Sierra Negra Volcano

About the site

Sierra Negra Volcano

Sierra Negra, on southern Isabela, is one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos and has one of the largest calderas in the world, an oval crater about ten kilometers (six miles) across. It last erupted in 2018, and steam still rises from cracks along its rim.

The visit starts in the highlands above Puerto Villamil, about 45 minutes by road from the town. From there a trail climbs gently to the rim, with a breathtaking view into the caldera, a vast black floor of lava from earlier eruptions. On most cruises the visit is a half-day walk along part of the rim. Some itineraries offer the full hike, which continues along the rim and down to Volcán Chico, a field of small cones, lava tubes and colorful fumaroles on the northern flank: about 16 kilometers (10 miles) round trip and most of a day.

Galápagos hawks, short-eared owls, vermilion flycatchers and Darwin's finches live in the highlands, and the landscape changes from green, misty vegetation at the start to bare lava near Volcán Chico.

The walk is not technical, but the full hike is long. From June to November the rim is often wrapped in garúa mist and the trail can be muddy, while near Volcán Chico the sun is strong: sturdy shoes, a rain jacket, sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water are essential.

Highlights

• Panoramic View
• Birdwatching