Located in the lush green highlands of Isla Isabella, just 12 km (7.5 mi) or a 15-minute drive from Puerto Villamil on the coast, Campo Duro Eco Lodge is the perfect base for discovering the magic and otherworldly landscapes and unique wildlife of this remote and spell-binding archipelago.
With over 25 years of experience, Campo Duro is a family-owned eco-lodge and tortoise sanctuary. It the serene highlands, known locally as la parte alta, on the slopes of the Sierra Negra Volcano, the lodge sits not far from the small village of Esperanza. Perched more than 200 meters above the coastal white beaches and mangroves, this unique lodge enjoys a refreshing climate – less humid, with lush vegetation and pleasant temperatures both day and night.
More than just a place to stay, Campo Duro is an immersive experience in nature – a sanctuary for relaxation, freedom, and tranquility. Here, you will be enveloped by the sounds of nature; the gentle breeze rustling through tropical fruit trees, the harmonious chorus of birdsong, and the soothing, meditative hum of insects at dusk.
We are an authentic Galápagos experience. An oasis of solitude where you can truly relax and the world’s worries seem to fade away. If you are looking for a serene sanctuary for both humans and tortoises off the beaten path, this is the ideal destination for you.
At Campo Duro Eco Lodge, every moment is an invitation to connect with nature and discover the pristine beauty of the Galápagos islands.
Our Eco Lodge is the ideal place for birdwatching, learning about and observing our giant tortoises, and stargazing under a magnificent night sky unspoiled by light pollution.
The location of the lodge makes it a perfect point of departure for exploration and excursions in the highlands, like Sierra Negra, Volcán Chico and Minas Azufre, or snorkelling in Concha de Perla, biking around the wetlands and tours by boat to Tintoreras Islets or Los Túneles.
For over 25 years, Michuy, proud and dedicated owner of Campo Duro Eco Lodge, and his family have been fortunate to host guest at this serene eco-lodge and unique campsite, nestled in the heart of the Galápagos’ breathtaking natural beauty.
Our aim has always been to provide guests with an authentic, sustainable experience, helping to connect with the extraordinary landscape and wildlife of the islands. When you stay with us, you will not only be surrounded by the majestic giant tortoises but also immersed in a harmonious, eco-friendly environment that reflects our commitment to conservation.
Campo Duro once began as a traditional organic farm, like many others in the highlands. We nurtured the land, grew a variety of plants, and raised farm animals with care. The farm gradually evolved into an eco-lodge, complete with a campsite and a restaurant. Bit by bit, the traditional farm was transformed into a beautiful nature retreat for our guests.
But we dreamed of something greater – of becoming more than just caretakers of the land. We envisioned a role in the restoration and preservation of the Galápagos ecosystem, with a particular focus on the conservation of the iconic giant tortoises. This dream has guided us as we transformed Campo Duro into an eco-lodge, and even more importantly, into a refuge and sanctuary for the giant tortoises.
A way of life
It was a dream come true, when in 2004, Michuy had the great honour of becoming the first – and, to date, the only – private individual to be appointed padrino (godfather/guardian) of the giant Galápagos tortoises by the Directorate of the Galápagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation.
Following this honourable recognition, Michuy quickly began transforming a significant portion of his farmland into a large galapaguera (enclosure) for the tortoises – a semi-natural environment where the majestic reptiles could roam freely.
It became a way of life that, in a new and more profound way, connected Michuy to his land and to Isla Isabela – and ultimately would define the pillars of Campo Duro Eco Lodge; a harmonious blend of nature, a passion for the giant tortoises, and a commitment to conservation, all while offering guests an authentic and hospitable eco-lodge experience.
With the arrival of the first first 42 young tortoises from the Galápagos National Park, also came a great responsibility. Beyond providing a safe and natural habitat, including a newly established pond in the galapaguera for the tortoises to cool down in the warm climate, Michuy also had to protect them from potential dangers.
