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
Campo Duro Eco Lodge has, since 2005, been an essential refuge for the iconic Galápagos giant tortoises, working in close partnership with the Galápagos National Park and the local breeding centre in their efforts to rewild all 13 extant species of these incredible reptiles.
Tortoises are encouraged to breed in captivity or eggs are brought in from the wild to the breeding centres for hatching. The young tortoises and are then reared until they are large enough to be safely released into the wild. Campo Duro welcomes these young tortoises from the breeding centre when they are about four years old. They stay in our large galapaguera (enclosure) for 3-4 years, living in an environment similar their natural habitat, until they have reached an age and a size large enough to ward off predators. Once they are ready, the tortoises are released into the wild by the Galápagos National Park.
In addition to providing a safe environment for younger tortoises on their path back to the wild and their natural habitats, Campo Duro also has long term residents. The lodge serves as a sanctuary for older disabled tortoises. These tortoises, 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 long and natural existence in a protected environment.
Hiking our jungle trails
At Campo Duro Eco Lodge you will find several shorter natural trails winding through the back of the property. These paths pass lead you through our “jungle” of trees and plants, which have been growing wild for over 40 years. Along the way, you will encounter the beautiful, yet invasive, wild passion fruit vines, adorned with stunning glowers and impressive fruits, as well as the also invasive wild-growing guava trees with white flowers and aromatic fruits.
We have intentionelle left this area of our land to grow naturally, allowing it to foster greater biodiversity and provide essential habitats for birds, butterflies, and various insects. As you roam these trails, you will find yourself surrounded by the rugged characteristic Galápagos bush or forrest. In this lush jungle, you are likely to spot and hear an array of birds singing and nesting in the trees. After dark, these trails come alive with the sound of a spectacular symphony of humming insects, creating a peaceful and unique evening experience. No reason to worry – none of these insects are poisonous, sting or bite.
You may also encounter wild hens or roosters, descendants of domesticated chickens brought to the islands many decades ago. These wild birds have evolved and adapted over generations, becoming smaller in size, with changes to their beaks and feet that help them thrive in the denne forrest. They often nest in the jungle and you may come across a not so well hidden nest with tiny eggs, in size resembling those of quails. With evolution they have become agile flyers, and can now take off from the ground and soar up the to the treetops, where they rest on branches at night, hidden safely from predators.
Stargazing
Few things make us marvel at our own existence more than gazing at the night sky. The vastness above us reminds us of just how small we are, deepening our appreciation for our beautiful planet and a place as extraordinary as Isla Isabela.
Stargazing in the Galápagos is spectacular. Located more than 900 kilometres from the Ecuadorian coast, with the majority of the islands uninhabited, the Galápagos offers some of the clearest, most unpoluted skies in the world. This remote location, far from the distractions of city lights, has made the islands a renowned destination for stargazing and astronomy conferences.
At Campo Duro, just 14 km (7,5 mi) from Puerto Villamil, we are free from light pollution. The skies here are perfect for stargazing, with clean air, less humidity than on the coast, and no interference from artificial lights. When the skies are clear, you are in for a truly unique and spectacular experience.
After dark, take a stroll around the premises or request a “stargazing tent” – a small transparent mosquito net dome. From this vantage point, nestled in our vast open area surrounded by coconut palms, you will have an unobstructed view of the night sky.
As the Galápagos islands straddle the equator, you will have the rare opportunity to view both northern and southern constellations. Unlike most locations, which offer either northern or southern celestial views, the Galápagos gives you a glimpse of the best of both hemispheres.
For an optimal stargazing experience, two things are essential: a clear sky an
Just two pre-requisites are necessary for an optimal stargazing night; a clear sky and not too much moonlight. You will easily spot the Southern Cross, Ursa Major, Ursa minor, the Pleiades, and observe splendid views of the Milky Way.
Even if you are just an amateur stargazer, you may find it helpful to download a free stargazing app before your visit. We recommend apps like Stellarium, Sky View or Star Walk 2.
Visit the ancient Ceibo tree
On our land, you’ll find a majestic ceibo tree as it is known in the Galápagos (ceiba pendrata or erythrina christa-galli). Many consider this gigantic tree to be the oldest and largest of its kind in the Galápagos, possibly in all of Ecuador, with its impressive hight and massive trunk. Scientists and the Ministry of Environment estimate the tree to be between 250 and 300 years old.
This flowering tree blooms with fragrant pink and white flowers. Its woody trunk is adorned with irregular thorns, and it was originally cultivated for its cotton-like seed fibre, which was used in various ways, including as pillow stuffing.
The cibos or ceibas are not only impressive natural wonders, but also hold deep cultural significance. According to South American legends, the ceibas are sacred and sustain the universe, they symbolise wisdom and protection and represent the magic of growth and renewal. The ceibas represent the connection between the world of the living and the heavens, as well as between the living and the spiritual world.
The ancient myth of the ceiba tree says that the ceiba is the link between worlds; its roots reach into the underworld, the base of its trunk the human realm, and the trunk and its branches are the dwellings of gods, serving as a gateway to the heavens. In this mythology, the ceiba is believed to carry human spirits to the heavens and the gods.
In addition to its spiritual importance, the ceibas are also have medicinal uses. Its bark is known to treat rheumatism wounds and serves as a diuretic antispasmodic, while its resin is used to cure intestinal diseases. The leaves contain camphor, which aids in wound healing and has anti-inflammatory properties, especially for tumours.
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 islands.
Campo Duro Eco Lodge is the perfect spot for birdwatching, offering a abundance of land birds drawn to the variety of plants, flowers, and trees as well as waterholes, that attract a diverse range of species.
There are 29 species of land birds in the Galápagos, with an incredible 75% of Them being endemic. Many of these species can be found in the lush green highlands surrounding the lodge. At the lodge you are likely to spot a variety of finches, flycatchers, warblers, mockingbirds, the Galápagos hawk, and owls.
Herons and other coastal birds are frequently seen passing over the lodge or landing at the huge campsite, especially when raising, adding to the diversity of species.
We recommend downloading the free app Birds Eye Galapagos which offers photos, sounds, and detailed information on the birds of Galápagos. The app will help you identify and learn more about the species you encounter. You can even add your own sightings to assist with scientific research on the islands.
List of birds birds you can observe at and around Campo Duro:
- 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.