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Home Visitor
Sites
LAND EXCURSIONS
The Wetlands
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Wetlands
are places with water; this can be pools or lagoons, streams,
mangrove swamps, islets and during low tide includes marine
waters less than 6 meters in depth. The wetlands route is a
5km series of trails that you can explore on foot or by car
choosing between the various pedestrian visitor sites. Each
visitor site is clearly marked with signposts that indicate
its name and distance.
When walking the trails you will see wooden posts with numbered
markers. Each numbered marker represents an interpretive station.
Find the corresponding number in the guide: 'Walking through
the wetlands of Isabela' that you will find in Puerto Villamil.
Poza de Los Diablos
The Poza de los Diablos located next to the road that leads
from Puerto Villamil to the Wall of Tears is the largest lagoon
in Galapagos, and is also one of the main reproduction sites
for flamingos. Here it is common to see these svelte birds next
to the many mangroves found in the wetlands.
La Playita
The Playita is a small white sand beach with lava rock where
sea birds rest after feeding. It's an ideal place to enjoy the
sun and the nature surrounded by mangroves. It offers a great
view of Puerto Villamil and its nearby islands.
Pozas Verdes
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This
trails passes through a dry mesquite forest and a wet mangrove
forest. A viewpoint allows you a breathtaking view of one of
the most unique landscapes in Galapagos: candelabra cacti surround
this tranquil green lagoon.
Los Tunos Viewpoint
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From
the edge of an area of collapsed lava you will have a panoramic
view of the Poza Verde. The lagoon is surrounded by mangroves
and a thousand year old forest of endemic candelabra cacti.
Playa del Amor
Playa del Amor is a small beach with coarse grained sand formed
from shells and sea urchins that ends in a shallow inter-tidal
lagoon. This lagoon is perfect for enjoying a relaxing swim
and is ideal for small children. The nearby rocky coastline
is home to many marine iguanas.
Túnel del Estero
This is a fascinating place for geology enthusiasts. This tunnel
was formed by volcanic eruptions that flowed out under the sea.
You can walk inside the tunnel at low tide.
Poza Redonda
This is an area of collapsed lava that has formed a small lagoon.
From the edge you will be able to see how the plants of Galapagos
have developed in the blocks of lava. You can descend to the
edge of the lagoon to see the different layers of solidified
lava from various eruptions.
Poza Escondida
The trail leads you through the typical dry forest of cacti
and acacias found in Galapagos. After a few metres you will
find yourself in the middle of a mangrove swamp that feeds out
to the ocean.
El Estero
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The
trail to the Estero allows you to closely observe the mangrove
eco systems unique to Isabela and the largest black mangrove
trees in Galapagos.
It is one of the most unique, interesting visitor sites in the
archipelago. Here a freshwater spring forms a river during low
tide that flows into a sandy bay where various sea birds and
marine life can be observed.
Cerro Orchilla Viewpoint
From
the summit of Cerro Orchilla you can see the entire coastal
wetland system including Poza de los Diablos, Puerto Villamil,
the beaches, the volcanoes and the islets to the south east
of Isabela. It's a great location for taking panoramic photos
on clear days.
Wall of Tears
The
Wall of Tears is a historic site in Isabela. Between 1946 and
1959 Isabela was a penal colony, where prisoners were made build
a wall with huge blocks of lava as punishment. The wall is 100
metres long and 7 metres high. Due to the arduous labour and
harsh conditions in which the prisoners lived, this site is
known as the wall of tears.
A set of stairs provides a bird's eye view of the wall and the
surrounding landscape. You can still see the cement foundations
of the USA base dating back to the Second World War.
Concha de Perla
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This is the perfect spot for those who love swimming or snorkelling!
Concha de Perla is a shallow, calm bay with crystal clear water
that allows you to enjoy the fascinating marine life of Galapagos.
If you are lucky you will be able to swim with sea lions and
penguins.
Las Tintoreras
A short distance from Puerto Villamil is the small island known
as 'Las Tintoreras'. Here a colony of white tip sharks can often
be seen resting in a lava canal. You can snorkel or swim in
the unique habitat of these animals.
Nearby hundreds of marine iguanas can be observed, as 'Las Tintoreras'
is one of their main breeding sites. On the nearby sandy beaches,
sea lions play and relax in the sun. This is one of Isabela's
most beautiful visitor sites.
