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Isabela Island

Isabela Island is one of the most volcanically active places in the world. Hike up the Sierra Negra volcano, an active volcano with the second biggest crater of the world. If you are not into geology, do not worry, there are plenty of entertaining activities. Isabela Island is a great place to do snorkel, biking, trekking and bird watching.

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Our top 5 things to do in Isabela Island

Isabela Island is the largest island in the Galapagos Islands. The six still active volcanoes are responsible for the shape of a seahorse in the profile of this island; which offers a variety of marine and terrestrial tourist sites, in addition to a rich and wonderful diversity in endemic flora and fauna.

Villamil Port

It’s a pristine 3 km white sand beach, one of the longest in the Galapagos Islands. This is a perfect place to rest on the sand or take a relaxing walk while you observe marine iguanas, red rock crabs, birds, among other species. It’s also a very popular spot with surfers.

Sierra Negra Volcano

Climbing 1,124 meters (3,687 feet) above sea level to the largest crater you can see in the islands and enjoying the magnificent views from the top of this majestic volcano, is an experience that is definitely not to be missed.

Tintoreras Islet

This small islet is inhabited by a wide variety of wildlife, but the main attraction is seeing the white tip sharks, better known as Tintoreras. But the best part is a small canal in the middle of paths of petrified lava, where some penguins and marine iguanas are.

Snorkeling in “Los Tuneles”

Los Tuneles will be a once in a lifetime experience that you have to live. You will be closer to sea turtles, manta rays, Pacific seahorses and some coral reef fish.

Wetlands

They are a complex of trails 6 km long, located south of Isabela Island. They have a great variety of flora and fauna, as well as the spectacular landscapes of the bay of Villamil Port.

Best food in Isabela Island

The gastronomy of the Galapagos Islands, in general, is made up of a wide range of recipes whose main ingredients come from the sea, although it is also common to find some of the main ingredients of Ecuadorian cuisine, such as meats, potatoes, vegetables, and grains. The delicacies that can be found on Isabela Island represent a small part of the gastronomic wealth of the Galapagos.

Seafood rice

It’s a delicious dish that fuses various seafood, among which may be: clams, shells, mussels, octopus, squid, fish, among others, with diced onion, chopped bell pepper and rice.

Galapagos Lobster

Lobster is always the first choice of visitors. Its exquisite flavor does not compare with any other due to its endemic species (red and green) that inhabit the islands. Lobsters can be consumed in various ways such as: lobster with special sauce, lobster au gratin, baked lobster, lobster with garlic cream, rice with lobster and clams, among others.

Ceviche

It is traditionally prepared with fish marinated in lemon juice and then mixed with red onion, tomato, peppers, and cilantro. Although this delicious dish can also be prepared with other seafood such as shrimp, crab, among others.

Cod with potatoes

Cod with potatoes is a deliciously simple recipe, in which once again fish (cod) is the star ingredient.

Galapagos Coffee

Volcanic coffee is grown in the Galapagos Highlands. Hand-picked by the local community and sun-dried on the islands. The miracle of the enchanted islands makes it possible to grow coffee at only 300 meters above sea level. Thanks to the cold and warm currents encountered in the islands help form a foggy allowing a cloud-forest like weather, perfect for the coffee growth.

What to pack for Isabela Island

Hiking shoes

Whether you’re trekking or just walking, you’ll need a good and comfortable pair of shoes in Galapagos.

Wind and waterproof coat

The Galapagos Islands can have very diverse weather. Due to the warm and cold currents meeting onsite different micro-climates are formed. It can be very sunny on the seashore but raining in the highlands.

Reusable water bottle

Galapagos is definitely an outdoor adventure and a reusable water bottle will help you stay hydrated without contributing to the plastic waste in the pristine islands.

Adaptor plug

The voltage in the Galapagos Islands is 120V and the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard frequency is 60 Hz.

Headphones

You are not allowed to play music out loud everywhere. Make sure to bring your headphones if you want to enjoy some of your music.

Sunscreen

Sun exposure can be high during the day so it’s very important to have sunscreen to protect your skin. Also, keep lipstick in mind to avoid dry lips, and an anti-mosquito lotion to avoid mosquito bites.

Cash

It’s very important to have cash if you want to buy handicrafts or other things.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you’ll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter Ecuador. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date.

Also, COVID restrictions for the Galapagos Islands are changing according to specific situations. Please check with us before traveling.

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