Sierra Negra Volcano Day Tour | Isabela Galápagos 2026

Active Volcano Trekking
• Flexible Cancellation

Sierra Negra Volcano Trek:
Isabela Island Day Tour

A 16 km hike into the highlands of Isabela, along the rim of one of the largest volcanic calderas on the planet and out across the ochre lava fields of Volcán Chico. The one Galápagos day tour that has nothing to do with the sea.

Departures
Daily, 07:30 AM
Duration
6 Hours
Distance
16 km Trek
Base Island
Isabela

What to Expect on the Sierra Negra Volcano Trek

Sierra Negra is the dominant feature of southern Isabela and one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos: it last erupted in 2018, and the fumaroles still vent along the rim. Its caldera measures roughly 9 by 10 kilometres, among the largest in the world, and standing on the edge of it is the closest thing the archipelago offers to a geology lesson you can walk into.

The trek moves through three completely different worlds in six hours. You start in the humid highlands among ferns and Scalesia forest, climb to the caldera rim where the ground drops away into a black lava plain, and then cross to Volcán Chico, where oxidised minerals turn the rock orange, red and yellow, and the view opens north across Elizabeth Bay toward Fernandina.

This is the one Isabela tour that is not about the water, which makes it the natural pairing with a marine day. Most visitors combine it with Los Túneles at Cabo Rosa or the shorter Las Tintoreras tour on the following day. If you have a spare afternoon, the Tintoreras kayak tour fits alongside either.

Sierra Negra Trek Itinerary, Hour by Hour

07:30 AM — Pickup & Transfer to the Highlands

Pickup at your hotel in Puerto Villamil, then a 45-minute drive up into the humid zone to the National Park trailhead.

09:00 AM — The Caldera Rim

We reach the edge of the main crater. A snack stop looking out over the solidified lava plain and the active fumaroles venting along the rim.

11:00 AM — Volcán Chico & the Lava Fields

We cross into the Volcán Chico area, where oxidised rock turns the ground orange and red. Walking over pahoehoe lava, with views north across Elizabeth Bay toward Fernandina.

01:30 PM — Descent & Return to Puerto Villamil

Back down through the ferns and Scalesia forest to the trailhead, where our transport is waiting to take you into town.

What’s Included

  • ✓ Certified Bilingual Guide
  • ✓ Ground Transportation
  • ✓ Box Lunch & Water
  • ✓ National Park Permits

Not Included

  • ✕ Trekking Poles (available for rent)
  • ✕ Hiking Boots
  • ✕ Tips & Personal Expenses

What to Bring on the Sierra Negra Trek

Sixteen kilometres over lava with no shade, no water and no shelter on the route:

  • Hiking Boots – Mandatory. High-traction closed footwear; the lava is sharp and loose.
  • Rain Jacket – The highlands sit in cloud much of the year and the weather turns fast.
  • Sun Protection – Above the cloud line the sun at the rim is brutal.
  • Extra Water – At least 2 litres per person. There is nowhere to refill.
  • Backpack – To carry the box lunch, water and a layer.
  • Camera – The colour shift between the caldera and Volcán Chico is the reason people photograph this hike.

Sierra Negra Trek: Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Sierra Negra trek?
Moderate, but longer than most people expect. It covers 16 km over mostly flat, uneven volcanic ground with no shade. There is no technical climbing and no serious altitude, so what it demands is endurance and decent footwear rather than skill. If you walk regularly you will be fine; if 16 km sounds like a lot, it is.

Is Sierra Negra still an active volcano?
Yes. Sierra Negra is one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos and last erupted in 2018. Fumaroles vent steam along the caldera rim on most days. The trail only operates when the National Park and the Geophysical Institute consider it safe.

Can I see lava flowing during the tour?
Almost certainly not. Eruptions are sporadic and the park closes the trail during them. What you see is solidified lava from past flows, volcanic steam from the fumaroles, and the colour banding at Volcán Chico.

What happens if it rains?
The trek goes ahead in light rain, which is common in the highlands, so a rain jacket is on the essential list rather than the optional one. The mud on the first section becomes slippery. In heavy rain or poor visibility the guide may shorten the route to the caldera rim without continuing to Volcán Chico.

Are there bathrooms on the trail?
Only at the trailhead, before you start. There is nothing for the rest of the route, so plan accordingly.

Is the trek suitable for children?
It depends entirely on the child. There is no danger beyond the terrain itself, but 16 km with no shade is a long day for anyone under about 12. Tell us the ages when you enquire and we will give you an honest answer rather than sell you a difficult afternoon.

Do I need to stay on Isabela to do this tour?
Yes. Pickup is at 07:30 AM from Puerto Villamil and the inter-island ferries from Santa Cruz do not arrive in time, so you need at least one night on Isabela beforehand.

Cancellation Policy

This trek is covered by our flexible cancellation terms. Full conditions, deadlines and refund rules are on the cancellation policy page. If the National Park closes the trail for volcanic or weather reasons, we offer free rescheduling or a full refund.

$70 per person
Daily departures

Sierra Negra Volcano Trek
Puerto Villamil, Isabela, Galápagos

✓ Flexible Cancellation Policy

* Hiking boots are required. Requires at least one night on Isabela Island before the tour date.

  • • Small Groups (Max 12)
  • • Lunch & Water Included
  • • Professional Trekking Guide


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