Black Sierra volcano

Sierra Negra (Black Highlands) is a very active volcano that offers a landscape from another planet. It is located to the southeast of Isabela Island, in the archipelago of Galápagos, Ecuador. It is part of a group of volcanoes that are found on the same island, which from north to south are called: Ecuador, Wolf, Darwin, Alcedo, Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul. They are a demonstration of the intense geological activity of the island, which places the Galapagos Islands as one of the most intense volcanic zones in the world.

The nearest town to Sierra Negra volcano is the village of Puerto Villamil, located on the south side of Isabela island. The immense volcano, with the shape of a shield, rises until the 1,124 meters above sea level, being estimated its antiquity in the 535,000 years. Its boiler is 110 meters deep and its diameter reaches up to 60 km, with an area of ​​30 square miles.

Ascending to El Mango lookout to observe the crater is a must for those who like adventure and long walks. Geology lovers will find surprises, because its last eruption formed fabulous landscapes of lava, which are combined in a kind of symbiosis with endemic flora and fauna, turning it into a unique geographical site. Its last eruption occurred between the 22 and the 30 of October of 2005  when 150 million m³ of lava were emitted.

On the way to Sierra Negra the landscape changes drastically, from the humid forest to the volcanic aridity of black soils and little vegetation. Activities such as bird watching and 2 tours can be done. One to the viewpoint of the Sierra Negra Volcano and another to the Chico Volcano. The duration is between 4 or 5 hours. You must always leave early, since you must go by vehicle to the higher lands of Isabela and from there you enter to a new world by foot into landscapes that look like from another planet. The panoramic views are excellent, combining the lava fields with panoramics of the sea. Once at the top, it is possible to walk along the edge of the caldera, bordering it.