Isabela Island

The largest island in Galápagos, with six volcanoes and very few people

At 4,588 square kilometres, Isabela holds close to 60 % of the archipelago’s land surface: it is the largest island and one of the least populated, with only Floreana having fewer inhabitants. Six volcanoes shape it, five of them active, and the highest point is Wolf, at 1,707 metres.

What you will see

The walk to the Wall of Tears

Six or seven kilometres with a dozen stops along the way: lagoons, beaches, lava tunnels and viewpoints.

Sierra Negra volcano

Its caldera measures 7.2 by 9.3 kilometres and is the shallowest on the island; it last erupted in 2018.

Endemic wildlife

Galápagos penguin and flightless cormorant, plus giant tortoises with distinct populations on each volcano.

Wildlife & flora

Galápagos penguin, flightless cormorant, marine and land iguanas, flamingo, Galápagos hawk, sea lions and giant tortoises with distinct populations on each volcano.

From our own visits

Isabela is our favourite island: the largest, and with very few people on it. The whole walk to the Wall of Tears is a string of beautiful spots, done on foot or by bike, stopping at lagoons, beaches and viewpoints; the Cerro Orchilla lookout is one we like most. There is nightlife, but very quiet and mostly among visitors, with few islanders out. You get there by boat from Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal. Up in the highlands some farms receive visitors and offer seasonal fruit; worth confirming when you book, since it depends on the farm and the season.

What you should know

Landing at Puerto Villamil there is a 10-dollar municipal fee for foreign visitors, on top of the 200-dollar National Park entry fee and the transit control card. The crossing is open ocean and can be rough. Rates current as of September 2026.