Galápagos Day 6: Sierra Negra Volcano

Today we started early thanks to the rooster in the yard across from the hotel that decided 4 a.m. was a good time to get up.

The rooster across from the Hotel Sandrita in Puerto Villamil
Puerto Villamil, Ecuador • 0°57’13.75″ S 90°57’52.83″ W
Nikon D600 • Nikkor 28-300 mm f/3.5-5.6 at 300 mm • ISO 1100 • 1/250 sec at f/5.6

After breakfast at the Hotel Sandrita we took a bus ride to the Sierra Negra Volcano for the 10 mile hike along the second largest volcano caldera in the world. For most of the morning the fog was so thick we could not see the base of the caldera. After lunch the weather cleared and the view improved.

Overlooking the caldera of the Sierra Negra volcano
Ecuador • 0°48’42.33″ S 91°5’16.98″ W
Nikon D600 • Nikkor 28-300 mm f/3.5-5.6 at 135 mm • ISO 110 • 1/250 sec at f/5.6

Of course the wet weather made for a muddy hike and muddy shoes …

The group’s muddy shoes at the end of the Sierra Negra volcano hike
Ecuador • 0°50’13.06″ S 91°5’26.05″ W
Nikon D600 • Nikkor 28-300 mm f/3.5-5.6 at 28 mm • ISO 6400 • 1/200 sec at f/3.5

Our return to the hotel was delayed by a flat tire in the bus. The replacement bus had open sides and made for an entertaining ride as the driver sped back to town.

Gena leaning out of the bus returning to Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island
Ecuador • 0°50’34.65″ S 91°4’13.73″ W
Apple iPhone 4S • ISO 50 • 1/140 sec at f/2.4

Dinner at Los Delfines featured Galápagos Prawns – an outstanding local delicacy!

Galápagos Prawns at Los Delfines in Puerto Villamil
Puerto Villamil, Ecuador • 0°57’26.4″ S 90°57’57.6″ W
Apple IPhone 4S • Nikkor 4.28 mm • ISO 400 • 1/20 sec at f/2.4

Tomorrow is more snorkeling featuring white tipped sharks, rays, and maybe sea turtles!

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