Sierra Negra and Volcan Chico

• Price$125per person
• IslandIsabelaGalapagos
• TypeDay tourduration on request

Overview

Sierra Negra rises 1,124 m above sea level, 22 km from Puerto Villamil. Horses skirt the eastern rim of the caldera to Los Jaboncillos, and from there it is on foot to Volcan Chico and the Sulfur mines.

From Puerto Villamil a vehicle can be hired for the roughly 45-minute drive to El Cura.

Sierra Negra sits in the south of Isabela, 22 km from Puerto Villamil, at 1,124 metres above sea level (0.83 S, 91.17 W). Volcan Chico lies northeast at approximately 860 metres. Temperatures run around 16 C.

The weather is poor: come prepared for heavy rain or drizzle. It is easy to get lost in the fog, so the group stays together and notes landmarks to retrace the route.

For a shorter option, La Bocanilla gives a caldera view with little walking: 1.5 km from the Sierra Negra trailhead to the crater rim. Clear days show the whole caldera. The nearby Sulfur Mines are visited for the fumaroles and the mines themselves. Birds, tortoises and iguanas live here, along with introduced cattle and pigs. In this dry tropical zone a permanent programme removes introduced plants such as guava so native and endemic vegetation can grow back.

Highlights

• Caldera rim at 1,124 m above sea level
• Horses from El Cura to Los Jaboncillos
• Walk out to Volcan Chico
• Fumaroles and the Sulfur Mines

On this trip

Wildlife you may see

Sightings change with the season and the sea. Your guide knows where to look.

• Birds
• Giant tortoises
• Iguanas

Good to know

Most guests add the Sulfur Mines to this outing. Ask us and we will quote the two together. From Puerto Villamil the route continues by vehicle to El Cura, where the ride on horseback begins. Temperature around 16 C; conditions change quickly, so bring a light waterproof layer. Extra fees on Isabela: water taxi USD 1 on Santa Cruz and USD 1 on Isabela; Isabela entrance USD 5 for nationals and USD 10 for foreign visitors.