
The largest island in the Galapagos archipelago, famous for its seahorse shape, its active volcanoes, its penguin colonies and a prehistoric biodiversity unique in the world.
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Parades, sporting events and public dances to celebrate the creation of the Galápagos province.

Celebration of the patron saint of fishermen with maritime processions and events in the port.
Littoraux avec une ambiance proche
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Explorez les charmantes villes qui donnent vie et caractère à cette côte
The only important settlement on the island. A charming town with sandy streets, small eco-friendly hotels and vibrant integrated wildlife.
Descubre los lugares más fascinantes e imperdibles de esta costa
Place dedicated to the captive reproduction of giant tortoises from the southern populations of Isabela.
Free entry, it is reached by walking along a walkway from the town.
Chaque point d'intérêt a sa propre histoire et sa magie
23-30°C
22-28°C
20-26°C
19-25°C
Tropical climate with two seasons. From January to May is the warm and rainy season (short showers and strong sun). From June to December is the dry season or 'garúa', with cooler temperatures, cloudy skies and light drizzles.
The waters vary according to the current. From January to June they are warmer (23-26°C). From July to December, the Humboldt Current cools the water (18-22°C), making it necessary to use wetsuits for prolonged snorkeling.
In open areas like Los Túneles, currents can be strong. It is recommended to always go with authorized guides.
MoitiéAlthough they seem friendly, they are wild animals. Alpha males can be territorial during the breeding season.
FaibleRegistered as a World Heritage Site, they are considered a 'living museum and showcase of evolution' unique in the world.
Recognition of the sustainable management and protection of the terrestrial and marine ecosystems of the archipelago.
Descubre Port villamil
Descubre Port ayora
Découvrez tout ce que Isabella a à offrir
Todo lo que necesitas saber sobre Isabella
Tipo
Island Destination / National Park
Extensión
100 km
Estancia recomendada
4 días
Región
Galapagos Islands
Isabela is the largest island in the Galapagos, formed by the fusion of six large volcanoes. Unlike the more urbanized islands, Isabela retains a rustic and wild atmosphere, with sandy streets in its main settlement, Puerto Villamil. It is an evolutionary sanctuary where Galapagos penguins, large marine iguanas, flamingos and giant tortoises coexist. Its landscape varies from black lava fields and immense craters like the Sierra Negra, to lush mangroves and bays with crystal clear waters. It is the favorite destination for those seeking an experience of pure nature, geological adventure and a slow pace of life facing the Pacific.
Los Tuneles (Cabo Rosa), lava formations in the shape of arches over the sea with the best snorkeling on the island.
Sierra Negra Volcano, has one of the largest craters in the world and offers spectacular hiking routes.
Las Tintoreras, islets where you can see white-tipped sharks, penguins and blue-footed boobies.
Concha de Perla, a natural bay with calm waters ideal for swimming with sea lions and sea turtles.
Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, where several species of Isabela giant tortoises are protected and raised.
The Wall of Tears, a historic site built by prisoners that recalls the island's past as a penal colony.
Wetlands and Flamingo Pools, trails that cross mangroves where migratory birds and pink flamingos live.
Whale watching, possible in the Bolívar channel during the whale watching months.
Découvrez les côtes et paysages marins incroyables de cette destination
An extensive white sand beach bordering the town, lined with palm trees and flamingo lagoons. It is common to see marine iguanas crossing the sand.
Fine white sand.
Calm waters, ideal for swimming and learning to surf.
Very safe. Gentle waves in most of the bay.
Direct access from the town on foot.
Not necessary (pedestrian/bike village).
Several kiosks and restaurants a few meters away.
Beach bars, surfboard rental, natural shade from palm trees.
A natural pool of crystal clear water protected by rocks and mangroves. It is the best free access place to snorkel with sea lions.
It does not have a sandy beach, it is accessed via a wooden walkway.
Crystalline, very calm and shallow.
Safe, but you have to be careful with the sea lions on the walkway.
On foot from the main pier of Puerto Villamil.
Not available.
There are no services on site.
None. You have to bring your own equipment.
Plongez dans des aventures uniques et découvrez la mer sous un autre angle
Exploring lava formations where you can see seahorses, sharks, turtles and penguins.
Dives to observe large pelagics, hammerheads and impressive marine biodiversity.
Paddle around the Tintoreras to observe penguins and iguanas from the water.
