Sierra Negra Volcano Galapagos Horseback Riding & Hiking
Description
Embark on an exhilarating 5-hour adventure starting at 800 meters above sea level. The journey begins with a horseback ride through humid vegetation and agricultural areas, gradually ascending to the summit of the world's third-largest active caldera. Marvel at the panoramic views of the caldera as you ride alongside it for 5 kilometers. Your experience is enriched by the guidance of a knowledgeable Galapagos naturalist guide, an expert in volcanology, who will provide insights into the geological wonders and history of the volcano. Upon reaching a scenic viewpoint, you'll delve into the fascinating details of the volcano, followed by a 2-hour hike through the active lava fields. Witness magnificent rock formations and enjoy a stunning view of Isabela's northern sea horse-shaped coastline. After a picnic lunch, the adventure continues with a 5-kilometer horseback ride back to the starting point. The tour kicks off at 7:30 am, promising an unforgettable experience until 1:30 pm.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This adventure begins at 800 meters (2,400 feet) above sea level, where you'll ride well-trained horses across 5 kilometers of majestic terrain. As you traverse lush panoramic views you'll gain insights into the region's unique vegetation and volcanology. Your ride takes you around the Sierra Negra volcano caldera, culminating at a breathtaking viewpoint where you can marvel at the world's third-largest active caldera. Here, you'll leave the horses and embark on an exhilarating hike. The hiking portion of your journey covers 6 kilometers of uneven terrain, leading you through the mesmerizing lava fields and the active zone of Volcán Chico. This area is renowned for its extraordinary volcanic formations and offers spectacular 360-degree views. After the hike, you'll return to your starting point for a delightful picnic with a stunning view of the volcano. Refreshed and invigorated, you'll mount your horses once more for the ride back, completing an unforgettable day of adventure.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will pick up travelers at the lobby of their hotel.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(12)
In early May we booked a horseback riding trip through Coral Blanco Hotel. Their communication was great, the naturalist was sweet and knowledgeable, and the farmer who owned the horses was friendly, but it was not a comfortable ride. The horses were fine, but the tack was very rudimentary. The saddles were small, ropes and blankets tied across the seats were very uncomfortable, and the bare metal stirrups were ill-fitted. The owner/handler didn’t think of simple helps like using berms to help mount and dismount, and my husband even fell to the ground because his saddle slid off as he dismounted. The ride passed along the same flat roadway that hikers use, and we were not given the option to take the 3-mile hike at the end, though it was described in the booking. In the end, even though I love horseback riding, I wish we had each saved a couple hundred dollars and just hiked the rim trail.
Went with my 68 year old mother so we felt that a horse ride for the majority of the Sierra negra volcano would be easier than hiking the whole way. We had Luis as a guide who was friendly and knowledgeable. Joshua was there to help with the horses. We requested helmets which were provided. 30min drive to meet the horses, 5km horse ride, 4km hike to volcán chico, then 5km horse ride back to the car to drive back to Puerto Vilamil. Interesting volcanic landscapes and even saw an orange flycatcher! Horses were calm and safe. Lunch box was good with juice, sandwich, apple and biscuits. Picked up at 7:20 from our hotel, dropped back around 1:30pm so we could catch our 3pm ferry to Santa Cruz.
Good organization, with friendly and helpful guides with a lot of information. Great combination with horseback riding and hiking.
Very good experience. We really enjoyed the walk and the kids had a really good time. Beautiful, impeccable and very well tamed horses
The whole Coral Blanco team has always advised us the best and organized all the trips to make us appreciate the island. Special thanks to Adriana and Natali who were always very kind and available for any clarification or need. Also great is the chance to get 10% discount on tours staying in their hotel.
Our family, including our 9 year old boy and 11 year old girl, couldn’t say enough about how much fun they had on this tour. They loved running and jumping on the lava fields and examining the fascinating rocks. They loved the horseback riding. Despite the horseback ride there was still a solid hike on the lava fields and the day qualified as a great physical activity. Our tour guide Nadia was a complete pro, so knowledgeable and a delight to be with. We are so grateful to Coral Blanco for the unforgettable experience and we are taking another Coral Blanco tour. One tip: the lava fields hike for us was sunny and hot, and the start of the horseback ride can be misty and chilly. We were glad we had raincoats for the beginning of the ride plus ice cold water for the hike. We left our backpacks with raincoats at the lunch area and only brought water on the hike which turned out to be a good call.
A 100% recommended tour on Isabela Island, it is impressive to tour the volcano while admiring giant turtles endemic to the island. You have unparalleled views.
We were with family with young children, everything went very well and we loved our ride on Sierra Negra but also Tintoreras. Superb activities organized beautifully by the agency Coral Blanco. Everything was perfect, thank you very much for your availability and kindness! I highly recommend you to go through this agency if you go to Galapagos and especially Isabella.
had an excellent day riding up to the active volcano on Isla Isabella. We were lucky to have a clear day and amazing views although it was quite hot. The horses did the work for the first half of the ascent, but then there was considerable hiking afterwards. Our guide Nadya was very knowledgeable and kind. The horses were well trained and well behaved. My family are experienced riders but if you are not, I think it would be fine. That said, there is little instruction and the saddles and tack equipment is extremely basic. Lunch is simple. Do take care to bring plenty of sunscreen, water, hats, etc. You need to carry your own gear, so definitely wear a backpack. The equatorial sun is brutal especially when you’re walking over hot black lava fields. The the views ant the top are outstanding and the lava formations are fascinating. A great day overall.
Thank you so much for your review, it is an honor to have organized your experience in Isabela to you and your family, thank you for choosing Coral Blanco Tour Operator as your operator for the horseback riding tour to the volcano. Have a happy new year 2025.
Fantastic experience. Small group. Easy and prompt response on WhatsApp. Lovely and informative guides. For the hikers, guides will explain at multiple viewpoints. For horse riding, there's not much talking during riding, until you reach end of horse trail and start hiking to volcano high point, the guide will then explain a lot. Only recommendations are -- bring 2L water per person, bring lots of sunscreen to reapply along the way, bring bug spray, cooling towel, hats and sung lass, or neck gaiter to cover face and prevent dust. The guide recommended 1 L/pp, it was not enough on a hot day. Highly recommend this operator!
Thank you so much for your review, it is always amazing to know that our travelers had a great experience with us.
