Puerto Villamil Tours: Top 5 Adventures to Explore

Okay, so you’re thinking about a trip to Puerto Villamil? You know, that little slice of paradise on Isabela Island in the Galapagos? If seeing unique animal life and beautiful, volcanic landscapes is your thing, this is definitely the spot. This rundown of the top five Puerto Villamil adventure tours should certainly get you sorted, offering up some pretty awesome experiences. Get ready for some wildlife encounters and landscapes that just stick with you, that’s almost a promise.

1. Sierra Negra Volcano Hike: Witness Volcanic Majesty

You know, talking about things you’ll just never forget, how about seeing a gigantic volcanic caldera? Sierra Negra is said to be one of the biggest on the planet, it really is. Walking up there, it’s hard to even grasp how vast it is, I mean really vast. Picture hiking through changing landscapes—from lush, humid greenery, to these rocky, almost lunar landscapes. Then, very suddenly, you’re at the top staring into something really otherworldly. If the weather’s being cooperative, of course. Bring shoes with great grip for getting up and down. Then just prepare to be amazed; is that clear enough?

2. Las Tintoreras Islet: Snorkeling with Sharks

Feel like snorkeling with sharks, like actual sharks? I hear it’s generally a pretty safe adventure (seriously!). At Las Tintoreras, that is, a cluster of small, rocky isles not far from Puerto Villamil, there are shallow, clear waters that these harmless, white-tipped reef sharks happen to love. Plus, too, you will probably see marine iguanas and maybe even some playful sea lions zooming about. So you should wear a wetsuit, because the Pacific can be very chilly, just so you know. You should also, maybe, pack an underwater camera. Being among sharks and all that other wildlife there? Just really cool stuff.

3. Los Tuneles: Lava Tunnels and Marine Life

Speaking of unique spots, Los Tuneles is just something else. I’m talking about bizarre, natural lava tunnels formed long ago by volcanic activity, you know? Now, they’re filled with crystal-clear water that’s full of interesting sea creatures. When you’re floating along, you might, typically, spot sea turtles swimming calmly around you. Then you have seahorses, maybe some penguins hanging out, and blue-footed boobies waddling nearby. Getting here is a boat trip, too it’s almost part of the fun. Bring your sunblock, and I cannot emphasize enough that you should definitely bring a camera; it’s all really quite amazing.

4. Wall of Tears (Muro de las Lágrimas): A Historical Site

Alright, a little break from wildlife for something with a little bit more historical significance. The Wall of Tears, or “Muro de las Lágrimas”, tells a difficult, very somber story. It was built between 1945 and 1959 by prisoners on Isabela Island. A reminder of how very awful their conditions must have been. The wall itself is, very understandably, pretty imposing. Plus there’s this really strange vibe about the place; lots of people talk about feeling sort of uneasy there. I’d say definitely go, so you can pay respects and to learn more about the tough stories from that time.

5. Playa Grande and Flamingo Lagoon: Beach Bliss and Birdwatching

Fancy a nice beach and maybe seeing a few flamingos, you know? Playa Grande’s a pretty spot that has great sunsets. Also near, really close by, is the Flamingo Lagoon. A calm place these birds, with their crazy pink feathers, just love. So bring binoculars, right, walk slowly, and try being observant. Between those things, the experience is basically one where the planet’s loveliness unfolds right in front of you, and who doesn’t like a bit of that, to be honest?