Sierra Negra
Sierra Negra
4.5
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- tobecontinentWarsaw, Poland225 contributionsVery muddy after rainI did this 16km trek in November after some rain and the first part of the trail was very muddy and slippery. I recommend good shoes. The Sierra Negra crater was only visible for a minute and then covered back in the clouds. Good view on the area of El Chico volcano though. Book when on the island (35$) and ask for the group size (there was 26 people in my group ...)Visited November 2023Travelled soloWritten 7 December 2023
- MarkH1973Ashby de la Zouch, United Kingdom206 contributionsAmazing to see such a large crater on an actice volcanoThere are several options as to where to walk to the volcano, we walked around 4km each way. Many tours leave early, we left a little later which helped as the cloud and mist was just starting to clear when we got there. It's a pleasant walk and our guide pointed out places where you could put your hand into the ground and feel the heat from the volcanic activity. He also pointed out the wildlife on the way. The crater at the top is incredibly large, and quite a sight. Really pleased we visited.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 28 January 2024
- BigFatFoodie//TravelerFlorida557 contributionsTough trip, great exercise, but not worth the time and money. PeriodThis was included in a tour, so I really don’t know how much it cost. I assume it was probably over $100. They did pack a small lunch for us and the walk was not what I would ever label a hike. I am an excellent condition And I had no problems however, if you’re not in excellent condition and you’re over 50 or overweight, I would not suggest it. Plus, once you get to the top and look into the volcano it’s just a dark pit and on the way up, there’s no animals and, some greenery. All tour guides are on a precise schedule, so they are pretty quick and really do not stop talk too much at all. Would not do this again, save your money, and use it for any boat tour or any snorkeling tour as the waters are gorgeous, marine life is gorgeous and snorkeling can’t be beat. Enjoy these beautiful lands.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 30 January 2024
- GeorgeglasBrantford, Canada86 contributionsBreathtaking hike, beautiful, lots of history and highly recommend.Don’t miss out on this experience. We did the short hike down to the crater and back up again. To the previous reviewer who said it’s not for anyone over 50, you’re wrong. lol My friend and I just hiked it, we are both over 50 and it wasn’t a problem at all. If you’re not a couch potato, you can do the hike. Pros: - our outstanding naturalist guide who is passionate about the Galapagos, nature and the crater. - our guide stopped to give time for photos along the way - an active way to learn about nature in the Galapagos and Isabela Island. - packed lunch provided after hike - fresh drinking water provided after the hike since your water bottles will run dry by the time you hike back up. -walking poles provided. - we stopped at a farm on the way home and tasted fresh oranges, guava, papaya, banana and sugar cane and learned about the farming. Cons: Can’t think of anyVisited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 31 July 2024
- Anna LToronto, Canada218 contributionsGreat Hike!If you have time, this is worth doing. Ignore reviews that say over 50s and overweight can’t do this hike. Total rubbish! I’m well into my 50s and managed just fine! And we had 2 overweight people in our group who also did just fine! Gosh, people’s biases can really be limiting! If you are relatively active and steady on your feet, you’ll do just fine. The descent is gradual and the trek through the crater is pretty impressive. The change in landscape is remarkable. The ascent back up is gradual with the last little bit the steepest but it doesn’t last long. It gets quite warm as the day progresses, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat. It takes about a couple of hours there and back, but that is not at a quick pace and with stops for photos, water and info. We had an excellent guide-Pablo- who took time to take photos, talk to us about the history of the volcano as well as the flora. There were light snacks and fresh water ready for us when we finished. Tip 1: get the early departure. We had stunning views over the crater which were totally obscured by clouds when we finished around 10:30-11am. It’s also cooler. Tip 2: use a hiking pole. It’ll help with the descent as it can be a little slippy in some areas. Good shoes are a must.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 July 2024
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4.5
438 reviews
Excellent
260
Very good
125
Average
40
Poor
12
Terrible
1
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checker72
Heilbronn, Germany945 contributions
July 2024 • Family
You first have to put the 5-point ratings into perspective. I am not sure from which volcanic hike these reviews of other travelers come. On this tour you walk 3/4 of the way on a monotonous economic path. At least there is an occasional vantage point, which is accessible to the isolated given the crowds. If you’ve never seen a volcanic area, you might like the last quarter, but exciting is different. However, the most evil is mass migration. You walk in a caravan of 50 or more people, sometimes in a duck march. All tour operators on the island pack their customers into a big pile, then there’s a guide in English and one in Spanish and the avalanche rolls. Price differences at agencies do not matter at all, because they are all handled together with the same guide up on the mountain. You could say an international mass casserole. Irritable.
