Have you ever stood on the edge of a volcano and stared into its gaping maw? The vastness of the caldera, the immense size, the very earth trembling beneath your steps – it is a humbling experience. Standing here, on the rim of Volcán Sierra Negra, you are surrounded by a landscape that is at once breathtaking and terrifying. Volcán Sierra Negra is a shield volcano that sits on Isabela Island in the Galapagos Archipelago. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos and is known for its colossal caldera, the largest in the tropics, and the second largest in the world. It is truly a sight to behold. The caldera is vast, measuring a whopping 7.2 km by 9.3 km. It is a reminder of the immense power of nature, the earth cracking and collapsing as a result of volcanic eruptions. The caldera is not only massive but also shallow, only 100 meters deep. This is due in part to the shield-like shape of the volcano. Imagine the volcano as an upside-down soup bowl.
The volcano, with its dramatic landscape, is home to some unique and endangered species. You may see the Galapagos giant tortoise which is unique for having a saddleback shell. These tortoises are threatened due to habitat destruction, hunting, and feral mammals. To make things worse, they sometimes get in the way of lava flows. Despite its dangerous nature, Volcán Sierra Negra is a popular tourist destination. Visitors come to hike its trails, marvel at the lava fields, and get a sense of the raw power of nature. As you stand here, on the rim of this magnificent volcano, you are reminded of the planet’s ability to create and destroy, to heal and to erupt. The earth breathes and lives, and we are merely guests in this incredible world.