Honest Sierra Negra Volcano Hike Review – Is It Worth It?

Spoiler: it’s not one of the biggest calderas in the world, but it might still be one of the most rewarding hikes in the Galápagos Islands.

Many travellers considering the Sierra Negra Volcano hike wonder if it’s really worth the effort – 16 km sounds long, and the weather is notoriously unpredictable. Will the views be clear? Is the trail too tough? And what exactly makes this hike special compared to all the other activities on Isabela Island?

We recently did the tour ourselves, guided by a passionate local expert who turned a good hike into an unforgettable experience. From the broad, easy first stretch up to the caldera rim, to the rugged lava fields around Chico Volcano, we got the complete picture of why Sierra Negra is so unique.

This review is written for fellow travellers – whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a geology nerd like us, or simply looking to decide if this hike deserves a spot on your Galápagos itinerary.

What follows is our honest take: the highlights, the challenges, and everything we wish we knew before lacing up our hiking boots.

• Sierra Negra Volcano Galapagos Hiking Tour Review
  • Hiking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano Itinerary
  • Sierra Negra Volcano Hiking Tour – Our Honest Opinion
  • What Other Travellers Say About the Hiking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano
  • What Does the Sierra Negra Volcano Hiking Tour Include?
  • Conclusion: Is the Hiking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano Worth it?
  • Where We Stayed in Isabela

Sierra Negra Volcano Galapagos Hiking Tour Review

We recently went on this Hiking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano:

Hiking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano Itinerary

This is the itinerary of the exact Hiking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano we went on:

1. Hike to the Caldera

We met up with our guide and our group at the tour company and started our pleasant 45-minute drive to the starting point of the hike. Please note that this is the only location where you can find a toilet.

The first part of the hike is walking up to the Caldera of Sierra Negra Volcano. The path is broad and the incline gentle.

At the top, our lovely tour guide gathered us around at the best viewpoint, took some pictures, and gave us a very thorough explanation of the geology.

Afterwards, the path was flat for a bit as we followed the crater rim.

2. Snack Break

Before heading to Chico Volcano, we had ample time to relax and eat our box lunch. We were lucky to be accompanied by a giant tortoise! Maybe that’s why we forgot to take a picture of the food, but we remember that there was a sandwich, more snacks, a juice (bring extra water!), and overall enough food to make it through the hike comfortably.

3. Hike to Chico Volcano

Next up was the hike to Chico Volcano. Here, the path gets significantly more narrow and gravelly. We stopped frequently on this part of the hike, and our guide explained lava formations, picked up rocks, and showed us the landscapes as well as the flora.

At the furthest point, we had time to rest and take in the views again. We also had plenty of time to ask every question that came to our minds while our amazing guide answered patiently.

4. Way Back

The Sierra Negra hike is an in-and-out hike, so you walk the same path both ways. The last bit on our way down was a bit slippery and muddy, but it wasn’t too bad, and we never felt rushed.

Sierra Negra Volcano Hiking Tour – Our Honest Opinion

We are geology nerds, so of course, this tour was one of the highlights of our time in the Galapagos. We were lucky to have clear skies and incredible views, but honestly, even without them, the unique geology would have made the hike worth it.

The hike is classified as moderate and feels manageable if you’re in reasonable shape. If we can do it, so should you. We were worried before the hike, but 340 m (1115 ft) elevation gain over the course of 16 km (10 mi) is quite doable.

You’ll be at over 1000 m (3000 ft), so the weather can change quickly. In our case, the return got muddy and slippery. Good shoes are essential! Also, bring layers and expect anything from bright sunlight to rain.

What made the experience truly special was our guide – knowledgeable, patient, and passionate – which added so much depth to what could have just been “a hike.” He really loved the Galapagos Islands and their geology, and it showed. The organisation of the tour was smooth, the box lunch was simple but sufficient, and we never felt rushed.

What Other Travellers Say About the Hiking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano

⭐ Rating: 4.4 / 5 (14 reviews)

So I originally booked my tour to do the tunnels with this agency, and Sebastian quickly confirmed and I had asked some questions and decided to book this tour and the the Tintoreras as well, just trusting my guts, as they were so friendly and I really appreciate taking the time to answer questions about other tours. And so I got to this tour, and you start your day in a very foggy spot, I was so sad as I thought that that's going to be the rest of the hike, just walking in the fog, but Alfredo our superb and charming guide was already explaining that once we start walking it would clear up, as it actually did! The hike was incredible, it's stranuous but a great full day and the views are simply stunning. Our guide Alfredo was divine! So knowledgeable about so many things and such a lovely persona, I was extremely happy with this tour! And I was one of the only people that had a rain coat and proper long sleeved shirt, as the other agencies didn't tell their passengers to brig them, so choosing to continue and book with Sebastian also ended up being a wise decision. They were very caring and asked how it went afterwards and really the whole day was marvelous.

What Does the Sierra Negra Volcano Hiking Tour Include?

The Sierra Negra Volcano hiking tour we did includes:

• Galapagos National Park guide
• Transportation
• Box lunch

Conclusion: Is the Hiking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano Worth it?

No, Sierra Negra is not one of the biggest calderas in the world. It’s certainly impressive in size and beauty, but is it worth the effort?

Yes, if you’re curious about geology, love unique landscapes, and don’t mind a long but moderate hike, the Sierra Negra tour is absolutely worth it. The combination of walking on an active volcano, learning about rock formations, and experiencing the surreal scenery makes it a very memorable day on Isabela Island.

What stood out most to us was the passion and knowledge of our guide, the smooth organisation, and the chance to explore such a geologically active place. Bring good shoes, extra water, and layers for changing weather, and you’ll be set for an adventure that balances both education and natural wonder.

In short: not the world’s biggest caldera, but still probably the most rewarding hike you can do on the Galápagos Islands.

Where We Stayed in Isabela

We stayed at El Rincón de George and can fully recommend it. The location is great and the staff is friendly. It only costs around 16$ per person and night, which is hard to beat. The accommodation comes with a kitchen as well as free drinking water. The comfy rooftop terrace with great views is a bonus.

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