Volcano Sierra Negra El Cura station — Attraction in Parroquia Tomás de Berlanga (Santo Tomás)

Use the restroom as nothing after this point.

Moderate trail but prepare it as SERIOUS HIKING with rain jacket, quick dry shirts n pants, waterproof hiking boots, then you’ll enjoy it. Let me tell you why.

The view was spectacular at the end. However, the weather was awful and probably due to rain season in X’mas - raining near half of the trip (first 1.5hr and same spot on the way return), muddy with bull shit left everywhere, couldn’t see the caldera at the lookout because of the cloud/fog came along the humid weather.

Because we didn’t get warned by either travel agent nor the tour guide when they picked up in the morning, my friends only wore T-shirt and didn’t bring the rain jackets with them. Unfortunately, they gave up at this station - right at trail beginning even if this trail was on their top wish list in this trip, because they got completely freezing since 20 mins ago on the open-aired transit bus. And yes, you won’t be able to tell it’s raining on the mountain which was only 30 mins away from the town on the beach. Must mention, the vehicle carrying my friends returning to the town was full too, similar transit bus as we took, at 8am, no chance they had completed...

The guided tour was worth it. It is a long 16km hike to complete the full tour. If you start early in the morning, it might be chilly, but it gets hot around noon, as the mist clears and the sun beats down on you. Wear shoes or closed toed sandles that can handle the rugged terrain. If you go in a large group stick to the guide and ask lots of questions. They are generally talkitive and you will learn more about the geology, biology and culture of all the islands than is passed on the larger group. The changing landscapes and understanding how the islands formed, how the animals and plants adapt to the every changing environment makes the trip worth it. You won't see as many animals but a trip to Galapagos without visiting the volcano would be a mistake. You have to be in shape and take lots of...

It’s a very tough 10 mile walk in very hot weather, but has to be done. Out guide rushed things too much and I think actually put the slower walkers at risk of falling. That said, it’s worth the visit for the views inside the volcano and the...