
Guardian of the giants
In 2004, Michuy, owner as well as heart and soul of Campo Duro, had the honour of becoming the first — and, to date, the only — private individual to be appointed padrino (godfather/guardian) of the Galápagos giant tortoises by the Directorate of the Galápagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation.
Following this remarkable recognition, Michuy — who has always held a deep admiration for the giant tortoises and a strong desire to contribute to their conservation — began transforming a significant portion of his farmland into a large galapaguera (enclosure) for the tortoises.
Supporting the Isabela breeding programme
In the breeding programmes, Galápagos giant tortoises are encouraged to breed in captivity, or eggs are collected from the wild and hatched in the breeding centres. The young tortoises are then raised until they are large enough to be safely released into the wild.
Since 2005, Campo Duro has welcomed these young tortoises from the local breeding centre on Isabela when they are around four years old. They live in our spacious galapaguera for three to four years, thriving in an environment that closely mirrors their natural habitat, until they reach a size and age that allows them to fend off predators. Once ready, the tortoises are released into the wild by the Galápagos National Park.
When the tortoises leave Campo Duro at around seven to eight years old, they are replaced by a new group of 15–40 four-year-olds from the breeding centre. This ongoing cycle of care and release creates a beautiful circle of conservation — one in which Campo Duro humbly, yet proudly, plays a vital role.
Living legacy
As the tortoises mature and are released, Campo Duro continues to support the broader conservation effort by welcoming new batches of young tortoises. This dynamic flow ensures that future generations are given the best possible chance of survival, creating a seamless and sustainable circle of life. With every tortoise returned to the wild, the ecosystem is gradually restored, and the precious legacy of the Galápagos giant tortoises is preserved for generations to come.
Collaborative conservation effort
This ongoing cycle represents more than just the release of tortoises — it symbolises a deep, long-term commitment to restoring and protecting the natural balance of the Galápagos ecosystem, and Campo Duro Ecolodge is proud to be a part of it. Each stage — from the careful breeding and rearing of young tortoises to their eventual return to their native habitat — is part of a thoughtfully coordinated effort.
At Campo Duro, we are honoured to serve as an essential stepping stone in this process — a safe haven where tortoises are nurtured and protected from predators until they are strong enough to thrive in the wild.
Meet our tortoises
The gentle giants of Campo Duro
In addition to providing a safe environment for young tortoises on their path back to the wild, Campo Duro also serves as a permanent sanctuary for long-term residents — older, disabled tortoises who would struggle to survive on their own due to injury or physical challenges.
These resilient individuals live out their lives in our spacious galapaguera, where they enjoy a protected environment that closely mirrors their natural habitat. Though they are not candidates for release, they continue to thrive — moving freely through peaceful surroundings, resting in shaded areas, and soaking in the pond. They have become living symbols of perseverance and strength, reminding us of the importance of providing refuge for those who need extra care.
Nana, our brave survivor
Nana is a brave female tortoise, approximately 27–30 years old, who has been a resident at Campo Duro for the past two years. She was found in the highlands with a severe injury to one of her hind legs — likely from a metal fence or similar hazard. Despite the Galápagos National Park veterinarians’ efforts to save the leg, it had to be amputated to ensure her survival.
This injury left Nana slower and more vulnerable to predators, but here in our protected enclosure, she is thriving. Despite missing a leg, she moves with quiet determination, covering impressive distances each day on her stump. After foraging and exploring, she enjoys long naps in the pond, where the cool water offers relief from the midday sun. Nana’s resilience is an inspiring reminder of the strength and adaptability of these incredible animals.
Cristi, unique and remarkable
Cristi is a 27-year-old female tortoise who was hatched with a rare skin condition that causes excess skin to form around her body. Most notably, when she pulls her head into her shell, the extra skin completely covers it. The excess skin around her neck, legs, and tail cannot fully retract into her shell, which would leave her vulnerable to predators in the wild.
She has found a safe haven at Campo Duro for the past 22 years. Aside from her unusual appearance, Cristi is a perfectly healthy and content tortoise. She enjoys slow walks around the enclosure, foraging for her favourite plants and fruits, relaxing dips in the pond, and naps under leafy bushes. Her unique condition makes her unforgettable, and her ability to thrive despite it is a testament to the care and compassion she receives here. Cristy is a beloved resident, and everyone who meets her is touched by her gentle presence.
Mickey, over 100 years old and still the ladies’ favourite
This wise and seasoned male roamed the galapaguera like a king, always responding to Michuy’s voice by extending his long neck above the tall grass like a periscope.
After several years with us, the charismatic Mickey was returned to the breeding centre to help father the next generation. His vitality, charm, and proven popularity with the females made him an ideal candidate despite his impressive age. Though he is no longer at Campo Duro, Mickey remains a legend in our story — a symbol of longevity, strength, and natural charm.
