Written by Carmen Vallejo, Keith Roberts, Carlos Zambrano
03/08/2025
Diego F. Parra, Pexels
Puerto Villamil, a serene village on Isabela Island in the Galápagos, presents itself as a tranquil haven characterized by pristine white-sand beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. It offers a unique blend of natural wonders and quiet charm, making it an ideal destination for those seeking intimate encounters with diverse wildlife and remarkable landscapes.
The social scene in Puerto Villamil is notably subdued, reflecting its peaceful village character. While it is not a party destination, opportunities to socialize exist. The vibrant area near the pier is a central gathering point where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine. For evening relaxation, a few establishments like Coco Surf offer tasty seafood dishes and occasional live music, while Casa Rosada and Beto's Bar provide a quiet ambiance for drinks by the beach.
Top 6 Things to do in Puerto Villamil
Visitors to Puerto Villamil can immerse themselves in remarkable wildlife encounters, explore unique volcanic landscapes, and enjoy pristine beaches, offering a blend of relaxation and adventure.
1. Snorkeling at Concha de Perla
Just a short walk from the town center, Concha de Perla presents itself as a natural, sheltered lagoon, perfect for a refreshing swim or snorkel. Glide through crystal-clear waters alongside playful sea lions, observe curious marine iguanas, and spot colorful fish, sea turtles, and even penguins. It's an easily accessible spot, allowing for independent exploration. Visiting during low tide often provides the best underwater visibility.
Cost: Access to Concha de Perla is free. Snorkeling gear can be rented from local agencies or hotels for approximately $4-5 USD per day.
Transport: Concha de Perla is within easy walking distance, about 15-20 minutes, from Puerto Villamil's main pier. Follow the well-marked wooden boardwalk through mangroves to reach this tranquil spot.
2. Cycling to the Wall of Tears and Exploring the Wetlands
Embark on a journey back in time by cycling to the Wall of Tears, a significant historical site built by prisoners. The path leading to the wall is an experience in itself, winding through the wetlands. Along the way, observe diverse wildlife such as flamingos feeding in the lagoons and giant tortoises wandering freely. The trail offers various viewpoints and leads to secluded beaches, making for a full day of exploration. Be sure to carry plenty of water and sun protection as shade is limited.
Cost: Visiting the Wall of Tears and wetlands is free. Bicycle rentals are available in town from $2-3 USD per hour or around $5-10 USD for a full day.
Transport: The Wall of Tears is located approximately 5-6 kilometers west of Puerto Villamil. Renting a bicycle is the most recommended way to get there, taking about an hour each way. Taxis can also provide transport to the start of the trail.
3. Visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center
A short, pleasant walk from Puerto Villamil leads to the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center, a crucial conservation facility. Here, one can witness the efforts to protect and repopulate Isabela Island's giant tortoises. Observe these magnificent creatures at various stages of life, from tiny hatchlings in special incubators to older, larger tortoises in their corrals. The walk to the center often passes through a flamingo lagoon within the wetlands, offering additional wildlife viewing.
Cost: Entry to the Tortoise Breeding Center is free.
Transport: The center is a manageable 1.5-kilometer walk from Puerto Villamil, often accessed via a boardwalk that runs through the wetlands. Alternatively, a bike ride takes around 20 minutes.
4. Tintoreras Islet Tour
Embark on a short boat trip to Tintoreras Islet, a collection of small lava formations teeming with life. This tour typically includes a guided walk across the volcanic landscape, offering close-up views of marine iguanas, often seen nesting. The highlight is snorkeling in the calm channels, where one can observe white-tip reef sharks resting, alongside sea lions, sea turtles, and various colorful fish. Keep an eye out for Galapagos penguins and blue-footed boobies in the area.
Cost: Half-day tours to Tintoreras Islet generally cost between $60 and $75 USD per person. This usually includes a professional guide, boat transportation, and snorkeling equipment.
Transport: The tour departs from the Puerto Villamil pier. The boat ride to Tintoreras Islet is short, typically lasting 10-20 minutes.
5. Sierra Negra Volcano Hike
Venture into the highlands for a full-day hike to Sierra Negra Volcano, known for its immense caldera, one of the largest in the world. The trail leads through varied volcanic terrain, offering panoramic vistas of Isabela Island and the Pacific Ocean. Often, the hike extends to Volcan Chico, where the landscape takes on an otherworldly, Mars-like appearance with solidified lava flows and active fumaroles. This guided trek provides insight into the geological history of the Galapagos.
Cost: Guided tours for the Sierra Negra Volcano hike typically range from $52 to $75 USD per person. Prices usually include a certified naturalist guide and sometimes a light snack or box lunch.
Transport: Tours often include hotel pick-up in Puerto Villamil and transport by vehicle to the starting point of the hike, which is about a 30-45 minute drive from town.
6. Los Tuneles (Cabo Rosa) Tour
Experience one of the Galapagos' premier snorkeling and wildlife sites with a tour to Los Tuneles. This excursion takes you by boat to a unique marine wonderland formed by lava flows, creating a network of underwater tunnels and arches. Snorkel through clear waters to discover an abundance of marine life, including seahorses, white-tip reef sharks, golden rays, sea turtles, and playful sea lions. Blue-footed boobies can often be seen perched on the lava formations.
Cost: Tours to Los Tuneles are generally full-day excursions, costing between $145 and $195 USD per person. This price typically covers a guided walk, snorkeling equipment, and boat transportation.
Transport: Access to Los Tuneles is exclusively by boat tour departing from Puerto Villamil.
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