Automatically translated
Written 31 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SoCalAdventureSeeker
San Diego, CA535 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Nice hike to see an amazingly large volcano caldron. This is not a challenging hike as long as you are able to walk at a moderate pace outdoors for several hours. After reaching the rim of the volcano we hiked down through lava to see lava tunnels and amazing views. Our guide was supper! He seemed to love educating us on the volcano and local plant and wildlife. His energy made us smaller. He has been giving tours for 30+ years.
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KID V
9 contributions
July 2021
The place is wonderful, but beware.. watch the weather. I met other travelers that payed for the tour in advance and the visibility was 5 meter. It is really a shame. I would recommend to reserve your tours when already on the islands. You will get better deals as well. The place "Lancha Brithanny" on the main square had the best deals.
Written 4 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigFatFoodie//Traveler
Florida557 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
This was included in a tour, so I really don’t know how much it cost. I assume it was probably over $100. They did pack a small lunch for us and the walk was not what I would ever label a hike. I am an excellent condition And I had no problems however, if you’re not in excellent condition and you’re over 50 or overweight, I would not suggest it. Plus, once you get to the top and look into the volcano it’s just a dark pit and on the way up, there’s no animals and, some greenery. All tour guides are on a precise schedule, so they are pretty quick and really do not stop talk too much at all. Would not do this again, save your money, and use it for any boat tour or any snorkeling tour as the waters are gorgeous, marine life is gorgeous and snorkeling can’t be beat. Enjoy these beautiful lands.
Written 30 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarkH1973
Ashby de la Zouch, UK206 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
There are several options as to where to walk to the volcano, we walked around 4km each way. Many tours leave early, we left a little later which helped as the cloud and mist was just starting to clear when we got there. It's a pleasant walk and our guide pointed out places where you could put your hand into the ground and feel the heat from the volcanic activity. He also pointed out the wildlife on the way. The crater at the top is incredibly large, and quite a sight. Really pleased we visited.
Written 28 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna L
Toronto, Canada218 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
If you have time, this is worth doing.
Ignore reviews that say over 50s and overweight can’t do this hike. Total rubbish! I’m well into my 50s and managed just fine! And we had 2 overweight people in our group who also did just fine! Gosh, people’s biases can really be limiting! If you are relatively active and steady on your feet, you’ll do just fine.
The descent is gradual and the trek through the crater is pretty impressive. The change in landscape is remarkable.
The ascent back up is gradual with the last little bit the steepest but it doesn’t last long.
It gets quite warm as the day progresses, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat.
It takes about a couple of hours there and back, but that is not at a quick pace and with stops for photos, water and info.
We had an excellent guide-Pablo- who took time to take photos, talk to us about the history of the volcano as well as the flora.
There were light snacks and fresh water ready for us when we finished.
Tip 1: get the early departure. We had stunning views over the crater which were totally obscured by clouds when we finished around 10:30-11am. It’s also cooler.
Tip 2: use a hiking pole. It’ll help with the descent as it can be a little slippy in some areas. Good shoes are a must.
Ignore reviews that say over 50s and overweight can’t do this hike. Total rubbish! I’m well into my 50s and managed just fine! And we had 2 overweight people in our group who also did just fine! Gosh, people’s biases can really be limiting! If you are relatively active and steady on your feet, you’ll do just fine.
The descent is gradual and the trek through the crater is pretty impressive. The change in landscape is remarkable.
The ascent back up is gradual with the last little bit the steepest but it doesn’t last long.
It gets quite warm as the day progresses, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat.
It takes about a couple of hours there and back, but that is not at a quick pace and with stops for photos, water and info.
We had an excellent guide-Pablo- who took time to take photos, talk to us about the history of the volcano as well as the flora.
There were light snacks and fresh water ready for us when we finished.
Tip 1: get the early departure. We had stunning views over the crater which were totally obscured by clouds when we finished around 10:30-11am. It’s also cooler.
Tip 2: use a hiking pole. It’ll help with the descent as it can be a little slippy in some areas. Good shoes are a must.
Written 31 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tobecontinent
Warsaw, Poland225 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
I did this 16km trek in November after some rain and the first part of the trail was very muddy and slippery. I recommend good shoes. The Sierra Negra crater was only visible for a minute and then covered back in the clouds. Good view on the area of El Chico volcano though. Book when on the island (35$) and ask for the group size (there was 26 people in my group ...)
Written 7 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Georgeglas
Brantford, Canada86 contributions
July 2024 • Friends
Don’t miss out on this experience. We did the short hike down to the crater and back up again.
To the previous reviewer who said it’s not for anyone over 50, you’re wrong. lol My friend and I just hiked it, we are both over 50 and it wasn’t a problem at all. If you’re not a couch potato, you can do the hike.
Pros:
- our outstanding naturalist guide who is passionate about the Galapagos, nature and the crater.
- our guide stopped to give time for photos along the way
- an active way to learn about nature in the Galapagos and Isabela Island.
- packed lunch provided after hike
- fresh drinking water provided after the hike since your water bottles will run dry by the time you hike back up.
