Day 23 in the Galapagos- Isabela

 Today we hiked the incredible volcanic landscapes of Sierra Negra and El Chico on Isabela Island, covering around 10 miles in about 5 hours. Starting in the cooler highlands, we entered a world of mist and dense vegetation before reaching the massive Sierra Negra caldera, one of the largest volcanic craters in the world at nearly 10 kilometers wide. The view was surreal fog drifting across the crater, dark lava rock stretching endlessly, and patches of green clinging to the rim. From there, we continued on to El Chico, where the trail became more rugged and the terrain shifted dramatically into a surreal, almost Martian landscape of jagged lava fields, steam vents, and volcanic tunnels. This section felt more remote and untouched, a place where the earth still seems to be in motion. The sharp contrast between the raw volcanic formations and the occasional bird call reminded us just how wild and alive the Galápagos really are. The trail challenged us at times with loose rocks and uneven paths, but every step offered something worth seeing, striking geology, expansive views, and a deeper connection to the primal forces that formed these islands. The weather shifted constantly, from damp mist to glaring sun, making sunscreen and water essential. This wasn’t just a hike it was a journey through time, across landscapes shaped by fire and still marked by the island’s most recent eruption in 2018. We returned dusty, tired, and completely awed by the raw beauty of Isabela’s volcanic soul!

With Love,

Jernai