“Imagine standing here at the View to the crater of the Sierra Negra Volcano.” What do you see? Below us lies a giant. It is the second largest volcanic crater in the world. This massive caldera stretches over six miles wide. It presents a stunning vista of geological power.
Sierra Negra means Black Mountain in Spanish. The name fits. This shield volcano dominates Isabela Island. Sierra Negra is one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos. Its most recent eruption occurred in the summer of 2018. Yet it appears calm today.
We are about 30 minutes from Puerto Villamil. This volcano is unique. You can ride a horse almost to the crater’s edge. A certified naturalist guide must accompany you. The trail runs for about 6.2 miles. It begins at the National Park access point. The path has a steady incline. It is considered a medium difficulty trek.
Look around. Sierra Negra’s landscape varies greatly. The southern and eastern sides boast lush tropical forests. Fertile soil supports vibrant life at moderate altitudes. Higher up, you will see bushes and grasses. They are only a few meters tall. The northern side is different. Recent lava flows have resurfaced it. This area has almost no vegetation except for some cacti.
The Sierra Negra giant tortoise lives on the southern and southeastern slopes. This tortoise has a saddleback shell. It faces threats from hunting and habitat changes. Feral mammals also prey on them. But there is hope. An ecosystem restoration program aims to recover the tortoise population. They want to bring them back to their natural habitat.
Scientists predicted the 2018 eruption five months in advance. They used supercomputer models. The volcano also erupted in 2005. That eruption produced a lot of lava. GPS monitors track Sierra Negra. But they gave no warning before the 2005 eruption.
The air here is pure and clean. Take a deep breath. The views of the lowlands are perfect. Keep an eye out for birds. The landscape is amazing. This trail is a great trekking path.
Hiking up to the crater rim is rewarding. The trail climbs gradually. It goes from about 900 to 1100 meters above sea level. Clear days offer unbeatable views. You might even see Darwin Volcano. The islands of Santiago Fernandina and Pinzón might also be visible.
Remember the Jaboncillo tree. It is also called the soapberry tree. Its nuts can be used as natural soap. Indigenous cultures have used them for centuries.
Bird watchers will love Sierra Negra. You might spot mockingbirds. Several species of Darwin finches flit through the bushes. Vermillion flycatchers and yellow warblers add pops of color. If you are lucky you may witness a Galapagos hawk soaring overhead.
Sierra Negra is more than just a volcano. It is a living laboratory. It shows the raw power of nature. It displays the resilience of life. This view is a reminder of the Galapagos Islands’ unique beauty. Take it all in.