Regions in Galapagos

Isabela is the largest of the Galapagos islands, covering 58% (46,000 km²) of the total land area, but with just 2,500 inhabitants in and around the sleepy town of Puerto Villamil. First settled in 1897 (Antonio Gil’s descendents still live here), the island was a US air base during the Second World War, then a penal colony. There are several small hotels and guest houses and a fine sandy beach (perfect for families).

After this was abolished in 1959, colonisation increased. Initially the main activity was agriculture (in the damper and fertile zone under the Sierra Negra volcano), then fishing, and more recently tourism. Five volcanoes dominate the island: Cerro Azul and Sierra Negra in the south, Alcedo in the centre, and Darwin and Wolf in the north. It was formed less than a million years ago.

From the village one can visit Concha de Perla, a protected area ideal for snorkelling or a swim; Las Tintoreras, a protected area near the port, and highly recommended; the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (two local species); the Wall of Tears trails (Muro de las Lagrimas); and Sierra Negra volcano - a 22 km dirt road leads from Villamil to the highlands, where many villagers have their farms. The main crater, around the rim of which one can walk, is the second largest in the world after the Ngorongoro in Tanzania.

Elsewhere yacht visitor sites include: Elizabeth Bay - a narrow passage lined with mangroves with good views of the marine life, including marine turtles, rays and flightless cormorants. Tagus Cove - opposite Punta Espinosa, the cliffs are covered with graffiti of ship’s names going back hundreds of years and dolphins are often seen. A trail leads up past a parasitic crater with salty water that seeps in through an underground fissure, and at the top there are fine views of the lava fields from Darwin’s volcano. Urvina Bay - remains of a coral reef uplifted from the sea.

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