I absolutely felt like I was on another planet today while hiking through the lava field on Volcán Sierra Negra. This surreal and barren landscape was something I’ve never experienced. The volcano is one of the more active volcanoes on the island – the most recent eruption being in 2018. It is also the second largest caldera in the world, measuring around 4 by 5 1/2 miles. In 2005, a much larger eruption occurred, filling much of the caldera with new lava.
This morning as we hiked along the edge 100 meters above the caldera, it was pea soup visibility which is normal except in the hottest months of August and September. I was very happy not to be there then! The temperature today was cool and a misty rain was falling. So we hurried along, anticipating that the fog would clear off in the afternoon on the return leg. After leaving the ridge we descended and entered a lava field of jagged rocks and smooth flows punctuated only by cactuses. Our destination was a much smaller volcanic crater called Volcán Chico. The clouds had cleared and we were treated to an amazing view of the north end of the island and the sea looking out at Fernandina Island. Lunch, a group picture and some exploration before heading back. Our hopes were realized as we crested the hill to the ridge above the caldera… the fog had cleared enough to get a view of the black barren floor of the volcano below. Most impressive was where the floor met the green slopes around the edge. Soon the fog floated back and a misty rain began to fall, ending the trip as we had began.
2 Wheeled Wanderer 