- Height above sea level: 1,124 m;
- The diameter of the crater: 11 km;
- The last eruption: 2005
The Galapagos are islands of volcanic origin. Most of their soil is lava fields of various colors. Isabela Island , like other islands of the archipelago, appeared from the water about 5 million years ago. A bird's eye view shows several volcanoes. The biggest of them, with a height above sea level of 1,124 km - is a thyroid (formed as a result of repeated lava flows and having a sloping shape) the volcano of the Sierra Negra. It is the second largest in the Galapagos Islands .
What is interesting about the place of interest?
Over the past 200 years, the Galapagos Islands have experienced more than 50 eruptions, here are some of the most active volcanoes in the world. The Sierra Negra (in the translation from the Spanish Black Mountain) is no exception.
All visitors come to the volcano with its huge size and beautiful natural scenery around. The Sierra Negra is an active volcano, the last eruption was in 2005.
The volcano has an impressive size - its crater is a giant funnel with a diameter of 9.3 km. Visitors are given the opportunity to ride on the edge of the volcano on horseback, see birds, animals and flora. Individual walks and independent travel here are strictly prohibited.
Walk to the crater is allowed only with a guide. It is forbidden to descend into the caldera, since gas emissions occur regularly. In addition, inhalation of sulfur for a long time can lead to death.
There are two options for visiting the volcano: the first - to climb to the observation deck and from here to admire the surrounding view; the second - together with the group and the instructor to go up to the crater. Such a pleasure costs $ 35, on horses a little more expensive - $ 55.
Excursion to the crater of Sierra Negra
If you decide to storm a volcano, you need to prepare in advance. Without good physical form, there is nothing to do here. And it's not so much about lifting, it's pretty simple, how much in the surrounding conditions. Four and a half hours will have to go at a fast pace over rough terrain with climbs and descents in very high temperatures - such that horses have to be left, their hoofs can not withstand the temperature of the soil! For the tourist, sneakers with a corrugated sole will be indispensable - they will protect their feet from burns and injuries.
The route to the Sierra Negro is more likely for young and middle-aged people. Elderly tourists can not be seen here. There are brave souls, but they usually do not pass a third of the route. As a result, frustration and unnecessary financial costs.
The total duration of the excursion is five and a half hours. During this time, a distance of 18 km is overcome. Climbing begins in a damp tropical forest. Periodically you have to overcome very hot places, and even clouds protecting the sun do not save. Without fail, you need to take a sunscreen and as much drinking water as possible (as much as you can carry).
Most of the way is a red-hot lava desert. The last, the most colorful site, in 4 km is overcome only on foot, the horses are left in the parking lot.
Landscapes on the volcano are memorable. Particularly beautiful when the fog envelops the crater of the volcano with a white veil, resembling a "white eruption." In places where the lava has not touched vegetation, there are a lot of greenery, flowers of different shades meet. On the slopes in a huge number grow guava trees. Their fruits are allowed to eat absolutely everything.
The closer to the place of passage of lava, the less green becomes. There are multi-colored lava landscapes - black faults alternate with pink, yellow and purple rocks. In an inconceivable combination, dark and colored rocks join together. At the tourist who has got here for the first time, the head goes around at a sight in depth of multi-colored gorges. On the horizon, the blue ocean gleams, and next to it is just a path along the path of the descent of the lava.
How to get here?
You can get to the Sierra Negro as part of the excursion. Self-relocation is prohibited, since 95% of the Galapagos Islands , including Isabela - the National Reserve . Excursions start from Villamil village. Independently you can go by taxi only to the place of start of excursion groups. Do not forget to negotiate with the taxi driver to wait until you see the beauty and take pictures.
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