When we talk about Galapagos we always think of Darwin, giant tortoises and finches. But few outside Galapagos know about the Scalesia plants, commonly known as Darwin’s giant daisies.

The Charles Darwin Foundation is home to the largest Natural History Collections of endemic, native and introduced species of Galapagos in Ecuador, with more than 135,000 specimens and 7,500 species across four Collections: Marine, Vertebrate, Terrestrial Invertebrate and a Herbarium.

Wolf, Kup, and Pinta are three detection dogs donated by the Charles Darwin Foundation to Ecuador’s National Police to strengthen efforts against illegal trafficking of protected species in Galápagos. Trained to detect biological material, these dogs represent an innovative conservation and control tool for safeguarding the archipelago’s biodiversity.

Discover the revival of Isabela Island’s historic Children’s Forest, a once-forgotten sanctuary of the endangered Scalesia cordata. From its origins with Don Jacinto to today’s community-led restoration, this story reconnects generations through conservation, memory, and hope. Click to explore how a beloved forest is coming back to life.

A Quito Photographer's Chronicles in the Enchanted Islands

Learn how to explore the Galapagos Islands responsibly. Our FAQs cover their volcanic origins, unique wildlife, and how every visit can help protect this extraordinary ecosystem.

For the first time, the Charles Darwin Foundation opens Galápagos’ largest scientific collections to the public. Housing over 137,000 specimens, this new facility offers a rare glimpse into the science shaping conservation decisions and safeguarding one of the planet’s most extraordinary ecosystems.