There are plenty of thing to do around Campo Duro Eco Lodge and within our 50,000 square meters land. It is the ideal place to connect with nature, watching birds, learning about and observing the giant tortoises, hiking our jungle trails, as well as stargazing at night as there are no interfering lights.
Observe our giant tortoises
Since 2005, Campo Duro Ecolodge has been a sanctuary for and served as an important refuge for the iconic Galápagos giant tortoises. We work in close partnership with the Galápagos National Park and the local breeding centre to support the rewilding efforts of the 13 extant species of these remarkable reptiles.
A safe beginning for life in the wild
Tortoises are encouraged to breed in captivity or hatched from eggs collected in the wild and brought to the breeding centres. The young tortoises are then reared until they are large enough to be safely released into their natural habitats. Campo Duro welcomes these juveniles at around four years of age. They stay in our spacious galapaguera (enclosure) for three to four years, living in conditions that closely resemble their native environment, until they are old and strong enough to fend off predators. Once they are ready, the tortoises are released into the wild by the Galápagos National Park.
Sanctuary for vulnerable tortoises
In addition to supporting young tortoises on their journey back to the wild, Campo Duro also provides a permanent sanctuary for older tortoises with disabilities. These long-term residents, who would struggle to survive in the wild due to injury or other challenges, live out their lives in our large galapaguera, where they can enjoy a natural and peaceful existence in a protected environment.
Hiking our jungle trails
At Campo Duro Ecolodge, you’ll find several shorter natural trails winding through the back of the property. These paths lead you through our “jungle” of trees and plants, which have been growing wild for over 40 years. Along the way, you’ll encounter the beautiful — yet invasive — wild passionfruit vines, adorned with striking flowers and impressive fruits, as well as wild-growing guava trees, also invasive, with white blossoms and aromatic fruit.
Biodiversity and natural habitats
We have intentionally allowed this part of our land to grow naturally, encouraging greater biodiversity and providing essential habitats for birds, butterflies, and a variety of insects. As you explore the natural trails, you’ll find yourself immersed in the rugged, characteristic Galápagos bush or forest. In this lush environment, you’re likely to hear and see a variety of birds singing and nesting in the trees.
Symphony of the night
After dark, the trails come alive with the sound of a spectacular symphony of humming insects, creating a peaceful and truly unique evening experience. But don’t worry — none of these insects are poisonous, and they neither sting nor bite.
Adaptation and evolution in the wild
You may also encounter wild hens or roosters — descendants of domesticated chickens brought to the islands many decades ago. Over generations, these birds have adapted to life in the dense forest, becoming smaller in size, with changes to their beaks and feet that help them thrive in this environment.
They often nest in the undergrowth, and you may stumble upon a not-so-well-hidden nest with tiny eggs, similar in size to those of quails. Remarkably, these wild chickens have also become agile flyers. They can now take off from the ground and soar into the treetops, where they perch safely on branches at night, hidden from predators
Stargazing
Few things inspire awe quite like gazing at the night sky. The vastness above reminds us of how small we are, deepening our appreciation for our planet — and for a place as extraordinary as Isla Isabela.
World-renowned stargazing destination
Stargazing in the Galápagos is nothing short of spectacular. Located over 900 kilometres from mainland Ecuador, with most islands uninhabited, the Galápagos archipelago offers some of the clearest, most unpolluted skies in the world. This remote location, far from city lights, has made the islands a renowned and sought-after destination for stargazers and astronomy conferences alike.
Where darkness reveals the universe
At Campo Duro, just 14 km (7.5 mi) from Puerto Villamil, we are free from light pollution. The skies here are ideal for stargazing – with clean air, lower humidity than on the coast, and no interference from artificial lighting. On a clear night, you’re in for a truly unique and spectacular experience.
After dark, you can take a peaceful stroll around the property or request one of our “stargazing tents” – small, transparent mosquito-net domes. From this cosy vantage point, nestled in a wide-open area surrounded by coconut palms, you’ll enjoy an unobstructed view of the stars above.
A spectacular view of both hemispheres
Because the Galápagos Islands straddle the equator, you’ll have the rare opportunity to see both northern and southern constellations. Unlike most locations, which offer views of only one celestial hemisphere, here you can witness the best of both.
