Salt Mine Volcano

About the site

Salt Mine Volcano

The Salt Mine Volcano is a small volcanic cone inland from Puerto Egas, on James Bay on the west coast of Santiago, with a shallow salt-water lagoon in its crater. In the 1920s and again in the 1960s, companies tried to mine its salt without commercial success; the landing below is named after Héctor Egas, the owner of the last of them.

The trail starts on the black beach of Puerto Egas, after a wet landing, and climbs gently inland for about 3 kilometers (just under 2 miles) to the rim of the crater, through dry scrub of Palo Santo trees and cacti. From the rim you look down on the lagoon: in the dry season it shrinks and leaves white crusts of salt, and flamingos sometimes feed in it. Galápagos hawks often circle overhead, and Darwin's finches, Galápagos doves, mockingbirds and lava lizards are common along the way.

The walk is not difficult, but it is long, hot and without shade, so water, a hat and sunscreen are essential.

At Puerto Egas, most cruises choose the coastal trail to the fur seal grottos; the Salt Mine is an alternative for keen walkers and bird lovers when the itinerary allows it.

Highlights

• Birdwatching