Cerro Azul (Ecuador volcano)

Cerro Azul is a large shield volcano on Isabela Island in Ecuador’s Galápagos Province and is among the archipelago’s most active volcanoes. Its broad slopes and summit caldera are prominent features of western Isabela Island and of Galápagos volcanology.

The volcano is valued both for scientific study of recent lava flows and for the dramatic terrain of its caldera and surrounding lava plains. Visits are limited and generally undertaken as part of guided or research expeditions because of conservation rules and the remote setting.

Cerro Azul has produced repeated eruptions in the 20th and 21st centuries, yielding extensive recent lava fields that are geologically young relative to other island features. Its activity is monitored by Ecuadorian geological services and research teams.

The volcano sits on the western side of Isabela Island in the Galápagos Islands, within Galápagos Province, and is accessed from the island under the archipelago’s regulated visitor and research rules.

• Volcanic activity: A frequently active shield volcano on Isabela Island, it is one of the most active volcanic centres in the Galápagos archipelago and a focus for scientific observation.

What to See #

• Caldera and lava fields: The volcano contains a large summit caldera and extensive young lava fields that dominate the local landscape on western Isabela Island.