Sierra Negra, Isabela

The Sierra Negra in the south of Isabela is unmissable, a vast volcanic caldera full of black lava and sand but partly rimmed by cloud forest.

You will ascend through lush and beautiful cloud forest, grippingly different from most of the Galapagos, where you should encounter a delightful selection of bird life.

Arriving at the caldera rim can be astounding - or disappointing: frequently skimmed by thick fog, visibility can be poor.

Keener walkers would want to carry on round to the dramatic Chico crater on the north-west flank, where the weather is often clearer, to make a 6 hour walk (or so). (Note though that this extended walk is not available to those exploring by boat.)

The 3 km (or so) path from the roadhead to the rim (2 hrs or so return) manages to be heavily maintained (no doubt necessary but creating a whiff of the suburbs) yet in parts very muddy much of the time.

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For more information and photos, including detailed practical information and some warnings, see our Galapagos Islands walk page.