Giant Tortoise Breeding
Centre
A 1.2km trail passes from Puerto Villamil to the Breeding Centre
through various ecosystems. Along the trail you will see many
different types of plants and animals in the lagoon and mangrove,
dry forest and lava ecosystems that are found only on Galapagos.
In the Breeding Centre you will be able to observe tortoises
of all ages and sizes. You will also learn about the reproduction
and rearing of giant tortoises and see all the work that is
being carried out to help recover the wild populations of these
species. There is also a visitor's centre and a gift shop where
local handmade products are sold.
La Playa Grande
Right in front of Puerto Villamil you will find one of the most
spectacular white sand beaches found in the Galapagos Islands.
The majority of this beach is located within the National Park
so it is totally unspoilt. Populations of ghost crabs and sea
birds abound on this stretch of beach. This is an ideal spot
for swimming, walking and surfing.
Mang o Viewpoint
Not too far off the road that runs from town to the island's
agricultural zone you will find 'El Mango'. The site gets its
name from the large mango tree that was planted by the first
settlers. From the top of the highest hill, on a clear day,
there is a spectacular view of all of south Isabela, as well
as some of the other surrounding islands including Floreana
and Santa Cruz.
The Volcanoes
Sierra Negra is located 13 miles from Puerto Villamil and boasts
the world's second largest volcanic crater, measuring 6 miles
in diameter and 300 metres deep. This volcano has three visitor
sites:
La Bocanilla
This is one option for taking in the landscapes of the Sierra
Negra crater without walking a great deal. This site is located
approximately 2 miles from the resting point 'Paradero Sierra
Negra'. On clear days you will have a panoramic view of this
spectacular crater.
Volcán Chico
Located in the north-eastern part of Sierra Negra. Upon arriving
at 'Paradero Sierra Negra' you can rent a horse or go on foot
to 'El Jaboncillo'. From there you will descend a short trail
that is designated solely for pedestrian use.
Once you arrive at Volcán Chico, you will see various
formations of petrified lava of many different colours and
textures. You will also find fumaroles scattered throughout
this area. On a clear day you will be greeted by a majestic
view of the Perry Isthmus and other surrounding islands.
If you would like to camp near the volcano, you have to request
permission in the Galapagos National Park office in Puerto
Villamil and contract the services of a local guide.
Volcán de Azufre
This site is located in the western part of the Sierra Negra
crater. From 'Paradero Sierra Negra' you can rent a horse
to take you the 6 miles to the Volcán de Azufre. After
arriving by horse to the edge of the crater, you will be able
to descend on foot to the fumaroles that are located on the
back side of the crater.
If you wish to camp at the crater edge, you must get permission
from the Galapagos National Park in Puerto Villamil. In order
to visit this site you must contract the services of a local
guide.
OCEAN
EXCURSIONS
Islote Tortuga
Located approximately 30 minutes from Puerto Villamil, you find
the small island of Tortuga. This is an old volcanic crater.
This island is one of the main nesting sites for Galapagos sea
birds. From your boat you will be able to observe an infinite
number of frigate birds, boobies, gulls and the tropic bird
among others. You should not try to disembark as it is quite
dangerous and may interrupt the breeding pattern of these impressive
birds. Tortuga is an excellent dive site. In order to visit
this site you must contract the services of a local guide.
Islotes Cuatro Hermanos
Cuatro hermanos is located 50 minutes by boat from Puerto Villamil.
These four small islands are a very important sanctuary for
the reproduction of hundreds of marine birds. This area is an
excellent place for scuba diving. Do no try to disembark as
tidal conditions are dangerous. In order to visit this site
you must contract the services of a local guide.
Los Túneles
Los Tuneles are located approx. 60 minutes by boat from Puerto
Villamil. This site is one of the most spectacular places for
snorkelling in Isabela as the water is shallow, clear and calm.
This marine sanctuary is characterized by its unique geologic
formations.
A series of lava flows have produced a number of arches and
tunnels both under and above water, where you find a number
of animal species that have taken up residence in these magnificent
formations.
The entry into this site is shallow and the waves can be quite
strong, for this reason it is not always feasible to enter this
site. The best season to visit is between the months of January
and May.
To get to this site you will need to hire a speedboat from town
and contract the services of a local guide. |
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