Sierra Negra Volcano
The hike to the active Sierra Negra Volcano is without a doubt the best hike in Galapagos. Take a minute for yourself on top of the Sierra Negra Volcano. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and become one with your surroundings. Get to feel how powerful the origin of our earth actually is.
- Departure: 7.30
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Group size: Max. 16
- Fitness level: High
- Alternative: Sulphur Mines
Discover the Sierra Negra Volcano
We will be piking you up between 7:10 and 7:30 at your hotel in Puerto Villamil. This allows plenty of time for your visit and also gives you a free afternoon to do other activities around Puerto Villamil or beyond when you are done. Moreover, it helps avoiding the heat during the day and the frequent rain showers in the afternoon. The tour to the Sierra Negra Volcano begins with a 20 – 30 minute ride in a pick-up truck. This allows us more flexibility on the trip. When we arrive at the National Park control point, your tour guide will register the group and you get a chance to meet the other people you will be hiking with.
The Sierra Negra Caldera
From the National Park control point on the wilderness begins. We will hike through the luscious and green highland of Isabela, while occasionally hear some facts and stories about the volcano, as well as information about plants and wildlife that make this area their home. After conquering the lightly steeper part, which will take 30-45 minutes, you will be rewarded with the first stunning viewpoint over the 10 kilometers wide crater of the Sierra Negra Volcano. The viewpoint is located right at the edge of the crater. From here the cliff side is descending more than 100 meters. Hence, you get an amazing panoramic view over Isabela. There will be enough time to take breath-taking pictures. From here on, about every 15 minutes the landscape will change drastically from the thick vegetation to very colorful lava rocks. You will feel like walking on the moon. It is easy to imagine that this is what the entire chain of Galapagos Islands once looked like. On the volcano you will observe life slowly growing through the rocks and evolving right in front of your eyes in full circle how the islands came to be.
It takes about 1 ½ or 2 hours to get to the first and only shelter on the Sierra Negra volcano. Here will be the lunch break. Please always remember to take all your things with you, we do not want to litter such an astonishing place.
The Path to Volcan Chico
At some point the path will splits in two ways. Generally, all tours to the Sierra Negra go to Volcan Chico, which showcases with an interesting landscape, active fumaroles, spatter & ash cones, crystalized minerals, collapsed lava-tunnels and impressive lava formations. Volcan Chico formed from the outbreak in 1979 of the Sierra Negra. As lava swapped over the rim it created this smaller, but stunning secondary crater. With good weather, you will be able to get a great view over the other volcaneos of Isabela and Fernandina. The total hike to Volcan Chico and back is about 16 km and happens in groups.
Sierra Negra at your own pace: Private Exploration of the last Eruption & Beyond
Embark on an exclusive journey with our private Sierra Negra tour, a unique expedition that leads you to the aftermath of the ultimate eruption in June 2018. Delve into the heart of the Sierra Negra Volcano, an area seldom explored by other tour operators due to its remoteness and extended duration. Our specialist guides will accompany you on this off-the-beaten-path adventure, providing insights into the volcano’s history and the ecological changes brought about by its frequent eruptions, with over eight occurrences in the last century. Witness the mesmerizing landscape adorned with vividly colored lava rocks, a testament to the recent eruption that left a new layer of molten beauty. Traverse the trail, uncovering a distinctive zone featuring solidified cacti from the 1979 eruption, which also gave birth to Volcan Chico. This private tour ensures an unhurried experience, allowing you to absorb the surroundings at your own pace and indulge your curiosity with any questions you may have. To enhance your adventure, we offer optional add-ons such as dining at highland farms and exploring the fascinating lava tunnel, Cueva de Sucra, and the awe-inspiring Mirador del Mango viewpoint. Immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of Sierra Negra, a journey tailored to your preferences and curiosity.
Getting back to Puerto Villamil
Hiking right at the edge of the volcano is quite the adventure, hence it is completely worth every minute you spend on the Sierra Negra. After this tiring, but beautiful adventure, we will bring you home safely. We recommend using the rest of the day to relax. For instance, you could visit Concha de Perla to take a dip in the refreshing water and snorkel with some sea turtles. You are also able to reach the afternoon Ferry to Santa Cruz.
Inclusions
- Experiences Naturalist Guide
- Transportation
- Lunch (vegetarian & vegan options)
- Snacks & Juice
- Unique Pictures & Memories to take home
- Gratitudes for Guide
- Additional Services
Frequently asked Questions
The active Sierra Negra shield volcano is the only one of the six volcanos on Isabela that visitors are allowed to hike. At its furthest point the enormous caldera spans about 10 km and is 300 meters deep, making it the world’s second largest volcanic crater. The northern section of the volcano offers evidence of its most recent eruption in June 2018. Hence, a visit to that place provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance to feel hot air coming out from natural vents and see in real life how our planet was created and still changes. On the Sierra Negra Volcano tour, you are able to observe an almost moon-like terrain and is surprisingly colorful. Apart from the sections with lush and green vegetation and the rich bird fauna (Darwin Finches, Mockingbirds, Galapagos Gavilan etc.), you will discover thermal vents, fumaroles, spatter & ash cones, crystallized minerals and many collapsed lava tunnels. This stunning scenery is your opportunity, to take home breath-taking pictures and unforgettable memories, you won’t get anywhere else.
Every month is a great month for a hike on the Sierra Negra Volcano, since the wildlife along the path does not change much during the year. The only thing worth considering is the temperature. If you prefer to hike in lower temperatures, you might prefer to visit in the cooler, drier months between June and November. If you are not bothered about hiking in slightly warmer weather, and perhaps a bit of rain, you could visit between December and May. The slightly wetter and muddier trail can easily be managed with decent hiking boots.
The Sierra Negra Volcano tour can be done even when just visiting Isabela for a day (inform us beforehand). However, we highly recommend staying a little longer on Isabela, since you will get to experience the complete hike and not just parts of it. According to the regulations of the National Park, it is forbidden to enter the National Park area without a licensed naturalist guide. Therefore, you will have to book a tour to gain access.
Please pack all the things we listed in the packing list below. The journey does not have too many ascents and is not quite steep at any point. However, be mindful that you will be hiking for a few hours and the lava rocks require good footwear.
Packing List
Sun Protection & Glases
Equator Sunshine Extravaganza: UV Rays Here Pack a Sizzling Punch, Don’t Mess with them!
Light Rain Jacket
In the highlands (Beginning of the hike) it can come to slight rain showers.
Camera/Go Pro
Capture your underwater adventures and take home the best souvenir possible
Drinking water
Each person has to carry about 1.5 Liters of water for their personal use.
Good Walking Shoes
For your own safety don’t take Flip Flops with you. Simple sneakers or even Crocs will do the magic
Hiking Poles
Those are optional. Bring them with you for your comfort.
Reservation
Galapagos Islands
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