Descubre los secretos mejor guardados y rincones únicos que pocos conocen
An underground lava tunnel surrounded by endemic vegetation, rarely visited by mass tourism.
Transportation (taxi) is required to get to the upper area.
An imposing volcanic stone wall built by prisoners between 1946 and 1959. A place full of history and solitude.
It is reached after a 5km route by bike or on foot with stops at beaches and viewpoints.
Conecta con la naturaleza y descubre paisajes únicos que te dejarán sin aliento
16km walk (round trip) to the edge of the caldera and continuation to the Chico Volcano to see lunar landscapes and fumaroles.
Trail that connects Puerto Villamil with the Wall of Tears, passing through lagoons, mangrove forests and hidden beaches.
Isabela's cuisine is fresh and simple, highlighting seafood caught in an artisanal way by the local community.
Local mollusk with a texture similar to octopus, prepared with lemon, onion and cilantro. A unique delicacy of the islands.
Deep red rock fish, usually served fried or grilled, highly appreciated for its firm white meat.
Mixture of rice with various fresh seafood (shrimp, squid, conch) and local spices.
Fresh passion fruit, guava or tree tomato juices.
Small local productions that use ingredients from the islands.
Made with guavas that grow in the high areas of the island.
The festivities in Isabela are communal and celebrate both Ecuadorian history and island identity.
Parades, sporting events and public dances to celebrate the creation of the Galápagos province.
Celebration of the patron saint of fishermen with maritime processions and events in the port.
Évaluation complète basée sur plusieurs critères de qualité
"Extensive and very quiet white sand beaches. Puerto Villamil is one of the most beautiful urban beaches in the archipelago."
"Focused on the history of the penal colony and the community's relationship with conservation. Less museums, more living history."
"Limited. There is no mass public transportation. You walk, rent bicycles or use taxis (white vans)."
"The use of private cars for tourists is non-existent. Most places of interest are accessible by foot, bike or boat."
"Galapagos is expensive due to logistics. Isabela is slightly more expensive than Santa Cruz due to its dependence on external supplies."
"Excellent for children who love animals. Safe environment, without heavy traffic and with many educational activities."
"Based on fresh seafood. Highlights include ceviche, witch fish and lobster (in season). Limited but quality options."
"Top priority. Strict National Park rules, ban on single-use plastics and control of invasive species."
"It attracts nature travelers, photographers and adventurers looking to get away from the crowds of Santa Cruz."
"World class location for snorkeling, diving, volcanic hiking, kayaking and surfing (in certain areas)."
"Very high. The community and the National Park keep the beaches and trails impeccable."
"Extremely safe. The crime rate is almost zero; the biggest risk is sun exposure or dehydration."
"Puerto Villamil has a rustic and tropical charm with its sandy streets and palm trees, although the infrastructure is simple."
"Insurmountable. The combination of active volcanic geology and endemic fauna creates landscapes that seem from another planet."
"One of the best places in the world to see marine life: manta rays, penguins, seahorses, sharks and turtles."
"Isabela is the wild jewel of the Galapagos. Ideal for those who prioritize wildlife and the volcanic landscape over urban luxury."
🌟 Destino Extraordinario
💭 "Isabela is the wild jewel of the Galapagos. Ideal for those who prioritize wildlife and the volcanic landscape over urban luxury."
Tout ce que vous devez savoir pour planifier votre visite
For warm waters and better snorkeling visibility, January to May. To see more bird and penguin activity, and enjoy cooler temperatures for volcano walking, August to November. Avoid the weeks of Christmas and Easter if you don't like crowds.
It is mandatory to hire certified guides for most sites in the National Park. You are not allowed to touch or feed the animals (severe fines). The sun is extremely strong because it is on the equator; use biodegradable protector.
The internet in Isabela is notoriously slow and satellite-based. Many hotels offer Wi-Fi, but it is not suitable for video calls or heavy work.
Claro has the best coverage in town. Buy the SIM in Santa Cruz or the mainland before you arrive.
Always carry water (in a reusable bottle) when walking towards the volcano or the Wall of Tears; The heat can be suffocating.
The trip from Santa Cruz lasts 2 hours and can be very hectic. If you suffer from seasickness, take medication before boarding.
Bring enough cash (USD dollars). There is only one ATM on the island and it often doesn't work or runs out of money.
Always keep at least 2 meters away from any wild animal, even if they approach you.