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Cerro Azul Volcano

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Cerro Azul Volcano (Ecuador)

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Cerro Azul is an active shield volcano on Isabela Island in the Galápagos archipelago and is among the highest peaks in the islands. Standing at 1,689 meters above sea level, it features steep flanks typical of the volcanoes on Isabela. The volcano possesses a striking 4 by 5-kilometer-wide caldera that reaches a depth of up to 600 meters. Cerro Azul is known for its powerful eruptions, with significant activity recorded in 1998 and 2008. Eruptions often occur through fissure vents on the flanks, sending lava flows all the way to the ocean. Due to its isolated location, the volcano is a haven for rare animal species, including endemic iguanas and tortoises, whose protection during volcanic eruptions presents a major logistical challenge.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252627262524222121212223
Rain mm335348481598757811

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Travel to this remote volcanic island is typically via organized boat transfers from Puerto Villamil, often operating under strict regulations imposed by national park authorities.
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Best season
The dry season from June to December brings cooler overall temperatures and is generally much more pleasant for hiking across the hot lava rocks of the shield volcano.
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Terrain & paths
The ground consists mostly of sharp-edged, brittle lava and extremely expansive, rough surfaces that make walking a slow and sometimes physically exhausting challenge.
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What to bring
Particularly sturdy shoes with very thick soles are absolutely necessary to avoid injury from the sharp lava; additionally, carrying abundant drinking water is essential for the day.
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Parking
As this is an uninhabited island area, there are no parking facilities whatsoever; access is strictly managed through authorized anchorage points for official tourist boats.
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Safety
The volcano is highly active; visitors must strictly remain on designated routes and implicitly follow the instructions of guides to safely avoid gas emissions and deep fissures.
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Time needed
A typical excursion to the peripheral areas takes a half to full day, whereas serious expeditions to the main crater often require special permits and significantly more time.

Geography

Coordinates
-0.91000, -91.40000

Facts

  • Peak elevation of 1,689 meters
  • One of the deepest calderas at 600 m
  • Last major eruption in the year 2008
  • Second highest mountain in the Galápagos
  • Located on Isabela Island
  • Home to endemic iguana species

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Wolf VolcanoWolf Volcano8 km · NExplore →
Darwin VolcanoDarwin Volcano13 km · NExplore →
Fernandina IslandFernandina Island17 km · SExplore →
Sierra NegraSierra Negra30 km · NExplore →
Alcedo VolcanoAlcedo Volcano32 km · NExplore →
Isabela IslandIsabela Island44 km · NExplore →
Puerto VillamilPuerto Villamil48 km · NExplore →
Santiago IslandSantiago Island78 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Cerro Azul Volcano (1)

Cerro Azul (Ecuador volcano)📍 landmark

Cerro Azul is a volcano on the Galapagos Islands, Isabela Island. Its caldera holds a crater lake.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Cerro Azul located?
It is located in the far southwest of Isabela Island in the Galapagos Islands.
How active is this volcano?
It is one of the most active volcanoes in the archipelago with frequent eruptions.
Can you climb the summit?
No, there are no official tourist trails to the summit.
How high is Cerro Azul?
The summit reaches a significant height of 1,689 meters.
What is the best way to see it?
Best from a distance from a boat during a Galapagos cruise.
Cerro Azul Volcano: where is it located?
Cerro Azul Volcano is located in Ecuador.
Cerro Azul Volcano: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Cerro Azul Volcano: why is it worth visiting?
Cerro Azul is an active shield volcano on Isabela Island in the Galápagos archipelago and is among the highest peaks in the islands.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Puerto Ayora — Cerro Azul Volcano (Ecuador)
Puerto Ayora
The most populous city of the Galapagos Islands and the main center for tourists.
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno — Cerro Azul Volcano (Ecuador)
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
The political capital of the Galapagos Islands, famous for its sea lion colonies.
Puerto Villamil — Cerro Azul Volcano (Ecuador)
Puerto Villamil
A relaxed, sandy-street coastal village surrounded by spectacular Galápagos wildlife.

More places

Wolf Volcano — Cerro Azul Volcano (Ecuador)
Wolf Volcano
The highest peak of the Galapagos Islands, located directly on the equator line on Isabela Island.
Darwin Volcano — Cerro Azul Volcano (Ecuador)
Darwin Volcano
An almost perfectly symmetrical shield volcano in the Galapagos named after the famous naturalist.
Fernandina Island — Cerro Azul Volcano (Ecuador)
Fernandina Island
Fernandina is the youngest and most active volcanic island in the Galapagos group, featuring vast lava fields and completely pristine nat…
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Sierra Negra
A massive shield volcano on Isabela Island featuring one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world.
Alcedo Volcano — Cerro Azul Volcano (Ecuador)
Alcedo Volcano
A remote shield volcano in the center of Isabela Island known for its large population of giant tortoises.
Isabela Island — Cerro Azul Volcano (Ecuador)
Isabela Island
Isabela is the largest of the Galapagos Islands, shaped by six volcanoes, and home to numerous giant tortoises and marine iguanas.
Santiago Island — Cerro Azul Volcano (Ecuador)
Santiago Island
Santiago Island impresses with dramatic black lava coastlines home to fur seals, sea lions, and countless Sally Lightfoot crabs.
Floreana Island — Cerro Azul Volcano (Ecuador)
Floreana Island
Floreana has a fascinating history full of pirates and whalers, and today is home to pink flamingos at Punta Cormorant.