Galapagos – Bartolome Island I

Today we plan a shore excursion on Bartolome and the ascent of the 114 m high volcano. From here you have a beautiful view over Pinnacle Rock, a 45 m high rock needle and the island of Santiago. This is said to be the most beautiful place in the entire archipelago. In the surrounding area we can find interesting pioneer plants such as tiquilia and wild explosion craters. In the updrafts at the volcano, buzzards often stay for hours.

The island of Bartolomé is only 1.2 km² in size and is located near the east coast of Santiago. Because of its breathtaking scenery, the island is one of the most visited in the archipelago. The island is ideal for in-depth study of volcanic formations, there is the Panhoehoe lava, small hornitos, welding cinder cones, remains of lava tunnels and tuff cones to see. We are already a bit late today. The day is already coming to an end. So we have to hurry to climb the summit in time to get back to the boat in daylight.

Everywhere you can find the white salt bushes that have conquered the lava rock. The scenery is unreal and you have the impression of being transported back to the age of the dinosaurs.

You should definitely stay on the path as the tuffs are very fragile. The lava cactus, which thrives on naked lava rock, can only be understood as an erotic whim of nature. It usually occurs in erectile groups and can be admired in this lunar-like volcanic landscape of Bartolomé.

The explosion craters look wild and dangerous. Their shape is extremely bizarre and one can imagine the elemental forces that contributed to its creation. Our lava hike over a long and steep wooden staircase to the highest peak of the island is rewarded with an unforgettable panorama. From here you can see the neighboring islands of Pinzón and Isabela, sometimes even Marchena and Pinta.