Just two conditions are needed for an unforgettable night of stargazing: a clear sky and minimal moonlight. From Campo Duro, you can easily spot constellations as the Southern Cross, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, the Pleiades, and enjoy magnificent views of the Milky Way.
Even if you’re new to stargazing, we recommend downloading a free stargazing app before your visit. Apps like Stellarium, SkyView, or Star Walk 2 can help you identify stars and constellations in real time – making your experience even more magical.
Visit the ancient Ceibo tree
On our land stands a majestic ceiba tree – known locally in the Galápagos as the ceibo, and scientifically as ceiba pentandra or erythrina crista-galli. Many believe this giant to be the oldest and largest of its kind in the Galápagos, and possibly in all of Ecuador, thanks to its towering height and massive trunk. Experts from the Ministry of Environment and visiting scientists estimate the tree to be between 250 and 300 years old.
This flowering tree produces fragrant pink and white blossoms. Its thick, woody trunk is covered with large, irregular thorns, and the tree was once cultivated for its cotton-like seed fibre – traditionally used in items such as pillow stuffing.
Sacred meaning and spiritual significance
Ceibos (or ceibas) are not only impressive natural wonders but also hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. According to South American legend, ceibas are sacred trees that sustain the universe. They symbolise wisdom, protection, and the magic of growth and renewal. In many traditions, the ceiba represents a bridge between worlds – connecting the living with the spiritual realm and the heavens above.
One ancient myth tells that the ceiba tree links three realms: its roots reach deep into the underworld, the base of its trunk represents the human world, and its lofty branches serve as dwellings for the gods – a gateway to the skies. In this mythology, the ceiba is believed to carry human spirits upward, guiding them to the divine.
Healing energy and natural remedies
Beyond its spiritual role, the ceiba has been valued for its medicinal properties. Its bark has been used to treat rheumatism and wounds, and acts as a diuretic and antispasmodic. Resin is believed to help cure intestinal ailments, while the leaves – which contain camphor – aid in wound healing and have anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in the treatment of tumours.
At Campo Duro, we also turn to the tree in our own quiet ways — leaning against its thorny trunk to ease headaches or back pain, drawing comfort from its strength and presence. It feels like receiving natural zone therapy from the thorns — grounding, invigorating, and deeply connected to the land.
Bird watching
Birdwatching in the Galápagos Islands is a bucket-list adventure for many enthusiasts, with more than 189 unique bird species, 31 of which are endemic to the archipelago.
Campo Duro Ecolodge is a perfect spot for birdwatching, offering an abundance of land birds drawn to the diverse mix of plants, flowers, trees, and waterholes on the property. This rich habitat attracts a wide variety of species year-round.
Endemic species and highland sightings
There are 29 species of land birds in the Galápagos, with an astonishing 75% of them endemic to the archipelago. Many of these can be found in the lush green highlands surrounding the lodge. Here at Campo Duro, you’re likely to spot finches, flycatchers, warblers, mockingbirds, the Galápagos hawk, and owls.
Herons and other coastal birds are also frequently seen flying over the lodge or landing near the large open campsite – especially during the rainy season -adding even more diversity to the birdlife in the area.
Be part of scientific discovery
We recommend bringing a pair of binoculars to fully appreciate the incredible detail and behaviour of the birds around you. We also recommend downloading the free app BirdsEye Galápagos, which offers photos, bird calls, and detailed information about the species found across the islands. The app also allows you to log your own sightings, helping contribute to ongoing scientific research in the Galápagos.
Birds you may observe in and around Campo Duro include:
- Common cactus-finch (endemic)
- Small ground-finch (endemic)
- Medium ground-finch (endemic)
- Green warbler-finch (endemic)
- Vegetarian finch (endemic)
- Woodpecker finch (endemic)
- Large tree-finch (endemic)
- Small tree-finch (endemic)
- Yellow warbler
- Vermillion flycatcher (endemic)
- Galápagos flycatcher (endemic)
- Galápagos martin (endemic)
- Galápagos mockingbird (endemic)
- Dark-billed cuckoo
- Smooth-billed ani
- Galápagos hawk (endemic)
- Galápagos rail (endemic)
- Galápagos common gallinule (endemic)
- Paint-billed crake
- Galápagos short-eared owl (endemic)
- Yellow-crowned night heron
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.