Isabela Island: Sierra Negra Volcano Hike with Local Guide

Summary

Walk across ancient lava fields to sierra negra’s crater rim with a guide

You’ll hike across ancient lava fields on Isabela Island with a local guide leading the way to Sierra Negra volcano’s massive crater. Feel volcanic warmth under your hand, share stories over a simple lunch with views you won’t forget, and finish your day back at Puerto Villamil — probably a little dusty but glad you came.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air to smell so clean up there — almost sharp, like rain on warm stone. We met our guide near Puerto Villamil just after sunrise (I was still half-asleep, honestly), and the drive out to the trailhead was quiet except for the sound of gravel under the tires. The volcano looked impossibly wide from a distance, low clouds snagged on its edge. I remember thinking it didn’t look real.

The hike itself was long but not hard — mostly flat, though my shoes picked up dust that stuck for days. Our guide, Andrés, kept stopping to show us tiny plants pushing through old lava rock. He told us stories about eruptions and pointed out where you could see steam rising if you watched closely. At one point he let us touch a vent; it felt warm against my palm, which was weirdly comforting. There’s something about feeling that heat right under your hand that makes you realize how alive this place is.

Lunch came in a box (a sandwich and fruit — nothing fancy but tasted great after walking for hours). We sat on black rocks looking out over the caldera while Andrés tried to teach me the name of a bird in Spanish — I definitely got it wrong, and he laughed. The wind picked up then, carrying this earthy smell I still think about sometimes. Heading back down, everyone was quieter; maybe tired or just taking it all in. The drop-off was at Puerto Villamil’s dock and we found our own way back to the hotel — which felt right somehow, like we’d earned it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sierra Negra Volcano Hike

• The guide picks you up at meeting point
• 5-hour walk to Sierra Negra Volcano
• Return to Puerto Villamil dock and hotel on your own

Top questions

How long is the Sierra Negra volcano hike from Isabela?

The walk lasts about 5 hours and covers mostly flat terrain.

Is transportation included from Puerto Villamil?

Yes, transport from Puerto Villamil to the trailhead is included.

Do I need special hiking gear for Sierra Negra?

No special gear needed; comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, a box lunch is included in the tour.

Is this hike suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Will there be a local guide on this tour?

Yes, a professional local guide leads the group throughout.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends at Puerto Villamil’s dock; return to hotel is on your own.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at an easy meeting point in Puerto Villamil, transportation out to Sierra Negra’s trailhead with your local guide leading every step, a simple box lunch along the route, and drop-off back at town when you’re done exploring volcanic craters and warm vents together.