Seen from above, Isabela (Albemarle) is easily identifiable by its great size of 1790sq miles and its incredible shape of a seahorse. A product of constant volcanic activity, the island keeps intact the volcanoes from which it was created. These giants make up 58% of the island’s surface, forming a range that goes through the entire land. The volcanoes’ exotic beauty is always an attraction, so visitors often choose to discover the volcanoes’ feet and their surroundings when visiting the charming Galapagos Islands as an alternative to the most typical tours. An exploring trip in Isabela goes deep to the heart of the island, allowing visitors to meet places completely isolated from the coast. The tours can be taken to three different volcanoes:
1. The Wolf Volcano. It is the highest of the island, with 1707m (5600 feet) high. On its hillside, you will find the mystical home of the millenary giant turtles who have survived through slaughters and volcanic eruptions, remaining a silent witness of history and evolution. The Wolf Volcano has also been the scene of great discoveries: In 2008, when a study of 1600 species of the area was taking place, all the known species of giant turtles –in exception, of course, of Lonesome George’s– were found at its feet; and in 2009, a new endemic species was found there too: the pink land iguana.
2. The Alcedo Volcano. This 1128m (3700ft)-high volcano is literally a “turtle hotel”, since the largest giant turtle wild population of the archipelago is settled in there. The remote location of the volcano has meant that even the most recent eruption in 1993 was not recorded until two years later. On both of its sides, impressive smoke columns are constantly expelled from the ground. It has a large crater, 7km (4mi)-wide.
3. The Sierra Negra Volcano. This is the world’s second most active volcano with the most recent historic eruption in October 2005. Its name –which means “Black Mountain”– anticipates its image: it has a purely volcanic, harsh landscape that might be product of a very large eruption. Although it is not easy to reach this 1120m (3674ft)-high volcano, for many visitors their physical effort is rewarded by the beauty of its unimaginable landscapes.
In Isabela, you will discover three majestic giants of unexpected beauty that have become the home of another giant: the Galapagos turtle, an icon of the enchanted Galapagos archipelago. This unique island is a place to admire nature as exotic as it can be. More importantly, this magic land encourages many people to be committed to the preservation of such special destinations.
Photo: Awesome Earth Planet
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