At that time, poaching was still a risk on the island, with some people continuing to hunt tortoises for meat. Concerned for their safety, Michuy took the precaution of sleeping near the tortoises, ensuring they were safe from poachers, who might have easier access to them in the galapaguera than in the more remote areas of the national park. He built a platform in one of the massive old mango trees, where, for the first two years he slept in a tent every night, overseeing the galapaguera.
Thankfully, Campo Duro has never lost a tortoise, and to this day, no tortoises have fallen ill or died at our refuge. Michuy takes immense pride in his role as a guardian of these incredible creatures as well as his ongoing collaboration with the Galápagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation.
VISION & MISSION
As a small family-run eco-lodge, we are mindful of every step we take, ensuring we never loose sight of our core values, vision and goals.
At Campo Duro our vision is to be a sanctuary, where nature and sustainable living converge, offering our guests an immersive and authentic experience that fosters a deep connection with the pristine beauty of Isla Isabela. Through our commitment to environmental preservation and conservation, we aim to inspire and empower others to embrace sustainable living and honour pachamama.
Our mission is to provide a tranquil, low-impact refuge for both humans and tortoises that celebrates the harmony of nature. We strive to offer a unique experience that goes beyond the typical tourist path. We are dedicated to preserving the island’s rich biodiversity and minimising our ecological footprint, all while sharing the beauty of sustainable, modets living. Through responsible practices, locally sourced cuisine, and a sting connection to the land, we aim to create an unforgettable stay that leaves a lasting positive impact on both our guests and the environment.
ECO-LODGE
An adventure in nature and sustainable living
At Campo Duro, we care deeply about nature and are committed to preserving the environment, with a particular focus on the pristine and serene Galápagos islands.
Our journey began more than 25 years ago, driven by a desire to offer a more holistic experience of Isla Isabela, beyond the famed beaches and spectacular wildlife that grace the shores and the ocean. Our vision was, and still is, to provide a low-impact, harmonious adventure in nature.
With deep respect for Pachamama, Mother Earth, we built and continue to maintain our eco-lodge in the lush green highlands with the outmost care, ensuring minimal environmental impact. It is a unique place in perfect harmony with the natural surroundings, seamlessly blending into the landscape.
We strive to keep our more than 50,000 square meters land with a remarkable diversity of flowers and plants, including some of the island’s oldest trees, several of which are over 100 years old.
Approximately one-third of the property remains untouched and undisturbed, left to flourish in its wild, natural state. This preserved area with wild-growing nature ensures a greater biodiversity, providing natural habitats for birds, butterflies, and other vital wildlife.
Among our treasured plants are a variety of palm trees, bamboo, and fruit-bearing trees, including our iconic 250-300-years-old ceibo tree. This ancient giant stands as a living monument to our ongoing commitment to sustainability.
At Campo Duro, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. While perfection is a journey, we are constantly evolving to ensure that operations leave as small a footprint as possible. Our goal is to provide guests with an enriching, nature based experience that respects the environment.
We serve only local and organically grown fruits, vegetables, eggs, and chicken in our restaurant. To minimise the ecological footprint, fish and shrimp are only served sparingly. Most of the food we serve in the restaurant comes directly from our own garden and land, reflecting our commitment to self-sufficiency and sustainable living.
Our garden is a living testament to the richness of our land. Here, we cultivate a wide array of plants, including herbs, chili, peppers, eggplant, yuca, grapes, figs, cherries, strawberries, pineapple, watermelon, and much more.
In addition, our property is adorned with a vibrant selection of fruit trees – mango, papaya, passion fruit, banana, plantain, guava, chirimoya, sour sop, orange, lime, avocado, grocella, mulberry, rose-apples, and many coconut palms.
Campo Duro Eco Lodge is more than just a place to stay. It’s a peaceful retreat and refuge for both humans and the Galápagos tortoises, who find shelter here. A place that connects you with nature, offering an extraordinary, yet simple, sustainable experience.
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.