11 Free Things To Do in Isabela, Galapagos
Explore on Your Own
- Last Updated: September 21, 2024
Isabela is the largest and most pristine island in the Galapagos archipelago, and as such, I have compiled a list of 11 free things to do in Isabela that will enable you to make the most of your time on the island.
All of the activities that I listed here are 100% free, as you don’t require any guide to visit them. Still, some costs may be involved to get there, like renting a bicycle or sharing a taxi with your friends (maybe 5$ per person if the taxi is complete) or renting a surfboard.
I’ve done all of these activities by myself and have linked full detailed articles.
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Free Things To Do in Isabela
General Info
Planning a trip to Isabela in the Galapagos? Here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Most activities require a guided tour with a naturalist guide.
- Tour prices are standardized across agencies, but you may be able to negotiate if booking multiple tours.
- Many beaches have specific opening and closing times for turtle nesting reasons.
- Book your tours in advance to secure a spot on the best ones.
- Don’t forget seasickness medication for water-based tours.
- Apply strong sunscreen, as the equatorial sun can be intense.
- Pack mosquito repellent, especially at sunset when horseflies are active.
- Drone use is strictly regulated and requires a special permit from the National Park.
- Rentals for cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles are not available – transportation must be by taxi, bus, boat, bicycle, or on foot.
- Respect the wildlife by avoiding physical contact and touching the animals.
For more information on free things to do in Isabela and other official details, visit the Galapagos Conservancy’s website for Isabela Island.
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Free Things To Do in
Isabela, Galapagos
1. Concha de Perla Lagoon
The Concha de Perla Lagoon is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for free things to do in Isabela. It is a beautiful lagoon full of mangroves that you can visit just a short walk from Puerto Villamil town. You don’t have to pay for the entrance and is great for a family escape or snorkeling adventure.
You will definitely see marine iguanas on the wooden deck before entering the water and many beautiful fish. With luck, you might spot some turtles and perhaps some reef sharks and rays.
View the full blog post here: CONCHA DE PERLA LAGOON
2. Wall of Tears
The Wall of Tears on Isabela Island is a controversial attraction. It is a stone wall built between 1946 and 1959 by inmates of the former Isabela Penitentiary Colony. Here hundreds of prisoners were forced to work under extreme circumstances. They built this wall for no other purpose than to be punished. While enduring this hardship many people died.
Although it’s a hard place to visit, due to its history, the landscape surrounding it is particularly beautiful. Definitely, a place to visit. If you like hikes and views this is where to go, from here you can go onto the “El Radar” viewpoint and have a beautiful view of Isabela beachfront.
View the full blog post here: WALL OF TEARS IN ISABELA
To rent a bike: Check any of the many local bike shops in Puerto Villamil.
3. Cerro Orchilla Hill Viewpoint
Cerro Orchilla Hill is one of the highlights of the way to the Wall of Tears. It is a beautiful hill that overlooks the southern part of Isabela island. From there you can see Puerto Villamil town, the shore, and many small volcanic hills surrounding it.
If you don’t have the time or energy to go to the Wall of Tears this is a very nice alternative to see the green landscape of Isabela from above. It’s free to go and you can easily stop at the Playita beach on the way here or explore the Humedales – Wetlands park.
I went here on my way to the Wall of Tears. Pay attention if you park your bike down there on the bicycle park if there are any thorns on the floor cause I accidentally punctured my tire that way.
View the full blog post here: WALL OF TEARS IN ISABELA
Everything in
Isabela, Galapagos
4. El Radar Viewpoint Hike
The El Radar Viewpoint hike in Isabela Island is a short but beautiful hike you can do after arriving at the Wall of Tears.
The Wall of Tears is a stone wall built between 1946 and 1959 by inmates of the former Isabela Penitentiary Colony. Here hundreds of prisoners were forced to work under extreme circumstances. They built this wall for no other purpose than to be punished. While enduring this hardship many people died.
On your way to El Radar Viewpoint, there are other beautiful viewpoints like the Wall of Tear’s viewpoint, some meters after the wall.
From all of them, you can have a beautiful view of Isabela island’s beachfront and its green landscape.
View the full blog post here: EL RADAR VIEWPOINT HIKE
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5. Puerto Villamil Beach
The Puerto Villamil beach or Playa Isabela in Isabela island is a gorgeous 4 km beach that runs alongside the entire seaside of this cute little town.
This white-sanded beauty with turquoise water is the perfect place to relax on Isabela island. Here you will see many pelicans fishing and marine iguanas and on the east side, there’s a great place to surf.
