PUERTO AYORA
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 The
Red Mangrove Inn resides on the outskirts of this
port where 8,000 people live. Puerto Ayora provides
great location in order to easily go on day trips
to other islands. Puerto Ayora offers The Charles
Darwin Research Station, plenty of shops, a variety
of restaurants, and a great base for tourists
to launch from in order to experience all the
Galapagos Islands have to offer.
Stroll through town at night to pick up last minute
souvenirs or postcards. Tour the Van Straelen
Exhibit Hall to understand growing threats to
Galapagos conservation. Visit a pair of large
pit craters called "Los Gemelos", Spanish
for twins and the largest lava tunnels found in
Galapagos. Relax on the white sand of Tortuga
Bay only a few kilometers out of town. tour
of the highlands to see the giant
tortoises in the wild (seasonal) and huge
lava tubes or sinkholes formed by the volcanic
activity years ago. Or just explore the port as
it operates not only in tourism, but also boat
repair, fishing, and agriculture as major trades.
The Charles Darwin Station, located near The Red
Mangrove Inn, provides wonderful opportunities
to see the Galapagos Tortoises up close. Wake
up in the morning during feeding time to see them
in action from an arms length away. The station
also houses other interesting research projects
that can be observed along with information on
how you can help conserve the Galapagos Islands.
Proceeds from the gift shop within the station
go directly to helping provide funds for conservation.
The Charles Darwin Research Station conducts and
facilitates research in the Galapagos Islands
and the Galapagos Marine Resources Reserve of
Ecuador. The Darwin Station is part of the Charles
Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands, an
international non-profit organization dedicated
to scientific research in the Galapagos Islands
since 1959.
 The
Charles Darwin Research Station provides:
- Information and technical assistance for the
Galapagos National Park Service and other branches
of the government of Ecuador .
- Support for resident and visiting scientists
who work in Galapagos.
- Environmental education for island communities
and schools and for the visitors that come to
Galapagos each year.
- Hands-on training in science, education, and
conservation for Ecuadorian university students
who participate in the Darwin Station's volunteer
and scholarship programs.
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