THE GALÁPAGOS GIANT TORTOISES
A journey through time
Long before humans ever set foot in the Galápagos, a few adventurous tortoises are thought to have drifted across the Pacific from South America—on floating vegetation, perhaps—two to three million years ago. Over the ages, they became the true icons of these islands: slow, peaceful, and impossibly resilient. These remarkable reptiles are among the longest-lived land animals, with many living for over a century. The oldest known Galápagos tortoise reached an astonishing 175 years. With some individuals exceeding 153 cm (5 ft) in length and weighing more than 260 kilos (500 pounds), these gentle giants are the largest tortoises on Earth.
Evolution and astonishing adaptation
By the time Charles Darwin visited the Galápagos in 1835 during his famous expedition, the tortoises had already evolved into distinct, yet closely related, species. The similarities between them were so striking that scientists long debated whether they were separate species or simply regional variations. Today, it is generally accepted that there are 13 living species of Galápagos giant tortoises.
The shell of the giant tortoise isn’t solid, but made up of hollow structures, like air chambers. This ingenious design allows the tortoise to carry its massive shell without being crushed by its weight. Among the Galápagos tortoises, there are two main shell types: domed shells found in tortoises, that live in the cooler, more vegetated highland areas, grazing in lush, misty landscape; and saddle-shaped shells, seen in tortoises inhabiting the drier coastal regions. Saddlebacks have a distinctive flared front to their shells, giving them greater mobility and allowing them to stretch their necks to feed on tall cacti and other vegetation.
A fragile legacy
Once, as many as a quarter of a million giant tortoises roamed freely across the Galápagos Islands, shaping the landscape with their slow, deliberate movements. Today, only around 15,000 remain in the wild. Their long decline began centuries ago, when pirates and whalers hunted them for meat and oil during long sea voyages. Even now, the threats have not disappeared. Sadly, poaching still occurs in some areas, while invasive species such as rats, pigs, dogs, and ants prey on their eggs and hatchlings. Introduced animals like goats and cattle, together with invasive plants, have transformed and degraded their native habitats.
Yet, as you walk the trails and meet the gaze of a giant tortoise — eyes filled with the calm wisdom of centuries — it’s easy to feel the ancient rhythm of these islands, a quiet reminder that time moves differently in the Galápagos. Ongoing conservation work offers hope that these remarkable creatures will continue to thrive across the archipelago, ensuring that future generations, too, can witness their enduring grace.
PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION
Galápagos tortoises are protected by Ecuadorian law and by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which prohibits all international trade of these animals. In 1959, the Ecuadorian government established Galápagos National Park to safeguard the tortoises’ natural habitat and broader island ecosystems.
The Iniciativa Galápagos is a collaborative conservation programme led by the Galápagos Conservancy and the Galápagos National Park Directorate (GNPD). Its goal is to restore tortoise populations to their historic range and numbers across the archipelago — including on islands where tortoises have gone extinct.
This ambitious effort focuses on four main components: Research and conservation of tortoises and native vegetation on priority islands; breeding and rearing of tortoises from threatened species; repopulation of islands where tortoises have gone extinct; and research and management of tortoise-human interactions and conflicts.
Captive breeding efforts in the Galápagos are showing promising results. Through the combined work of the GNPD and Galápagos Conservancy, more than 7,000 tortoises of various species have been successfully bred in captivity and released into the wild — a major step forward in the long-term recovery of these iconic reptiles.
FUN FACTS
- Galápagos tortoises, with a pace of about 0.3 km (0.2 mi) per hour, travel approximately 200–300 m (0.12–0.19 mi) per day.
- Galápagos tortoises sleep an average of 16 hours a day. They generally sleep through the night but also enjoy napping during the day.
- Galápagos tortoises can pull their head, tail, and legs completely inside their shells — unlike sea turtles.
- Galápagos tortoise species can breed with one another and create hybrids.
- Galápagos tortoises reach maturity at around 20–25 years old. They lay 2 to 16 eggs, which hatch after approximately 130 days. The temperature of the nest determines the young tortoise’s sex, with warmer nests tending to produce more females.
- Galápagos tortoises have a mutualistic relationship with finches, which feed on ticks hiding in the folds of the tortoises’ skin or on their shells.
access
At the lodge we have a stable Starlink internet connection with free WiFi covering the restaurant and the camping area, so you can stay silently connected while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
& drop-off
We can arrange transportation from/to the pier/village upon request. Whether you require a pickup or a taxi service, we will ensure a smooth and reliable transfer. Please inform us of your schedule in advance.
We are happy to host most events. For longer stays, workcations, larger groups, conferences, weddings and other celebrations, please contact os directly to discuss different options in order to find the best possible solution.
Unwind in the shade of our majestic, century-old mango trees. Whether you are taking a nap, listening to the birds, reading a book, or simply relaxing after a day of exploring the island, our hammock area offers the perfect spot to chill.