Isabela - Sierra Negra and Puerto Villamil
Puerto Villamil and Sierra Negra Caldera in southern Isabela were on the itinerary for day three.
Sierra Negra
Sierra Negra is the largest broad shield volcano and most active of the six on Isabela. Further, the last effusive eruption was June through August 2018, about six months before our visit. (Refs 2 and 3).
Following an overnight voyage from Rábida Island, our boat anchored just north of most westerly islet in the Islote Las Tintoreras. And, the anchorage was a long way out from Puerto Villamil’s wooden pier. Since our panga hugged the coast, it took a long time before we disembarked. Once ashore, we set off to visit the Sierra Negra (Black Mountain) Volcano viewing point with our park guide.
Sierra Negra Caldera on Isabela Island
The Sierra Negra Caldera on Isabela Island is one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos. Further, the altitude at the viewing point on the southern rim is just under one thousand metres.
Sierra Negra Volcano Wildlife
Sierra Negra Volcano Wildlife
From Puerto Villamil, it was a thirty-minute minibus ride to the drop-off point at the trailhead. Then, a three-kilometre, sixty-minute uphill walk to the caldera.
Featured images are a small ground finch that I spotted on the trail. And at the caldera viewing area, a couple of small tree finches and a smooth-billed Ani, an introduced species. Also, other birds photographed at the caldera but not displayed in the gallery include the Galápagos flycatcher and yellow warbler. Moreover, the view of the caldera was imposing and great for photography. Still, the wildlife on the walk was lacking.
Puerto Villamil
Puerto Villamil is a small port town with a long white sand beach and only a few thousand inhabitants.
After lunch and in the mid-afternoon, we had a guided walking tour in Puerto Villamil. We started at the Tortoise Breeding Centre (Centro de Crianza Tortugas Gigantes), about two kilometres from the pier. Then through to the wetlands at Sendero de flamencos to photograph waders and flamingos. Finally, we walked into town, chilled out at BJ Beach Club Bar, and watched the sunset before returning to the boat.
Wildlife at Puerto Villamil and Wetlands
Wildlife at Puerto Villamil and Wetlands
The gallery displays images of the endangered Galápagos Penguins on coastal rocks in the harbour. Further, other wildlife along the trail from the Tortoise Breeding Centre and into the Wetlands features. Galápagos mockingbird, common cactus finch, black-necked stilt, white-cheeked pintail, American flamingo and lava lizard. Other birds photographed but not displayed were a Common Moorhen [Gallinule].
Fellow Travellers
Sunset at Puerto Villamil
After the walk, it was time to chill out at BJ Beach Club Bar, then watch the sunset before returning to the boat.
References and Bibliography - Online Resources
1. Galapagos’ Sierra Negra volcano eruption triggers evacuation 2018. [Online] Available from BBC [Accessed 23-Sep-21].
2. Global Volcanism Program – Sierra Negra No date. Online] Available from Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History Global Volcanism Program [Accessed 18-Sep-21].
3. Effusive & Explosive Eruptions 2021. [Online] Available from The Geological Society [Accessed 23-Sep-21].