DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Sierra Negra

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Mountain
—°
Sierra Negra (Ecuador)

Weather…

Sierra Negra is one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos Islands, located at the southern end of Isabela Island. It possesses one of the largest calderas in the world, with a diameter of approximately 10 by 7 kilometers and a depth of 100 meters. Standing at 1,124 meters, this shield volcano is renowned for its frequent eruptions, with the most recent major events occurring in 2005 and 2018. The north side of the volcano is characterized by solidified lava flows and volcanic cones, while the southern flank is often shrouded in mist and supports lusher vegetation. Hiking to the crater rim features spectacular views of the lunar-like landscape inside the caldera and the surrounding islands. Geologically, Sierra Negra is a key example of hotspot volcanism and contributes significantly to the geomorphological evolution of the archipelago.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252627262524222121212223
Rain mm335348481598757811

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
Reached generally by a road from Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. A short drive brings visitors to the national park control point to start walking.
📅
Best season
Accessible year-round, but the cool, dry season from June to November usually provides fewer muddy trails. Early morning visits avoid the intense heat.
⛰️
Terrain & paths
The trail is mostly a steady, moderate incline on dirt paths. The terrain becomes more uneven and rocky as you approach the massive caldera rim.
🎒
What to bring
Bring plenty of drinking water, reliable sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. A light rain jacket is wise for sudden coastal mist.
🅿️
Parking
There is a designated parking area at the start of the trail where taxis or tour buses wait. Independent vehicles can also be left safely here.
⚠️
Safety
Sun exposure is the primary concern, as shade is extremely limited. Always stay on marked paths to avoid disturbing the fragile volcanic landscape.
⏱️
Time needed
The typical hike to the caldera rim and back takes about 3 to 4 hours. Exploring further along the rim can extend the visit by a couple of hours.

Geography

Coordinates
-0.83000, -91.13000

Facts

  • Caldera diameter of approx. 10 x 7 km
  • Peak elevation is 1,124 meters
  • Last major eruption in the year 2018
  • Second largest caldera in the world
  • Located on Isabela Island
  • Consists of a shallow shield profile

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Alcedo VolcanoAlcedo Volcano2 km · NExplore →
Isabela IslandIsabela Island14 km · NExplore →
Darwin VolcanoDarwin Volcano17 km · SExplore →
Puerto VillamilPuerto Villamil18 km · NExplore →
Wolf VolcanoWolf Volcano22 km · SExplore →
Cerro Azul VolcanoCerro Azul Volcano30 km · SExplore →
Fernandina IslandFernandina Island47 km · SExplore →
Santiago IslandSantiago Island48 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 nearby

Frequently asked questions

What makes Sierra Negra so special?
It has one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world, 10 km in diameter.
How do you get to the crater?
Tours usually start from Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island and involve a hike.
Is the hike strenuous?
The hike is moderate but goes over uneven lava rock and features little shade.
When was the last eruption?
The last significant eruption of Sierra Negra occurred in June 2018.
What should I wear?
Good hiking boots, sun protection, and a rain jacket are essential in Galapagos.
Sierra Negra: where is it located?
Sierra Negra is located in Ecuador.
Sierra Negra: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Sierra Negra: why is it worth visiting?
Sierra Negra is one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos Islands, located at the southern end of Isabela Island.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
South America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in South America
More places in Ecuador →

Nearby cities

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

More places

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