Isla Isabela is one of the four inhabited islands of the Galapagos archipelago , part of Ecuador , attracting thousands of tourists with its unique untouched nature. Isabela Island has become home to many species of birds, iguanas, fur seals and turtles.
Why go?
If you dream of luxury hotels, parties until the morning and a wonderful shopping - then, definitely, this direction is not your choice. However, you should definitely visit Isla Isabel, if you:
- a fan of diving or snorkeling. To observe underwater life this is one of the best places in the world;
- love animals. Flora and fauna of the island is unique! Many species of animals are found only in the Galapagos and listed in the Red Book;
- doing surfing. Several bays of the island attract surfers with their waves;
- prefer solitude and contemplation of nature. There are many picturesque and secluded places on Isabela, where you can remain alone with nature, feel its splendor and feel yourself a part of the beautiful world.
What to see?
Isla Isabela is a real lost world, ruled by iguanas, gannets, seals, flamingos and turtles. The choice of excursions is not so great as on the neighboring islands, however they are much cheaper.
- Los Tonneles , the price is $ 70. Sea excursion on the equipped boat to the lava tunnels. On the way - several places for snorkeling, where you can swim with huge mantles and turtles.
- Las Tintoreras , the price is $ 35. Excursion to a small lava island, home to a colony of sea lions and iguanas. You can swim in a lagoon closed from the waves and watch the life of a beautiful coral reef.
- Sierra Negra volcano , the price is 35 $. Interesting walking tour to the crater of Sierra Negra, the second largest volcano in the world. A pedestrian path leads past another volcano - Chico . And from the slopes are magnificent and breathtaking views.
You can walk around the city of Puerto Villamil, near the port of which is the Gulf of Concha la Perla with clear and clear water. A great place to swim and watch the sea lions. Since morning and in the afternoon there are a lot of them here. Separate pleasure to watch playing and frolicking cubs!
About two kilometers from the city there is a farm where giant turtles are bred. You can get there by foot or by bike.
Not far from Villamil lies an excellent beach with white sand - La Playita. The sea here heats up very quickly and almost always calm.
Where to stay?
Particularly popular are small hostels and hotels. It will be cheaper to stay in Puerto Villamil, the largest city of the island. Prices per night for double occupancy - from $ 25 (guest house Gladys Mar ) without breakfast and reach up to several hundred dollars for renting a villa. Familiar to many hotels of level 5 * there is not, and the best hotel is Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel . The average price per day with breakfast is 225 USD.
What to eat?
There are quite a few small cafes and restaurants on Isla Isabela, but most of them start working closer to dinner. Among the dishes offered are many seafood, as well as traditional for Ecuador - rice, corn, poultry, pork, cassava bread, various fruits. Of course, in the menu of all cafes there are also familiar European dishes. The average price for soup, hot and drink for one person is about $ 4. In particularly popular places, such as Coco Surf or El Cafetal Galápagos, tables for dinner should be booked in advance.
How to get there?
The only type of transport that you can get to the Galapagos is an airplane. Direct flights are carried out from the airport of Guayaquil (Guayaquil) by AeroGal, LAN and Tame. The average price of round-trip tickets is about 350-450 $, and the duration of the flight is 1 hour 50 minutes. It is more convenient to book tickets several months before the trip.
There are two airports operating on the islands. It is more convenient to use the airport of Baltrat Island, it is located very close to Santa Cruz , from where several times a day go boats to Isla Isabela. The cost of tickets - at 7:00 - 30 USD, 14:00 - 25 USD. Remember that in spite of the general tourist tax upon arrival to the islands, a visit to Isla Isabela will cost the tourists an extra $ 5.
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