-walking poles provided.
- we stopped at a farm on the way home and tasted fresh oranges, guava, papaya, banana and sugar cane and learned about the farming.
Cons: Can’t think of any
To the previous reviewer who said it’s not for anyone over 50, you’re wrong. lol My friend and I just hiked it, we are both over 50 and it wasn’t a problem at all. If you’re not a couch potato, you can do the hike.
Pros:
- our outstanding naturalist guide who is passionate about the Galapagos, nature and the crater.
- our guide stopped to give time for photos along the way
- an active way to learn about nature in the Galapagos and Isabela Island.
- packed lunch provided after hike
- fresh drinking water provided after the hike since your water bottles will run dry by the time you hike back up.
-walking poles provided.
- we stopped at a farm on the way home and tasted fresh oranges, guava, papaya, banana and sugar cane and learned about the farming.
Cons: Can’t think of any
Written 31 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mandy regterschot
Rheden, The Netherlands47 contributions
Sept 2022 • Solo
I really loved this hike! It's one of the best ones ever. The trial is 16km total but very doable. In the beginning there were only clouds and rain but later on the weather changed completely and the view was amazing.
Written 27 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter R
Dartford, UK1,361 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
We were driven to the start of the walk to the volcano through mist, low clouds and drizzle. But as we started the roughly 4km walk to the volcano the clouds parted and the sun shone. As walked along the trail we saw many birds, including mockingbirds, numerous Darwen finches and fly catchers. The trek is quite strenuous at times with the trail climbing steeply and then levelling out. But after just over a 1km we got our first site of the crater, the view was of black lava interspersed with small islands of vegetation, and we could see the trail of a recent eruption. At the end of the main trail there is a covered seating area where you can rest and eat the picnic you may have bought with you.
Written 25 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
I will be in puerto ayora in two weeks and was wondering is it possible to do a day trip directly from puerto ayora and get back puerto ayora, or do i need to stay in isabela island? Thanks
Written 5 March 2022
Contact an Isabella tour agency for starting times, they also know when the ferry's arrive. Ferry's are two hours each way and can beat you up, two in one day would be exhausting in itself.
Written 7 March 2022
How much roughly can we expect to pay for this trip? Can it be done independently or do you need a guide?
Written 2 April 2019
You can do it independently ,but I think I guide is helpful. Unless, you are fluent in Spanish.
Written 6 April 2019
I will be on Isabela Sept. 15-18, and looking to do a Sierra Negra hike. I understand it will be shortened due to the recent eruption, but does anyone know how many total hours it will take? And is the price reduced at all? Is there still any volcanic activity? Thank you
Written 9 September 2018
How is going to the bathroom handled? I don't see a lot of trees to get behind!
Written 31 March 2018
I think there was ONE restroom after we reached the Sierra Negra caldera. None of us needed to use the restrooms the entire way so despite trying to stay well-hydrated I guess we weren't! I saw a few of the men wandering off for private moments amongst bushes and trees however.
Written 3 June 2018
I wonder how much water I should bring - LLBean suggests 3 quarts per person per day for hiking in general. I am wondering if my 2 liter collapsible water bottle is sufficient for Sierra Negra. Ideas/Experience? Thanks
Written 20 March 2018
It depends on the time of year you end up going. We were there the end of December which apparently was a milder temperature time frame and most likely why we weren't super thirsty. We each probably drank around a liter so I'd think 2 liters might be adequate for you.
Written 3 June 2018
Sorry just now seeing! Good solid sneakers or hiking boots! There's tons of red dust all along the trails and I work semi-open sneakers and my socks were totally clay red at the end of the day. Plus, some of the landscape has jagged rocks so you want to have shoes with nice thick soles.
Written 3 June 2018
how long a walk is it from Scalesia Lodge to Sierra Negra on the morning tour?
Written 19 March 2017
Hi Alek, where did you buy your tour? Being only a haft day tour I assume it is less arduous than the full day tour? Is that why you chose it?
Written 3 March 2017
Con que agencia contrataste el tour?
Written 18 September 2016
Hello, my husband and I will be visiting the Galapagos in May. We are wondering if anyone knows how to book or has contact info to book a tour ahead of time directly with a good certified guide that can take us to Sierra Negra and Volcan Chica while staying on Isabela. We’d prefer to get there a little earlier than the rest of the tours in the morning, but not a deal breaker. We just don’t want to feel rushed like some have written about … people needing to catch a boat at the dock.
We’ve been quoted $200 per person for a private tour already. Does that sound right?
Any and all help or words of wisdom would be much appreciated!
Written 23 February 2016
We stayed over night in order to do the 5 hour hike and went with Rosedelco tour company. We weren't rushed at all and we had our four children with us-- 7, 9, 11 and 12 year olds. We bought our tickets 4 months in advance on-line via their website and everything went super smoothly!
Written 3 June 2018
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