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Isabela
is the largest of the islands in the archipelago. It is also
one of four that has humans inhabiting it, in two locations
at Puerto Villamil and Santo Tomas. It is formed by five active
volcanoes, Wolf, Darwin, Alcedo, Santa Tomas and Cerro Azul.
There are ten tourist sites on the island. |
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Tagus Cove |
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This
cove is located to the west of the island and it is usual
to take a panga trip below the high cliffs. Here there is
an opportunity to see penguins as well as marine iguanas,
Sally Lightfoot crabs and sea lions.
After a dry landing, it is possible to climb up the trail
to oversee Darwin's Lake. This is below the slopes of Darwin
Volcano and is, surprisingly, a salt water lake above sea
level. The viewpoint at the end of the trail is worth the
climb. Graffiti dating back to 1800's is written on the rocky
cliff, believed to be done by buccaneers. Think you can find
Sir Francis Drake’s? |
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Point
Moreno |
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After
a dry landing it is possible to take a medium-length walk
in search of giant tortoises and land iguanas orange-yellow
in color with large spines along their backs as well as Flamingos
and Oystercatchers. Great possibilities for swimming and snorkelling. |
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Urbina
Bay |
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South
from Tagus Cove and still on the West coast is Urvina Bay.
The waters of the bay are a good place to see turtles and
rays and ashore is a short trail leading to a coral reef,
which is evidence of an uplift from the sea which occurred
in 1954. Marine iguanas, flightless cormorants and pelicans
can be seen at this site. |
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Elizabeth
Bay |
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Further
south still is Elizabeth Bay. It is not possible to land here
so a panga trip is the only possibility. At the entrance to
the bay are the Mariela Islands which offer an excellent opportunity
to see penguins. The end of the bay is notable for three species
of mangroves, and rays and turtles can be found in the waters.
The snorkeling here is very good. The abundance of small fish
is striking, you can also spot tuna and sea turtles. The last
time I swam here, I was lucky enough to spot a whale shark. |
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Santo
Tomas Volcano |
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It
is possible to climb to the top of this volcano. Landing at
Puerto Villamil at the south of the island it is necessary
to take an 18 km ride to the smaller settlement of Santo Tomas
on the slopes of the volcano. Vermillion flycatchers, Galapagos
hawks, finches and short-eared owls are likely to be seen
on this trail. |
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Alcedo
Volcano |
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It
is possible to climb to the top of this volcano. Landing at
Puerto Villamil at the south of the island it is necessary
to take an 18 km ride to the smaller settlement of Santo Tomas
on the slopes of the volcano. Vermillion flycatchers, Galapagos
hawks, finches and short-eared owls are likely to be seen
on this trail. |
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Puerto
Villamil |
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It
is possible to climb to the top of this volcano. Landing at
Puerto Villamil at the south of the island it is necessary
to take an 18 km ride to the smaller settlement of Santo Tomas
on the slopes of the volcano. Vermillion flycatchers, Galapagos
hawks, finches and short-eared owls are likely to be seen
on this trail. |
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Sports |
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It
is possible to climb to the top of this volcano. Landing at
Puerto Villamil at the south of the island it is necessary
to take an 18 km ride to the smaller settlement of Santo Tomas
on the slopes of the volcano. Vermillion flycatchers, Galapagos
hawks, finches and short-eared owls are likely to be seen
on this trail. |
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Giant
tortoises |
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It
is possible to climb to the top of this volcano. Landing at
Puerto Villamil at the south of the island it is necessary
to take an 18 km ride to the smaller settlement of Santo Tomas
on the slopes of the volcano. Vermillion flycatchers, Galapagos
hawks, finches and short-eared owls are likely to be seen
on this trail. |
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History |
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It
is possible to climb to the top of this volcano. Landing at
Puerto Villamil at the south of the island it is necessary
to take an 18 km ride to the smaller settlement of Santo Tomas
on the slopes of the volcano. Vermillion flycatchers, Galapagos
hawks, finches and short-eared owls are likely to be seen
on this trail. |
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