Alcedo Volcano

Volcano Shield volcano on Isabela Island, Galápagos

Shield volcano on Isabela Island in the Galápagos known for populations of giant tortoises and recent lava flows; visitors mainly arrive on expedition cruises for wildlife viewing and volcanic landscapes.

Main image

Alcedo Volcano is a shield volcano on Isabela Island in the Galápagos archipelago, Ecuador, and is one of several large volcanic edifices that together form the island. Its broad slopes and caldera areas are characteristic of shield-volcano morphology.

The volcano’s habitats support populations of Galápagos giant tortoises and other endemic flora and fauna that are important for conservation work on Isabela. The area has been the focus of ecological monitoring and species-protection efforts.

Alcedo occupies the central part of Isabela Island and contributes to the island’s rugged volcanic topography. It is administered as part of the Galápagos National Park and is reached as part of island-based scientific and conservation activities.

Located on Isabela Island in the Galápagos, Alcedo Volcano lies within Ecuador’s Galápagos Province and forms part of the archipelago’s volcanic landscape.

  • Biodiversity: Alcedo Volcano is an important habitat for Galápagos giant tortoises and other endemic species on Isabela Island.
Alcedo Volcano
Alcedo Volcano, Isabela Island, Galápagos Province, Ecuador - inside Galápagos National Park; visit by organised tour only
-0.4243, -91.1209
Entrance to Galápagos National Park is charged for visitors to the islands (see Galápagos National Park for current fees)

How to Get to Alcedo Volcano #

Alcedo Volcano is on Isabela Island in the Galápagos. Reach Isabela by either a local flight that lands on Isabela or by ferry from Santa Cruz to Puerto Villamil (the speedboat crossing is the usual option between islands). Once on Isabela, access to Alcedo is remote-you must arrange a guided outing or multi‑day trek/4x4 transfer across the island’s interior from Puerto Villamil and obtain any required Galápagos National Park permits.

Tips for Visiting Alcedo Volcano #

  • Arrange visits to Alcedo through a certified operator and the Galápagos National Park authorities-interior Isabela access is regulated and park-guided tours are required for many sites.
  • Plan for the dry season (roughly June-December) for more reliable sea conditions and overland trekking; wet-season tracks and boat crossings can be more difficult.
  • Don't attempt independent landings or hikes-Alcedo's tortoise habitats and volcanic terrain are protected, and the best chance to see wildlife (including Galápagos giant tortoises) is with a licensed guide who knows permitted routes.

Best Time to Visit Alcedo Volcano #

Visit during December-May for the warmest water and best conditions for snorkeling and observing wildlife, though both seasonal windows offer wildlife opportunities.

Warm/wet season
December-May · 24-30°C (air); sea 24-28°C
Warmer waters and calmer seas favour snorkeling and wildlife viewing; vegetation is greener and many species breed in this period.
Cool/dry season
June-November · 18-25°C (air); sea 20-24°C
Slightly cooler, drier conditions with increased currents and occasional mist (Panama Current influence); good for seeing certain marine wildlife and clearer underwater visibility at times.

Weather & Climate near Alcedo Volcano #

Climate

Alcedo Volcano's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 14°C to 27°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
14°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
17° 26°

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
17° 27°

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with 59 mm of rain.

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
18° 27°

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
18° 27°

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
17° 25°

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
16° 25°

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 25°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 24°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 24°

Weather

7 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 24°

Weather

7 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
14° 25°

Weather

7 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
16° 25°

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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