View the full blog post here: PUERTO VILLAMIL BEACH
6. Isabela's Downtown
If you’re looking for free things to do in Isabela, spending some time exploring Puerto Villamil’s downtown is a great option.
You’ll experience the unique blend of culture and natural beauty that the island has to offer. With a huge white beach running along the entire town, Puerto Villamil is a more relaxed and peaceful destination compared to Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz, with fewer tourists.
While you’re there, enjoy the local restaurants serving up fresh fish, ceviche, and other local specialties. There are also a few international food restaurants, and visitors can grab a drink at one of the beachfront bars while watching the waves. The town’s small size makes everything easily accessible, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
In the backyard of Puerto Villamil, visitors can find some lakes where they can spot flamingos, adding to the town’s natural charm. There is also a small stadium in town where live events are occasionally held.
7. Los Humedales - Wetlands
Los Humedales or the Wetlands is a natural park full of different types of mangroves and lakes and it stands on the way to the Wall of Tears. Here you can find many animals including flamingos and giant tortoises.
In Los Humedales park there is another attraction which is a beach called Playa del Amor or Love beach where marine iguanas go for some intimacy.
It’s a free park and you can go here on your way to The Wall of Tears, Cerro Orchilla Hill, and El Radar hike.
View the full blog posts here: WALL OF TEARS IN ISABELA and EL RADAR VIEWPOINT HIKE
8. La Playita Beach
La Playita beach is the main alternative to Puerto Villamil’s beach and it stands right at the beginning of Los Humedales Park and some meters after the main beach. Here you can come at the end of your Wall of Tears bicycle ride or to say that you went to a different beach in Isabela.
Honestly, it is nice and it has more like a bay feeling but with a giant beach like Puerto Villamil’s beach next to the town where there aren’t almost people you don’t necessarily need to find a remote beach on this island. In any case, if you look for alternative beaches this is it.
View the full blog posts here: WALL OF TEARS IN ISABELA or PUERTO VILLAMIL BEACH
9. Giant Tortoise Reserve
"Arnaldo Tupiza Chamaidan"
The Giant Tortoise reserve is a must-visit free attraction in Isabela. Isabela has its own reserve dedicated to the conservation and protection of these magnificent creatures.
The reserve is located just a 15-20 minute walk from Puerto Villamil’s downtown and is free to visit. Visitors can observe these gentle giants up close and learn more about the important work being done to preserve their species.
The breeding centers at the reserve play a crucial role in protecting and preserving these majestic animals. By protecting the eggs of giant tortoises laid in the wild, the reserve helps to prevent predation and gives the hatchlings a better chance of survival.
A visit to the Giant Tortoise reserve is a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to Isabela Island. It provides a glimpse into the incredible diversity of life on the Galapagos Islands.
To come here: This is the location of the Tortoise Reserve
10. Cueva de Sucre
The Cueva de Sucre is another natural attraction on Isabela island. It is the entrance to a lava tunnel, just like in Santa Cruz but on a smaller scale.
If you want to visit this cave you need to rent a taxi (22 minutes away from town) or try to plan it with a tour company to take you here maybe on your way to the Sierra Negra Volcano tour or the Volcan Trillizos tour.
It is free to enter and there is a picnic area on its compounds.
To come here: Here is the location of the cave.
11. Surf in Isabela
As with the other islands, Isabela is also a great spot for surfing. Here apart from the main Puerto Villamil beach, which is ideal for beginners, you can go surfing in El Faro, El Hospital, Barahona Point, and Quinta Ola.
If you’re like me, no surf expert, there are many places around town that offer you surf lessons so if you’ve run out of things to do in Isabela (which is hard) you can give it a try.
Free Things To Do in Isabela
Where to Stay
For those looking for a sophisticated and comfortable stay, The Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel is a great option, boasting 14 elegant rooms, a sparkling pool, and a rooftop lounge. Cormorant Beach House offers an environmentally conscious retreat, where guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the island and a complimentary breakfast at a local-owned restaurant. For those who prefer more apartment-style accommodation, Aparthotel Casa Soleil offers fully-equipped apartments just 450 meters from the beach.
To learn more about the best hotels in Isabela, Galapagos, check out the full article:
All The Articles About The Galapagos
San Cristobal Island – The easternmost island of the Galapagos, the “Isla Bonita”
Santa Cruz Island – The island with the best tourism infrastructure.
Isabela Island – The most adventurous and less explored island of the main three.
