Itinerary 

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SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO

The hike to the active Sierra Negra Volcano is without a doubt the greatest hike in Galápagos. 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. Experience the true strength of Earth's origin. 

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• Times: 7.30 

• Duration: 5-6 hours

• Group size: Max. 16

• Difficulty: High

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DISCOVER THE SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO

You will be collected between 7:10 and 7:30 from 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 finished. Moreover, it helps avoid 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 will have time to meet the other people you will be hiking with.

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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 hearing facts and stories about the volcano, as well as information about the plants and wildlife that make this environment 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 descends for more than 100 meters. Hence, you get an impressive panoramic view over Isabela. There will be enough time to take breathtaking photographs. From here on, about every 15 minutes the landscape will change drastically from thick vegetation to colorful lava rocks. You will feel as though you are walking on the moon. It is easy to imagine that this is what the entire chain of the Galápagos Islands once looked like. On the volcano you will observe life slowly growing through the rocks and evolving right in front of your eyes.

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It takes about 1 ½ to 2 hours to arrive at the first and only shelter on the Sierra Negra volcano. Here will be the lunch break. Please remember to take all of your belongings with you. We do not want to litter such an beautiful place.

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The Path to Volcan Chico

At some point the path will split in two ways. Generally, all tours to the Sierra Negra go to Volcan Chico, which showcases an interesting landscape: active fumaroles, spatter and ash cones, crystalized minerals, collapsed lava tunnels and impressive lava formations. Volcan Chico was formed in 1979 from the eruption of the Sierra Negra Volcano. 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 volcanoes of Isabela and Fernandina. The total hike to Volcan Chico and back is about 16 km.

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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 rarely 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. They will provide 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 that 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 Sucre, and the awe-inspiring Mirador del Mango viewpoint. Immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of Sierra Negra. An adventure tailored to your preferences and curiosity.

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Returning 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 Volcano. 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 sea turtles.

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Includes:

• Naturalist guide

• Land transport

• Box lunch, vegetarian and vegan option

• Drinks

• Photos and videos

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