Before you go

Your trip to Puerto Villamil.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Puerto Villamil – Galápagos Destination Galápagos about 160 km from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

How to get there

Aeropuerto General Villamil (Isabela) 3 km
Muelle de Puerto Villamil (lanchas entre as ilhas) 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before purchasing. Isabela is reached by boat from Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz, in about two hours, or by small inter-island flights. There is biosecurity control and entrance fees for the park and the island; check the rules and schedules beforehand.

How many days

Two or three days: one for walks in the village, Concha de Perla and the Tintoreras, one for Los Túneles and one for the Sierra Negra volcano.

When to go

From December to May is the warm season, with calmer seas, sun and short showers. From June to November it is cooler and drier, with drizzle in the highlands and colder water.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The village and the nearby walks are done on foot or by bicycle, which is usually rented in the village. For Sierra Negra there is transport on organized tours, and Los Túneles and the Tintoreras are reached by boat.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Puerto Villamil

Morning
Lagoons and tortoises
Walk along the lagoon trail with flamingos to the giant tortoise breeding center.
Afternoon
Muro de las Lágrimas
Cycle or walk along the coastal trail, with beaches and viewpoints, to the Muro de las Lágrimas.
Late afternoon
Praia da vila
Return for the sunset on Puerto Villamil beach.
Evening
Village
Dine on fish or seafood in the sandy streets of the village.

3 days in Puerto Villamil

Day 1

Morning
Concha de Perla
Go snorkeling at Concha de Perla, near the pier, with sea lions and fish.
Afternoon
Las Tintoreras
Boat trip to the Tintoreras, with marine iguanas and white-tip sharks in the channel.
Late afternoon
Beach
Late afternoon on the village beach.
Evening
Village
Dinner in the village.

Day 2

Morning
Sierra Negra
Depart early for the guided hike to the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano caldera.
Afternoon
Rest
Return to the village and rest on the beach.
Late afternoon
Lagoons
Pass by the lagoons to see the flamingos in low light.
Evening
Village
Dinner in the village.

Day 3

Morning
Los Túneles
Boat trip to Los Túneles, with lava arches and snorkeling with turtles and sharks.
Afternoon
Return
Return to the village after the trip.
Late afternoon
Muro de las Lágrimas
If you didn't go on the first day, do the coastal trail to the wall.
Evening
Last night
Dinner in the village.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get to Isla Isabela?

By boat from Puerto Ayora, in about two hours, or by small inter-island flights. Confirm schedules beforehand.

Do you need a guide for Isabela excursions?

On excursions to park areas such as Sierra Negra, Los Túneles and the Tintoreras, visits are usually with a licensed guide. In the village and on some nearby trails, you can go on your own.

What animals can be seen on Isabela?

Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions, flamingos, Galápagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, sea turtles and white-tip sharks. Keep your distance from animals and do not touch them.

How many days to stay on Isabela?

Two or three days, for the village excursions, Los Túneles and the Sierra Negra volcano.

Is the boat from Puerto Ayora to Isabela smooth?

The sea can be rough. Those who tend to get seasick should consult their doctor before traveling.

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